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Contractors for building rooms/additions in Houston?

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Clutch, May 13, 2009.

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  1. Clutch

    Clutch Administrator
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    I want to say thanks to all those who helped me with the Energy thread ... probably saved me hundreds of $$ easily over the next year. You guys always represent.

    Need some help again -- I'm trying to find a good contractor. Our house has a gameroom upstairs and a living room with a two-story ceiling. For a couple years my wife has wanted to turn the gameroom into a bedroom and build a gameroom (or as I would call it, "media room") over the living room. I don't think we can do that right now, but would like to speak to a contractor who does high quality work who can give me an estimate.

    Curious if anyone here has had any good experiences with any contractors in (preferably North) Houston who do that kind of work. Thanks...
     
  2. Pushkin

    Pushkin Member

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    We used All Star Construction to have a laundry room moved upstairs and have kitchen remodeled. We probably interviewed 6-7 contractors and All Star had the best ideas and the best price.

    Keep in mind that if you do any work involving a building permit, the appraisal office will know, it will significantly increase the appraised value of your house, and the cap on the increase in value of your house is not limited to 10%.
     
  3. JayZ750

    JayZ750 Member

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    I just noticed in the Houston Business Journal that Legal Eagle Contractors won some kind of BBB award...I have personal experience with them and would never recommend them to anyone...just an fyi, in case you got the name, or saw it somewhere. Not to get into the myriad of problems I had, but suffice to say, when you don't have access to the guy who is actually the licensed contractor, well it's a problem.

    That's a question I'd ask, btw. Will you (the contractor) be the one in charge of my project?
     
  4. JuanValdez

    JuanValdez Member

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    So, you need to install a floor to shorten the living room and put a room above? Serious business. Sounds like you'd need an architect or engineer to do the spec.
     
  5. Clutch

    Clutch Administrator
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    Thanks for the advice JayZ750... also appreciate the recommendation, Pushkin. I will give them a call and see what they think.

    Yeah that's what we're looking to find out. We didn't buy it new, but this house floor plan came with that as an option -- I'm thinking (hoping, atleast) it's not too, too costly/advanced. I have no experience with it though -- I ballpark guess it would be 20-25K to do something like that, but I could be way off.
     
  6. JuanValdez

    JuanValdez Member

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    I know an under-the-table kind of contractor with plenty of experience. He could probably do the labor well, but if you want a contractor who can handle the engineering too, I guess you'd have to hire a real company.
     
  7. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    I wonder if you'll have to upgrade your AC or re-do a lot of ductwork for that?
     
  8. astros148

    astros148 Member

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    i was going say something but decided not too lol.

    And its more then 20k , one of my best friends is an independent contractor, ill ask him today and get back to you with a rough estimate.
     
  9. Clutch

    Clutch Administrator
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    6 months later, we're revisiting this. We put it off at the time but decided to finally get some quotes this past week.

    We called Pushkin's recommendation of All Star Construction. I was very impressed with the contractor that came out, even before the estimate at the end. Spent a lot of time inspecting everything, listened to what we wanted and outlined all that would be included in the job. Estimate was just over $15K, not including carpet or the cost of ceiling fans.

    Second place just kind of stood in the room, said it was a major job that would be close to $40K. If we wanted a detailed estimate the next step would be to bring an architect/engineer in to inspect for $1500-$2000. Ruled him out quickly.

    Third place was a father-son business that has promise -- they're going to contact us with an estimate.

    I'm just curious if anyone else might know of a good insured company they have dealt with for this kind of work? I'd like to get another estimate from a place someone can reference as being solid. Thanks...
     
  10. Clutch

    Clutch Administrator
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    ... and the last quote was $7,000. Don't think I've ever seen a range this insane (from $7K to "close to $40K"). This is where first-hand experience and referrals win out for me.
     
  11. DonkeyMagic

    DonkeyMagic Member
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    may sound a little silly, but you can always give a shout to Tom Tynan. He may give you some hints/help.
     
  12. Rockets Red Glare

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    All Star Construction is one of his advertisers so that is who he recommends (not that they are bad).
     
  13. Yonkers

    Yonkers Member

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    Clutch,

    I have an account on Angie's List so I'll be more than happy to look up any contractors you have been in contact with to see their reputation.
    I did look up All Star Construction and they have a pretty good rating. But the last job was May of 2009 and nothing else in 2009 and only 3 in 2008.
     
  14. Clutch

    Clutch Administrator
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    Thanks DonkeyMagic and RRG... and Yonkers -- I really appreciate that offer for help. Is the email on your BBS account still valid? I appreciate any recommendations or experience people have had.

    I've just never seen a range of estimates that wide. I guess I have to throw out the near 40K one because I think that company was fishin' or just didn't want to tackle it, but even his ballpark quote for a finished room to put up a wall and a door was $10-$15K.
     
  15. Yonkers

    Yonkers Member

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    Yes, that email is still valid.
     
  16. Simos05

    Simos05 Member

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    Sent you an e-mail clutch maybe it can help you out some with your problem.
     

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