Contractors for building rooms/additions in Houston?

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...

 

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 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...

 

... 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.

 

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.