Phillip and Clifton have it right on.  That's our reference as well.  Digging one level deeper, the biggest bang for your buck generally comes from direct replacement projects.  Meaning, if you need to move the systems (plumbing, HVAC ect) for a remodel, less money is invested into the fixtures and finishes that people get to see.  We wish you all the best with your project!

I agree with Philip. Visit the link below, select your region and you'll get a ton of ROI data:

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2016/

Hope that helps and good luck!

Clifton Muckenfuss

Carolina Exteriors

Apex, NC

I always refer clients to Remodeling Magazine Price Value Ratio. If you go to Remodeling Magazine it will pop right up.  It is the bible of the industry.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley, Ca

How will they integrate design, selections, and construction?

What is their track record for being able to design a project that meets a target construction budget, and actually complete the construction project?

How do they help to ensure that the project ends up on time, on budget, and as beautiful as imagined?

* Is he Licensed with the county you planing to build the addition ?

* How long he was in business ?

* What type of projects he has done in the past ?

Sincerely 

Nicolas 

Ask for references of their Clients who worked with the architect in the past year on a project similar to what you're planning.

Ask for a copy of their contract

Who owns the plans and specifications?

Ask to visit a project that is in process

How long have they  been in business?

Who will be our main point of contact? and then ask to meet the individual

Dennis D. Gehman, Master Certifed Remodeler (MCR)

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

PA297

RetroFoam

PA120258

Office 215-513-0300

dennis@gehmanremodeling.com

www.gehmanremodeling.com

For both an existing and new construction home, the top three items that provide the greatest value and return on investment are as follows:

1. Installation of LED light bulbs and fixtures in replacment of incadenscent or compact flourescent bulbs/fixtures.
2. Sealing of exterior shell of house and all top plate penetrations in conjunction with blower door test.
3. Properly installed insulation in walls and ceilings and upgrading R-Value above code requirements.

Additional items to consider include:

1. Testing and sealing of hvac system duct work
2. Upgrade hvac system condenser SEER and furnace efficiency
3. Tankless water heater
4. Solor photovoltaic system

Step one, if you have siding use a insulated vinyl siding with silica gel. Replace your windows with a double or triple insulated window system. And third your doors are very important. When you do replacement anything you want the doors and windows to fit the space perfectly. We can do these things and more at Jarrett Industries.

You can also use Tapcon masonry screws.  Pre drill. Countersink if you want to hide screw heads with wood filler or Bondo. 

I would suggest construction adhesive which will attach the trim boards while also providing a capillary break between the block and the trim board so that moisture does not wick into the trim boards.  I would also suggest installing the trim boards at an angle to shed water away from the house.

yes I would be concerned about the egress issue (or the ways in which you can exit the home).  I would always check with the building department. 

Philip

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

You need to consult the local building and zoning department.  Changing means of egress may not be allowed or may require a permit.

When sunken living rooms were the rage, many of them were below grade. Later on some decided that being on all one level was more desirable so it became popular to fill them with concrete to the level of the rest of the home. This was an effective solution for concrete on grade homes.