Big Blue Builders

"Home Addition Tips of the Month"

By: Joseph A Fatigante, G.C. / R.B.

Master Suites Really Sweeten a Home

For absolute luxury, homeowners have been adding master suites. The space for a suite can be discovered through a home addition, converting the garage, or a bathroom remodel. While these additions can adjust the layout of your roof and landscaping, the added comfort, space, and luxury is well-worth the change.

Master suites are the kinds of luxuries that used to only be found in upscale homes and newly-built suburban mansions. The problem is that not every home fits neatly into these two pockets. The great thing is that our contractors can build anything onto any home, so nobody who wants a master suite has to go without one.

Where to Build--You Need Vision

Many people think that home additions are only for building out. Not true. There are many ways to add space to a home without changing the ground floor plan. However, you need to consider the best way to add a master suite to your particular home. Think through these options.

Building Out-If you are not limited by lot lines, trees, or other matters beyond your control, building out might be the best way to add a master bathroom and walk-in closet onto your bedroom. Remember this will change the layout of your yard, which is not usually a deal-breaker, but just something to think about.

Building Up-It is often less expensive to build up because you do not have to pour a foundation, even though you have to change the roof line. This can be a particularly smart option especially if your master bedroom is already upstairs. The result is a quiet getaway for you and your spouse that is out of the way of traffic.

Building On-Many homeowners have found the perfect spot to expand their bedroom into a luxury master suite, and it is building on top of the garage. Building on top of the garage also minimizes exposure to the elements since they will not have to open a hole in your roof, as with building up. Plus, a solid structure already exists, which can also help to reduce costs.

From here, the choices left to you have to do with materials. If you are looking to make your master suite as luxurious as possible, then a deep Jacuzzi tub, large stone tiles, radiant floors, and dual sinks might be on your list.

Big Blue Builders can help you achieve all your dreams at a reasonable price

LICENSING INFORMATION AND MYTHS

North Carolina law requires any project that exceeds $29,999.99 requires a State issued General Contractors license, South Carolina requires a license for ANY project that exceeds $200.00 (yes I typed it correctly Two Hundred Dollars). Please also note I have heard many, many times unlicensed contractors claim they are licensed because they have a county issued business license, this is far from the truth, only the state can issue a General Contractors license, another thing I have heard unlicensed contractors saying to homeowners "I will go and "pull" a GC if required", I'm not sure what this means, but it has been explained to me that this is similar to "pulling" a permit, again very far from the truth.

In order to obtain state licensing, there is certain criteria and qualifications that must be met.
Once all of the qualifications and criteria are met a letter of eligibility is issued, you can now schedule a time to sit for the test (in North Carolina the failure rate is 55% for first time test takers), if your one of the 45% that pass the test the first time it will be forwarded to the licensing board for review and determination that all criteria and qualifications have been satisfied to issue a license if so the license will be issued.
The process takes about 4 to 6 months if you do everything perfect the first time, every "i" must be dotted and every "t" crossed, miss one and it will delay the process 4 to 5 weeks.
Using these links you can verify our licensing, you can also use these links to see North Carolina or South Carolina's requirements.