Family is about togetherness, but when Mom needs to move in, it’s best to provide a little privacy. Building a room addition with a bathroom is a great way to do that. Of the nearly 4,000 jobs that D’Ambra Construction has completed since 1967, about half were bedroom/bath additions. The key to doing it well is to make it look as if it were part of the original construction.
You have to drill in rebar from the original foundation to the new one, leaving the rod sticking out. Then when you pour the concrete, it all becomes one. Additionally, the floor needs to be level, so that it transitions smoothly from the rest of the house. Step downs are not good for seniors. When you frame the roof in, you want to match the existing pitches and design.
A Plumb Fit
If the new bathroom is situated far from your sewer line out front, it may be necessary to trench through your slab or yard and run a sewer line 50 or 60 feet. It’s expensive, but necessary. You’ll also want to consider installing a damless shower, a wide door opening, a lowboy toilet, an adjustable faucet, and grab bars to make life easier. The water heater will likely need to be upgraded to a larger tank or a tankless model to address the extra demand of the new bathroom.
Of course, Mom needs to be comfortable too. If the existing HVAC system is less than 10 years old, you can tap into a heat duct to furnish the new addition. If it’s older, you would change it to a high-efficiency unit or install a mini split, which goes over the doorway to the new room.
Plan in Advance
Due to the permitting process, it can take up to seven months from design to move-in. Where does Mom live in the meantime? Fortunately, it’s possible for the family to remain in residence during construction. Putting up plywood sheets keeps the existing house dust-free, and plastic tarps keep it dry during the rainy season.
The most important thing is to hire an experienced contractor who warranties their work and will be on-site to mitigate any arising issues. If all goes well, you’ll gain a new place for Mom AND a new friend in the community.
