Getting Started-

There are many reasons our clients decide to build room additions, whether it’s personal attachment to a property, or the addition of a new family member. Often times the most logical approach to attaining the living space your family needs is building a room addition to your Dayton, Ohio home. Additional square footage can morph your home’s functionality to accommodate your changing needs.

Get the Right Team Working For You-

After deciding that a build is in your near future the next step is to find the right design and build team to tackle your project. The process of getting started will differ from contractor to contractor. Some companies utilize part time in house design staff while others like Ohio Home Doctor have developed working relationships with some of Dayton’s finest architects and designers. Nothing can substitute for experience, and that is what we bring to the table.

Getting the Right Plan Together-

After our initial meeting we can asses your goals, and budget and make an architect recommendation based on your personal needs. We believe this provides you with the best possible fit and saves you both valuable time and money while finding the right designer/architect to formulate the actual building plans for your build. Having worked with these design teams over the years we are able to provide priceless real time feedback to our clients while they play around with possibilities during the design phase. This allows you to adjust the plan and entertain different ideas in a quantifiable manner while you work to meet your needs and budget.

Selecting The Right Contractor-
Upon completion of the plans the chosen architect will submit copies to both the client and potential contractors. You the potential client pay for these blue prints and thus own the final design. This allows you to shop for contractors in as close to an apples to apples manner as possible. Often times by the time you finalize the building plans the clients have selected their builder of choice since the design phase offers a great opportunity for the client to spend time interviewing the potential contractors with pertinent questions regarding your specific project.

We are here for You-

If you hire the right design/build team the entire experience can be both fun and rewarding. Ohio Home Doctor’s owner Matt Geddis enjoys meeting with clients on a daily basis to assist them no matter what stage of construction they are entering.

Do yourself a favor and hire a qualified team of professionals like Ohio Home Doctor for your next whole home remodel or room addition build in Dayton, Ohio.

Check out this featured Room Addition build completed recently by Ohio Home Doctor.

The Myers family approached us looking to expand their recently purchased home to make space for Grandma to move in with the family. We met with Mr. Myers several times to discuss the possibilities. He decided to hire our company after interviewing several other established local companies and recognizing what made us different in the way of a streamlined process, transparent pricing, and a concentration on outstanding craftsmanship.

We recommended local architect David Flannery to the Myers family and work began. Scott Myers and David Flannery worked  together for a few weeks hashing out various design options while I (Matt Geddis) was able to provide real time costing to the situation allowing Scott to maintain a firm grasp on the overall final budget.

The plan on the right is the final first floor design which included; two stories, a new master in law suite, a steam shower, walk in closet, 4th bedroom, hallway, vaulted ceilings, Pella windows, a kitchenette, and an elevator.

The basement level included; a study/library room, a mechanical room housing a new furnace, hot water circulation system, walk out office, and game room for the children. The basement level also included a secondary mechanical room for the elevator control equipment/motor. Using homasote soundproofing board we were able to smartly conceal the inherent noise making the elevator function smooth and quite.

Among the first steps of construction was preparing the existing home to receive the new addition. This included excavating a large amount of existing earth around the area, and cutting much of the existing foundation out to make way for the new amenities.

In the picture on the left you can see the perforated pipes we used as temporary gutter drains during construction to force any rain water we received away from the work area to prevent delays due to weather. Once we get started on an addition we work as fast a possible to ensure that each stage is finished in a timely manner as to not allow weather to effect our schedule.

To ensure our cuts were precise we utilized hydraulic powered wet saws mounted to guide tracks. This guarantees a straight cut, which is deep enough to get through the in this case 9 inch thick concrete walls. Prior to beginning the sawing we framed temporary support walls on the interior to carry the load of the existing house. This in conjunction with the sawing technique shown on the right allowed us to safely and efficiently tackle one of the most involved portions of this addition build.

Removing the shown portion of existing foundation wall allowed us to seamlessly integrate the existing and new spaces. Without doing so there would have been limited access into the new office and study. The easy way out would have been to simply remove a portion of the non load bearing side and installing a 36 inch man door. Instead of meeting code and making it easy the architect, Ohio Home Doctor, and Scott (client) opted to maximize the flow and functionality of the new addition. While designing these spaces we keep the clients best interest always in mind. It is imperative that the new areas are functional and assimilate flawlessly into the rest of your home.

Once the home was supported and the existing foundation was removed, we went straight to work on the foundation for the new room addition. We used aluminum wall forms as shown in the first picture above. The second picture shows the completed form waiting for concrete. For this project we brought in a concrete pump truck since access around the entire project was tight due to existing forestry which we didn’t want to disturb. Once the walls were poured we removed the forms and installed the perimeter and under slab drainage systems. Prior to back filling we installed a two step foundation waterproofing membrane. First the cured concrete was sprayed with tar waterproofing. This is all that is required by Ohio Building Code. Good enough for code just doesn’t cut it with us. Therefor we then installed a monolithic dimple board waterproofing membrane shown in the pictures above. This provides an additional barrier and effectively manages ground and rain water for the life of the home. A small additional cost with a huge benefit to this client.

Now that the footing, foundation wall, and foundation waterproofing were in place we started framing. This   addition feature 2×6 exterior walls, engineered structural beams, 3/4 CDX plywood decking, 1/2 plywood sheathing throughout, and an engineered truss system.

Our company, Ohio Home Doctor was able to dry in the entire 1800 square foot addition in 3 weeks while protecting the structure from ever getting wet. Dry in refers to the completion of framing, installation of roofing and windows, and the application of exterior rain screens such as TyVek. This may sound simple but anyone who has ever seen what rain can do to interior framing during a new construction build will appreciate this.

The finished product turned out wonderfully. We were able to match the brick almost exactly even 15 years after the homes original build. It most definitely does not look like a room addition which is one of the signs of victory to us. Nothing worse than driving down the road and saying, “wow, look at that room addition!”

  The finished product added balance to the original home’s design. What was once an L shaped home is now balanced; the garage on the left and the new addition on the right. This balance created a courtyard like entrance way leading to the home’s front door. Driving by this home it just looks like the really nice big house on the left, not the one with the addition on it.

The steam shower turned out really well boasting floor to ceiling European style glass doors, granite curbs, rubbed bronzed Moen hardware, a secondary rain head, a teak bench, custom porcelain tile work with granite accents, and a state of the art ThermaSol Pro 240 steam generator.

The bathroom vanity was built custom for this client using stock cabinetry from one of our local suppliers. Approaching the project this way allowed us to provide our client a very high end look at an amazingly affordable rate.

Ready to schedule a time to meet with Matt and discuss your project? Just fill out the form below and we will get back with you as soon as possible to schedule a time to meet at your home to discuss the possibilities. This client has also offered to allow us to bring potential future clients like yourself for a first hand tour of their home so that you can see for your self what makes hiring Ohio Home Doctor for your room addition build your best choice. We have many addition builds all over the area. Our experience allows us to effectively manage your project no matter how simple or involved it may be. Don’t allow someone to practice on your home because they said they can do it; hire the best the first time and rest assured you will be in good hands!

Check out the kind words this client posted for us on our Google Page.

The new home addition included tying into our existing home and following architectural plans that would make the outward appearance of the home look as if the addition was there from the first day the home was built.  NOT an easy job.  I was more than pleasantly surprised when I found Matt Geddis of Ohio Home Doctors.  The skill and efficiency of Matt and his team was superb. This home addition includes 2×6 brick exterior construction, walk out office with specialized wiring, elevator, large mother-in-law suite with custom kitchenette and cabinets, custom bathroom with European style glass wall shower with steam room generator, study, guest bedroom, built in surround-sound, completely wired for Cat5 and security, and storage/HVAC room.  This list goes on.

Every aspect of the job was handled with great attention to detail.  There was no “just making code”; it was built well beyond code requirements.  Learned quickly that I did not have to follow behind Matt and his team to make sure they were working to a high level of quality.  Matt kept in constant communication with me throughout the job and I did not have to chase him.  If you’ve ever worked with contractors, you know how important not having to “chase” you contractor is.

The elevator that was put into the addition for my Mother-In-Law was Matt’s first elevator install.  While an elevator company handles the hardware install, there is a lot of detail that goes into the elevator shaft and door system so that everything lines up perfectly; it was one of the more complex parts of the addition.  Matt handled this as if he’d done a dozen before.  The elevator supplier was anything but easy to work with, but even though they were difficult, Matt kept after them and made sure they got the job done right in the end. The finished project is marvelous.

From the custom bathroom with plenty of granite and glass, the mother-in-law suite with its  to my new office with its exotic wood floors and 5’ wide glass French doors.  I couldn’t be happier with it. Matt Geddis and Ohio Home Doctors is the best contractor you’ll ever work with, bar none.  Whether you’re just doing a small basement job to a large addition (or even an entire custom home), you’ll not find a better construction contractor in the Southwest Ohio Area.  Matt and his company are the best of the best that I have ever worked with.

We are truly humbled by Feedback like this! Thanks Scott!

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Why Us?

Our Experience- We have effectively completed numerous projects just like yours. When considering which company to hire for your renovations you must consider not only their attention to detail while working in your home but also their ability to manage all the paper work which accompanies these types of projects. For the inexperienced contractor/homeowner team this can be a daunting and miserable experience. Our knowledge of the process cuts out an immeasurable amount of headache and back and forth emails while preparing for closing. Let’s face it, you have a lot going on right now while planning to move into your new and soon to be improved home. Let us streamline the process and make life easier!

We Are Certified- Ohio Home Doctor is pre-approved by Wells Fargo and Prime Lending. This cuts out the approval process and allows us to get to work in your corner right away. Getting approved the first time is no small task. We have undergone a credit check, background check, and thorough investigation by the banks to ensure that we are a trustworthy option for your project. Don’t be fooled by someone who says they can get approved quickly, it just doesn’t happen that way. Hiring a contractor who isn’t approved will add countless pages of paper work to the project, and delay closing for as much as 3 weeks. Often in that time your offer may expire and your dream home sells to someone else because you embarked on the journey with the wrong company.

We Are Equipped to handle your project no matter how involved its specifications may be. We are a full service home remodeling and home improvement company and have the man power and portfolio to tackle any and all jobs which are being either required or requested for your project. Having an organization equipped to manage all aspects of your project streamlines the process and allows for a single contract to be submitted to the bank, reducing overall turnaround time.

The Process

Step 1- Find your dream home! While planning to purchase keep an open mind and try to concentrate on potential more so than actual conditions. We can fix almost anything wrong with a home so find one with the right amount of size in the right neighborhood and we can re-design it into your dream home.

Step 2- Call Us! Once you have found your potential new home we can schedule a time with your realtor to meet at the home and discuss your plans. Have your must haves and want to haves lists available so we can cover all the bases when we meet. Our experience allows us to quickly and accurately assess the home’s condition and make recommendations regarding the best usage of your budget.

Step 3- We will draft a proposal for your project. This will be the “actual contract” which is the actual agreement for the work to be performed on your home.

Step 4- Once approved we will then draft a contract which meets the banks guidelines to get the loan approved. There needs to be 2 contracts since the bank wants specific language excluded from the contract often times making them vague. It is important for us that we are 100% on the same page as far as what we are going to do for you and for how much, thus the need for two contracts.

Step 5- Closing! We will begin construction within 30 days of your closing as required by most banks. It is important that you have made all your construction related decisions like material selection and design options as soon as possible after closing.

Step 6- Construction. During construction we will follow through on exactly what we planned to do. We will need access to the home during business hours Monday through Friday. It is always best if you can avoid moving into the home until construction is complete but if this is not possible then plan to live around construction until it is complete. Also keep in mind that personal items and or boxes should not be stored in areas of the home under construction. Lastly, make arrangements for any pets you may have since worksites aren’t the safest place for them.

Step 7- Enjoy your new home! After we are done the real fun begins and you can truly move into your new home and enjoy the features which made you decide to buy it in the first place.

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Not only do you get to enjoy your new amenities, but you can also reap its rewards such as improved quality of life, heightened energy efficiency, and the ability to recoup most if not all of your investment through the resale value of your home.

The economy has effected home prices, and the cost of home improvement has declined as well. There has never been a better time to dive into the home remodeling or home improvement project you and your family have been anticipating for years.

The road to a successful project begins with proper prior planning. You must first decide which area of your home is in the most need of repair.  Basement finishing yields the highest resale value, return with kitchens and baths not far behind. New flooring and paint also has a huge impact and often times is more affordable than you would think.

For exterior projects nothing adds to your home’s curb appeal and value like new windows, siding, and roofing.

Once you have decided which area of your home you will be working on, the total scope of the project must be formulated.

Lets take bathroom remodeling as an example. There are many options for updating or repairing your existing bathroom. New tubs, shower base, tile flooring, wall surround, tile walls, vanities, vessel sinks, lighting, comfort height toilets, grab bars, shower doors, towel bars, medicine cabinets, storage closets, the list goes on and on.

Ohio Home Doctor can present all your options for you along with pricing so you can decide how to get the largest home improvement impact for your budget.

For larger projects such as room additions, hiring an architect to formulate an initial drawing or blue print can save both time and money. Providing a blue print to your proposed contractors can assure you are getting apples to apples estimates, and can decrease the time from selecting a contractor to attaining a permit.

The next step is choosing the correct home improvement and remodeling company for your project.  There are lots of options, many good, but a lot of poor ones also. Make sure you select someone who sounds like they know what they are doing, and has the answers to your questions.

Typically when somebody knows what they are talking about, they are able to articulate it verbally. Its true some people may be talented carpenters and poor oral communicators but do not gamble when it comes to your money, family, and home improvement projects.

Get at least three estimates for your proposed project. Getting several estimates will allow you a chance to hear several opinions, and weed out the guys just trying to find there next rent check. It is very important to choose the right remodeling contractor not just the lowest price.

Here at Ohio Home Doctor we strive to be both, the right contractor, and the lowest price, but its not always possible since we always deliver top quality work.

Choosing the wrong contractor will be the most expensive route for you regardless of the initial estimate.

When you have narrowed the selection down to a couple, check out each at the BBB’s website.

Hiring a member of the BBB not only provides you with a qualified contractor but also acts as an insurance policy since hiring members gives you the consumer instant recourse in the event something goes wrong. It is also a good idea to check and make sure the company name on the letterhead matches registered business names with the Secretary of State. Hiring somebody who is not a LLC or INC can only end poorly.

Finally ask to see a copy of there business insurance and make sure the coverage amount covers your home. Upon receiving a copy it is a good idea to call the insurance company and verify the policy is current.

Some contractors pay for the initial few months in order to attain the certificate and then stop paying leaving you exposed to risk. Insurance is one of those things you hope you never need but when you do you really do. Its is worth 5 minutes to verify that you are protected from freak accidents and mishaps.

Upon selecting your contractor it is time to begin work.  Make sure you schedule the work to be done during a time that you will be able to break away from your schedule to make decisions or investigate unforeseen issues.

Some people like to go on vacation while work is being done to decrease the stress level. However, it is generally a better idea to be there and available to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

If you are not available and lets say there is structural rotting which wasn’t seen pre-estimate, your contractor has no choice other then to proceed without your permission charging you an additional sum without your approval.

If you are available you can inspect the additional damage yourself and verify the additional some is fair.  Often times pre-pricing is much lower than post-pricing. Also being present allows you to make minor design changes maximizing the results to your individual tastes. Sometimes small changes make huge differences and it is better if you are around to give yourself that opportunity.

Once your contractor has completed his work make sure you inspect everything thoroughly. Formulate a “punch-out list” addressing any issues you may have and give your contractor time to address them.

Finally, before making the final payment ask for a copy of the warranty pertaining to the specific project unless it exists on the signed contract. Keeping a physical copy of the warranty will make it easier on yourself in the future if you ever need to use it.

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]]> https://www.ohiohomedoctorremodeling.com/room-addition-tips-and-ideas/ Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:34:09 +0000 http://72.52.152.86/?p=168 Here are some home room addition tips and ideas that we feel are important. Design:  While adding space to your home existing floor plan proper design is imperative.  You do not want you room addition to look as though it was actually an addition but rather an extension to your home that was always there. […]

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Here are some home room addition tips and ideas that we feel are important.

Design: 

While adding space to your home existing floor plan proper design is imperative.  You do not want you room addition to look as though it was actually an addition but rather an extension to your home that was always there. Likewise the interior design must be carefully thought out to proved you with maximum functionality for minimum square footage.

The Value of adding on vs.buying new: 

Adding the square footage to your home you and your family have been needing can be a cost effective way to accommodate your families needs without purchasing a new home.  Make your home grow with you and increase it’s market value at the same time, instead of outgrowing your home and trying to find another one can make good financial sense for your long time financial well being.

Maximizing sq ft to cost value: 

When designing your proposed room addition keep in mind that adding a second story where possible is always a good home remodeling idea.   Adding an additional story will add cost of course but can be much less per square foot since roofing and foundation work have already been considered.  It  can also dramatically increase the square footage, market value and the living areas of your home all at once.

These home room additions tips and ideas should be considered before you begin adding any room addition onto your existing home.

Also check out Room Addition Planning

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]]> https://www.ohiohomedoctorremodeling.com/mother-in-law-suite-ideasand-tips/ Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:22:01 +0000 http://72.52.152.86/?p=135 The following are some mother-in-law suite options and tips that we have observerd and learned over our remodeling career that we would like to pass on to you.  People are now  living longer,  healthier lives and more families find it beneficial adding a mother- in- law suite to their existing home.  A mother in law […]

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]]> The following are some mother-in-law suite options and tips that we have observerd and learned over our remodeling career that we would like to pass on to you.  People are now  living longer,  healthier lives and more families find it beneficial adding a mother- in- law suite to their existing home.  A mother in law suite provides that special space where aging parents and  their children are combining two households.

Benefits from doing this can be many.  A grandparent can help with child care and living together can often be less expensive additionally, the adult children may offer help to their fragile parents.

While safety and the security is critical to your loved ones, the feeling from independence and the privacy can also be very important.   Ohio Home Doctor in the Dayton, Ohio area are experts at home improvement construction and specialize in mother in law additions and handicap mother in law suite additions that can help to bring their extended families closer together.

So, exactly what is a mother in law suite?

A mother-in-law suite is a type of addition to the home or grounds that provides temporary or permanent accommodations for a mother in law.  This type of addition is also called  a in-law suite, since it is not unusual for elderly parents to live with married children in later years.   Mother-in-law suites can be built for any home with an extended family. In general, the design of any suite of this type allows both the children and the parents to enjoy a measure of privacy while still being in close proximity to one another.   Today, modern mother-in-law suites encompass ADA compliant additions to entire backyard cottages.

What does ADA compliant mean?

Simply put, a living space which is ADA compliant is one where the occupant uses their home without any assistance from others.

These mother in law suites encompass ADA-compliance, acknowledging disabilities, and such differences as everyday life changes and are designed with that in mind.   Design features such as one-story plans, entryways with no steps, extra wide doorways and additional  floor space, no-slip floors, bathroom safety features,  improved lighting plus details like lever type door handles can all be incorporated into the design.

An open, honest discussion between children and parents  is important before starting your remodeling renovation.    Living with parents can often lead to changes in familiar family roles however, the experience from providing support to aging parents can also be a rewarding experience.   Variations in lifestyles, sleeping schedules and eating patterns plus the usual daily activities are important to discuss while designing your new addition.

We have included a few examples of mother in law home additions on this page.   There are several options with the construction of a mother-in-law suite. The most common arrangement involves adding on to an existing home.   The suite will usually contain all the basic elements of living quarters, such as a living area, bedroom, and private bath. In some cases, a kitchenette and a laundry room may also be part of the floor plan.   It is also possible to construct a detached mother-in-law suite. With this approach, a small cottage is erected on the grounds. The cottage is completely equipped with everything required by the parent.

There is also the option of converting an upper or lower floor into a mother-in-law suite. Going with a plan of this type is especially helpful when there is very little property to work with and a ground floor addition or detached dwelling is not feasible.   Developing the right mother-in-law suite house plans involves considering both the physical restraints of the existing property and the personal preferences of the family.  As much as possible, the plans should make it possible for the family members to interact with ease but also allow everyone the option of having some time to themselves.

Whichever mother-in-law suite floor plan is implemented, it is imperative to make sure the design and construction is in accordance with local building codes.   Depending on the nature of the construction, it may be necessary to obtain permission from neighbors to build closer to property lines or apply for building permits from the local municipality.

Before beginning any type of construction, it is a good idea to look into local code requirements and make sure you comply with them at each step in the construction process.   Ohio Home Doctor can take care of all these concerns for you as a  part of our remodeling process.   If you are wondering about how a room addition will change the look of your house, rest assured we have the answers and solutions.   Ohio Home Doctor speciality is designing  single or second story home additions that will  blend perfectly with your original structure by making sure  both exterior and interior design creates a seamless look.

When working with Ohio Home Doctor, expect that your new addition will be comfortable,beautiful,safe and accessible.

For the design and construction of a mother in law suite in Ohio,  Call the doctor, Ohio Home Doctor!   For more helpful information about aging and mother-in-law suites and other topics visit In-lawsuite.com   We are glad to have shared these mother-in-law suite ideas and tips with you today.

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