Before a Bay Area home addition: a design checklist

Describe why you need more space

Is the goal another bedroom, a different kitchen, better circulation or more flexible future use? Describe daily-life problems and distinguish needs that may require more area from those that might be addressed through layout. Avoid fixing one solution before understanding the existing home.

Check where old and new space meet

Record whether existing plans, alteration history and structural or utility information are available, along with access and outdoor-space use. Treat roof, floor, daylight and equipment connections as questions for the appropriate professionals; do not assume a structure can be altered.

Discuss occupancy and budget together

If people may remain in the home during work, identify rooms and facilities that need to stay usable and any timing flexibility. Compare scope, finish preferences and unknowns alongside layout options. Define design, engineering and construction responsibilities separately in the written scope.

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