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Part 1: 10 Contractor-Approved Tips for Building a Room Addition

If your home is starting to feel cramped, but moving or undertaking a full renovation isn’t the right fit, a room addition might be your ideal solution. Unlike remodeling an existing space, a room addition allows you to expand your home’s square footage, tailor it to your current lifestyle, and significantly boost property value, all without the headache of uprooting your life.

Room additions are often described as the perfect middle ground between small-scale updates and large-scale renovations. They offer the opportunity to add meaningful, usable space, such as a guest suite, home office, sunroom, expanded kitchen, or even a primary bedroom with an ensuite, without needing to rebuild or relocate. Whether your family is growing, you’ve shifted to working from home, or you simply want more breathing room, a strategically planned room addition can enhance comfort and functionality for years to come.

However, building a room addition isn’t as simple as sketching out a new space and hiring the cheapest contractor you find. According to a contractor at MGS Contracting Services, one of the leading home addition builders in the region, the success of any room addition hinges on three critical pillars: smart planning, vetting the right builder, and understanding the full scope of work involved.

Too often, homeowners underestimate the complexity of a room addition. It’s more than just adding walls and windows. You’re essentially creating a mini home within your home, complete with foundation work, roofline integration, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing (if needed), zoning regulations, and building permits. And all of that needs to blend seamlessly with the aesthetics and function of your current home. One oversight can lead to costly delays, code violations, or structural issues down the line.

That’s why the team at MGS Contracting Services emphasizes the importance of approaching the process methodically. A well-executed room addition doesn’t just add square footage, it adds livability, value, and longevity to your home. Whether you’re still deciding between a bump-out, sunroom, or full-room addition, or you’re ready to break ground, this guide offers 10 contractor-approved tips to help you make informed decisions, avoid costly pitfalls, and get the most out of your investment.

Part 1: 10 Contractor-Approved Tips for Building a Room Addition 1

CREDIT: PINTEREST

Tip 1: Get at Least 3 Bids, But Don’t Overdo It

When it comes to building a room addition, one of the most important early decisions a homeowner can make is selecting the right contractor. This starts with obtaining multiple bids. According to a contractor at MGS Contracting Services, the sweet spot for gathering estimates is typically between three to five qualified contractors. This range allows you to collect diverse perspectives, pricing structures, and workflow timelines, without overwhelming yourself or muddying the decision-making process.

Why three to five? Because it gives you enough data to make meaningful comparisons. A single bid gives you no baseline. Two bids might show you extremes. But three or more bids provide a solid framework for understanding the going market rate, identifying outliers, and gauging how different contractors interpret your project vision. For example, if you’re requesting a room addition that includes structural expansion, new electrical, and HVAC integration, one contractor may focus heavily on code compliance and permitting, while another emphasizes design or speed. These differences reveal not just cost, but values and priorities.

“We always recommend clients meet with at least three contractors to get a well-rounded view of what their room addition project entails,” says a contractor at MGS Contracting Services. “But once you go beyond five or six bids, it can start working against you.”

Here’s why too many bids can backfire:

Time Drain: Interviewing a dozen contractors takes up an enormous amount of your time, coordinating visits, reviewing estimates, following up on questions. It can drag out the planning phase and create decision fatigue.
Analysis Paralysis: With too many numbers, terms, and personalities in the mix, it becomes harder to compare apples to apples. Instead of clarifying your options, overbidding introduces confusion.
Red Flag to Contractors: Professional builders pay attention to how serious a client seems. When a homeowner is soliciting 8, 10, or more bids, contractors often assume the project is cost-driven rather than value-driven. This can signal that the client may be difficult to work with, slow to decide, or constantly shopping for a better deal, even after hiring.

“We typically won’t bid on a room addition if we hear the client is interviewing 10 other contractors,” explains an MGS contractor. “Not because we’re afraid of competition, but because it tells us the client may not be focused on building a partnership based on trust and quality.”

The contractor-client relationship is crucial during a room addition project, which can last several weeks or months. You’re not just hiring someone to do a job, you’re choosing a professional who will be in and around your home, interacting with your family, managing subcontractors, pulling permits, and making on-the-fly decisions that affect the outcome of your investment. Trust, communication, and mutual respect matter just as much as price.

So how should you choose your 3–5 bids?

Start with local reputation: Look for contractors with verified reviews, established portfolios, and strong community presence.
Check licensing and insurance: Always ensure they’re properly licensed for structural work and carry liability and worker’s comp coverage.
Ask for recent references: A reputable builder will happily provide contact info for recent clients, ideally for similar room additions.
Pay attention to how they consult: The initial conversation should feel collaborative, not rushed. A good contractor will listen to your goals, offer insight, and explain what’s realistic.

Once you’ve gathered three to five well-researched bids, you’ll have a much clearer view of what your room addition should cost, how long it might take, and who is best equipped to bring your vision to life.

Tip 2: Watch for Clustering in Estimates

Once you’ve narrowed your search and started collecting estimates for your room addition, it’s time to compare the numbers, but not just at face value. One of the most important things to look for in the bidding process is clustering: when most of your estimates fall within a reasonably tight range.

According to a contractor at MGS Contracting Services, seeing three or four estimates for your room addition project that are relatively close in price is actually a very good sign. It means:

You’ve defined the project scope clearly enough that each contractor understands what’s required.
The contractors are pricing your job based on real-world experience, labor, materials, and overhead.
You’re likely dealing with reputable, competent professionals who are quoting honestly and fairly.

However, when one estimate is significantly higher or lower than the others, that should raise a red flag.

“Estimates that are extremely low often indicate a misalignment in scope or quality,” shares an MGS expert. “We’ve seen these low bids lead to delays, unexpected change orders, and serious regret from the homeowner.”

Let’s break that down.

What Tight Clustering Means for Your Room Addition Project

For example, if you’re building a room addition that’s 300 square feet with drywall, electrical, insulation, HVAC, and custom windows, and you get four estimates ranging from $75,000 to $82,000, that’s a healthy cluster. These contractors likely understand your expectations, are using similar quality materials, and are calculating overhead and labor properly.

This makes your comparison easier, you can now focus on intangibles like:

Communication style
Timeline
Material selections
Warranties
Portfolio of past room additions

What Outlier Estimates Really Mean

Now, imagine the fifth estimate comes in at $52,000, $20,000+ cheaper than the others. At first glance, it might seem like a lucky break. But it’s usually a false economy.

Here’s what a significantly low bid might indicate:

The contractor misunderstood your project details, or chose to intentionally exclude key elements to appear competitive.
They might be using substandard or off-brand materials that won’t stand the test of time.
They could be underestimating labor, which may lead to rushed work or hiring unskilled laborers to keep costs down.
They may not have factored in permit fees, inspections, or contingencies, which will later show up as “surprise” costs.

In the world of construction, a room addition is too complex and too permanent to gamble on the cheapest price. A reputable contractor should take the time to walk through the project scope in detail, include allowances for material selections, and be transparent about what is and isn’t included.

Pro Tip from MGS:

“If one estimate is way out of line, especially on the low end, it’s often because that contractor is either missing something or skipping something. Either way, it can cost you far more in the long run.”

Sometimes the opposite can happen too: a single very high bid. While that could indicate higher-end finishes or a premium service model, it could also reflect a contractor who’s overbooked and bidding high to see if it’s worth their time. That’s why context is everything.

What to Do When Estimates Differ:

Ask detailed questions. Don’t be afraid to ask each contractor for a breakdown. What’s included in the framing? What type of insulation? Are there allowances for flooring or cabinetry?
Review scope of work side-by-side. Check if everyone is bidding on the exact same room addition layout and finishes.
Clarify gray areas. If a quote looks suspiciously low, ask if permits, inspections, demo, or cleanup are included. You’d be surprised how often these are omitted.
Evaluate value, not just cost. The contractor who offers the clearest scope, realistic timeline, and strong communication is usually worth every penny, even if their number isn’t the lowest.

In the end, a well-priced room addition is one that reflects both the quality of craftsmanship and the full scope of work. When estimates cluster together, you know you’re in the right range. Your next step is choosing the contractor who brings the best balance of trust, professionalism, and long-term value.

Tip 3: Be Wary of the Lowest Bid

When it comes to investing in a room addition, it’s natural to want to save money where you can. After all, adding extra square footage, whether it’s a guest bedroom, sunroom, home office, or in-law suite, can be a significant expense. But while comparing contractor bids, one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is automatically gravitating toward the lowest bid.

According to a contractor at MGS Contracting Services, the lowest estimate isn’t always the best value, and more often than not, it’s a red flag.

“We advise clients to be cautious of quotes that seem ‘too good to be true.’ They usually are,” says an MGS expert.

Here’s why: a legitimate room addition project involves considerable costs, for quality materials, skilled labor, proper permits, inspections, and timelines that honor both craftsmanship and code compliance. When a contractor offers a quote that significantly undercuts the competition, there’s almost always a hidden cost, and you won’t realize it until it’s too late.

What a Lowball Bid Might Really Mean:

Cutting Corners on Materials
- That quote might look attractive, but it could be hiding low-quality materials. For example, using non-branded drywall, cheap windows, or off-brand insulation might save a few bucks upfront, but can compromise energy efficiency, soundproofing, and overall longevity of the addition.
- A proper room addition should integrate seamlessly with your existing home. Substandard materials not only look and feel cheaper but often don’t match the performance of the rest of the house.
Skipping Permit Fees and Inspections
- To keep costs down, some contractors leave building permits and inspection fees off the bid entirely, passing the responsibility (and liability) back to you or avoiding them altogether.
- Without proper permits, your room addition may violate zoning laws or fail to meet safety standards, potentially leading to fines, delays, failed appraisals, or the inability to sell your home later.
Hiring Unlicensed or Inexperienced Labor
- A low bid may reflect the use of unlicensed subcontractors or day laborers instead of licensed, insured professionals. While this might reduce costs on paper, it increases your risk of shoddy workmanship, missed deadlines, and even on-site accidents, for which you could be held legally and financially responsible.
Undervaluing Labor Hours
- Sometimes a contractor will underestimate how long the project will really take, promising faster delivery to appear more competitive. The result? Rushed construction, incomplete finishes, or worse, abandonment mid-project when they realize they’re not making enough to continue.
Intentional Underbidding as a Sales Strategy
- In some cases, a contractor offers a low bid to get their foot in the door, knowing full well they’ll submit expensive change orders later. Once construction is underway, you’re emotionally and financially invested, and they capitalize on that by charging extra for “unforeseen” additions.

How to Compare the Lowest Bid Responsibly:

If you receive a quote that’s significantly lower than others for your room addition, don’t reject it outright, but don’t accept it blindly, either. Do your homework:

Request a detailed scope of work. What’s included, and more importantly, what’s not?
Ask about brands and materials. Make sure you’re not getting bargain-basement products.
Confirm permit responsibilities. Any credible contractor should handle permitting and inspections as part of the job.
Request license and insurance documentation. Never assume they’re licensed or covered, always verify.
Review their references and past projects. Look for red flags like inconsistent quality, communication issues, or projects that went significantly over budget.

Focus on Long-Term Value, Not Just Initial Cost

It’s important to remember that your room addition is a long-term investment, not just in property value, but in your family’s daily comfort, function, and lifestyle. Spending a little more on a contractor who’s reputable, transparent, and quality-focused can save you tens of thousands in repairs, rework, or legal issues down the line.

“Homeowners often regret chasing the cheapest price,” says an MGS contractor. “We’ve been called in to fix low-cost room additions that were falling apart within a year. That ends up costing more in the long run.”

A low bid might look tempting, but when it comes to room additions, it’s almost never the best route. Prioritize transparency, quality, and experience over sticker price. A contractor who bids honestly and thoroughly from the start will provide peace of mind, a smoother process, and a finished space that adds real value, not just short-term savings.

Tip 4: Do Some of the Work Yourself (If You’re Capable)

One of the most practical ways to save money on a room addition, without sacrificing quality, is by rolling up your sleeves and doing some of the non-structural work yourself. But here’s the catch: DIY participation can only help your project if it’s approached strategically and responsibly.

According to a contractor from MGS Contracting Services, homeowners who have the time, skill, and commitment to the construction timeline can absolutely add value by handling smaller, finish-stage tasks like painting, basic lighting installations, and cleanup.

“We encourage clients to pitch in if they’re handy,” says an MGS expert, “but consistency and timing matter. If your part of the work causes delays, it affects the whole project.”

So before you grab a brush or power drill, let’s break down what kind of DIY involvement makes sense, and where it’s best to leave it to the pros.

How DIY Can Lower Room Addition Costs

A room addition can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per square foot, depending on materials, labor, and complexity. While you shouldn’t cut corners on structural or skilled trade work, you can reduce labor costs by tackling finish tasks that don’t require licenses or advanced expertise.

Some cost-saving DIY contributions include:

Painting walls, trim, and ceilings
Installing light fixtures or dimmer switches (if you’re familiar with basic electrical work and safety protocols)
Laying pre-finished flooring (like click-lock vinyl planks or laminate)
Assembling and installing shelving or built-ins
Hanging interior doors, cabinet hardware, or curtain rods
Final site cleanup and debris removal

Each of these tasks can save you hundreds to thousands in labor, especially if your room addition is on a tight budget.

When to Get Involved, and When Not To

Your desire to be hands-on is commendable, but not all tasks are appropriate for DIY, especially when timing and precision are critical. A general contractor like MGS Contracting Services often works on a tightly choreographed schedule. If you commit to doing a task but don’t complete it on time, it can delay subcontractors, increase costs, and frustrate the team.

Here’s how to know if a task is right for you:

You have prior experience with the task.
You have the time to do it right without slowing down the project.
The task is not part of the critical path (e.g., you’re not holding up drywall installers or electricians).
You’ve communicated clearly with your contractor, and the task has been written into the project schedule.

Tasks to avoid unless you’re licensed or highly experienced:

Structural framing or load-bearing work
Plumbing or gas line installation
Electrical wiring beyond switch or fixture installation
Permitting and code-compliance documentation
Insulation (unless you understand R-values and vapor barriers)
HVAC ductwork or systems

“We’ve seen well-meaning DIY efforts cause delays or damage when homeowners took on more than they could handle,” says the MGS contractor. “That’s why we always emphasize communication and planning.”

The Golden Rule: Don’t Miss Your Slot

Construction projects run on timelines and dependencies. If your contractor has scheduled tile work for Wednesday, but you haven’t finished painting the walls by Tuesday night, your delay can throw off subcontractors, delay inspections, or increase the cost of labor rescheduling.

Before you commit to any task:

Ask for the official project timeline.
Discuss which tasks are “DIY-safe” and when they’re scheduled.
Stick to your commitment, and inform the contractor of your progress.

DIY & Professional Collaboration: A Smart Hybrid Approach

The best-case scenario for a homeowner in a room addition project is what MGS Contracting Services calls a “hybrid build.” This is where professionals handle the foundational and skilled work, and homeowners finish off the cosmetics or contribute labor where it won’t affect the project flow.

This collaborative approach:

Keeps your costs down
Gives you a sense of ownership over the final product
Maintains professional quality in critical systems
Ensures project momentum stays on track

And don’t worry, you don’t have to do everything at once. Sometimes, homeowners wait until after the contractor has finished to add personal touches like wallpaper, custom lighting, or finish carpentry details.

Bottom Line: Be Smart About DIY on Your Room Addition

Yes, you can absolutely save money by doing some of the work yourself on your room addition, but only if you:

Know what you’re doing
Can commit to the timeline
Are honest about your skill level
Coordinate your efforts with your contractor

“DIY is great, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the momentum of the build,” the MGS team says. “When done right, it’s a win-win.”

Tip 5: Exhaust Storage Options First Before Committing to a Room Addition

A room addition is a big investment, and while it’s often the right solution for growing families or space-hungry lifestyles, it shouldn’t always be the first solution. According to experts at MGS Contracting Services, many homeowners jump into the planning phase of a room addition without fully evaluating how efficiently their current home is being used.

“Homeowners are often surprised by how much space they can reclaim just by rethinking how they use it,” says a contractor from MGS.

Before you start drawing blueprints or hiring a contractor, take a step back and assess whether you’ve fully optimized your existing square footage. Reorganizing your home might just eliminate the need for a costly build, or, at the very least, make your room addition more intentional and effective.

Why Decluttering Comes Before Designing

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up, it’s about rediscovering usable space that’s hiding in plain sight. Over the years, it’s easy for closets, garages, spare rooms, and even living areas to become storage zones for items that are rarely used.

Instead of immediately assuming you need to build more space, ask:

Is this space filled with necessities or neglect?
Can we reclaim square footage by reorganizing or removing what’s already here?
Are there underutilized spaces that could serve new functions?

For example:

A cluttered home office can double as a guest room with a fold-out sofa or Murphy bed.
An unused formal dining room can be converted into a study, nursery, or playroom.
A walk-in closet packed with boxes can be reorganized with shelves, bins, and vertical storage.

Smart Storage Over Expansion: What to Try First

Before committing to a full-scale room addition, MGS Contracting Services recommends implementing these space-maximizing solutions:

1. Declutter Ruthlessly

Start with the “keep, donate, toss” method. Be honest: Do you really need that treadmill from 2011 or 17 sets of guest towels? A thorough purge of your belongings can free up surprising amounts of space.

2. Reimagine Storage

Closet Systems: Use custom shelving, drawer units, and shoe racks to double (or triple!) your closet’s storage capacity.
Vertical Space: Add tall bookshelves, wall-mounted cabinets, and hanging hooks to rooms with unused vertical real estate.
Under-the-Stairs Storage: Often overlooked, this area can become a compact mudroom, pet zone, or hidden storage nook.

3. Furniture with Built-in Storage

Ottomans, beds with drawers, and benches with hidden compartments allow you to store without adding clutter. These are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and entryways.

4. Garage Overhaul

Many homeowners overlook the garage as a storage hub. With wall-mounted racks, ceiling lifts, pegboards, and cabinets, you can transform your garage from a junk dump into an organized, multi-functional extension of your home.

5. Multi-Use Rooms

Think creatively. A well-designed laundry room could also serve as a mudroom or craft space. A finished basement could function as a teen lounge, home gym, or guest suite.

“It’s not always about more square footage, it’s about smarter square footage,” MGS emphasizes.

The Cost Comparison: Storage vs. Room Addition

A full room addition can range from $25,000 to $100,000+, depending on size, features, and materials. In contrast, professional home organization or minor remodeling for better storage solutions may only cost a few thousand dollars, or even less if you DIY.

Here’s a breakdown:

Option	Estimated Cost	Impact
Custom Closet System	$500–$3,000	Increases functional closet space by 50–100%
Garage Overhaul	$1,000–$5,000	Creates space for tools, bins, bikes, seasonal gear
Decluttering & Hauling	$200–$800	Clears entire rooms of unnecessary items
Room Addition (Average)	$45,000–$90,000	Adds new square footage, permanent construction

If your main pain point is storage, not livability, consider reclaiming what you already own before expanding your footprint.

Still Need a Room Addition? Make It Strategic.

If you’ve explored every organizational trick in the book and still feel cramped, that’s when a room addition becomes a smart next step. But now, you’re going into the project with clarity. You know:

Exactly what type of space you need
Where your current home falls short
How to design the new addition with functionality in mind

Whether you’re planning a primary suite, home office, in-law suite, or a sunroom, starting from an optimized base ensures that your room addition enhances, not just extends, your lifestyle.

“Before we build, we always ask our clients: Have you really looked at how your current space is being used? Sometimes the answer surprises them. And sometimes, it makes their addition that much more purposeful.”

In the world of smart home improvement, more isn’t always better, better use is better.

Build Smart, Expand Beautifully

A well-planned room addition isn’t just about adding square footage, it’s about increasing your home’s comfort, functionality, and value in a way that reflects your vision. But it’s important to remember: a successful project doesn’t begin with swinging a hammer. It begins with research, preparation, and partnership with the right contractor.

At MGS Contracting Services, we believe the most successful room additions are rooted in communication, transparency, and meticulous attention to detail. From the first sketch to the final walkthrough, our team walks homeowners through every step of the process. We don’t just build walls, we build relationships grounded in trust, clarity, and quality craftsmanship.

Whether you’re dreaming of a home office, an extra bedroom, a larger family room, or a multi-purpose living space, we help you make smart, informed decisions, about everything from budgeting and materials to timelines and long-term value. We’ll also make sure the scope of work, permits, inspections, and logistics are handled correctly so that your investment pays off now and for years to come.

As our team often says: “You don’t just need more space, you need the right space, built the right way.”

So before you dive into your next project, ask yourself:

Are you clear on your goals for the room addition?
Have you reviewed your contractor’s reputation, process, and communication style?
Do you have a clear budget, timeline, and expectation for quality?

If you’re still figuring those pieces out, or ready to bring your vision to life, we’re here to help.

Let’s Talk About Your Room Addition

Contact MGS Contracting Services today to schedule your free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll answer your questions, assess your needs, and provide expert guidance so your room addition is seamless, on-budget, and built to last.

Because expanding your home shouldn’t feel overwhelming, it should feel exciting, empowering, and beautifully done.