Wife and I are talking about building a detached 1.5 or 2 car garage with an accessory unit / in-law suite above it in Raleigh. Anyone have an experience doing something similar and could recommend a competent and easy to work with builder?

1/5/2017 11:07:49 AM

Do you have plans in mind? I'm a licensed architect and can connect you with contractors as well.

1/12/2017 3:04:34 PM

I'm not OP, but Yes. I have some plans drawn on a napkin (and autocad) but nothing official or stamped.

Having never been though this process before, I am still researching how it is supposed to go. I think Plans -> Permits -> Hire GC -> Construct

1/13/2017 9:41:09 AM

Following...We've been considering adding a 1 car garage, thought we don't have any official plans sketched out. A little hesitant about it since our house was built in early 40s and don't want to greatly compromise the existing layout. But having just a 1 car parking pad while the 2nd vehicle sits on the street is not something we want to sustain long term, especially since my truck was hit while parked on said street several months ago.

1/13/2017 9:57:04 AM

I mentioned this guy, we've done a lot of work together:

http://emkconstructioninc.com/

Frankly, there's also better money in being the general contractor, so I'm in the process of getting my license.

1/22/2017 9:58:42 PM

Air

I recommend a process that's more like:

1. Design Plans
2. Pricing (from multiple GCs)
3. Hire GC (he pulls permit, a licensed GC should always be pulling a permit for you, a GC that encourages you to pull your own should make you nervous) <-- This is also a great time to revise the design, value engineer, consider cost saving alternatives
4. Construct

Depending on the home, HOA, etc. hiring a licensed professional (ie: an Architect) will save you a lot of time versus going the DIY or 'Residential Designer' route.

Oh and always check http://www.nclbgc.org/index.html to ensure anyone you're considering for the work is not only licensed, but current, and that the name on the business, name on the license, and individual you're negotiating with all align appropriately. You may not always meet with the principle, or the person who actually holds the license for the company, but you should absolutely have the opportunity to meet with them and both should be integrally involved in the project.

1/22/2017 10:04:17 PM

We build garages, and anything residential. Currently building 3 custom garages amongst other projects. We do everything including design. Let me know if you need anything.

http://www.caudilldesigngroup.com

1/22/2017 10:29:45 PM