Home Additions in Winter Park, FL

Lot coverage, setbacks and the trees around the house usually decide it. If a rear addition would crowd a protected oak or exceed coverage, building up can be the better route, but the existing walls and footings must be checked by an engineer to carry a second floor. We review the survey, trees and structure before you commit to either design.

Only if the home is on the Winter Park Register of Historic Places or inside a designated historic district, and only for exterior changes. A kitchen that stays within the existing walls usually needs just the building permit. If the remodel adds a window, moves an exterior door or adds square footage, the property needs a Certificate of Review first, and we plan the schedule around that hearing or committee review.

Sometimes, but not without a permit. Winter Park requires a tree removal permit for protected trees on private property, and removal can come with replanting or a payment into the city's tree fund. We look at the trees before designing an addition, because placing the footprint to save a large oak is often simpler than permitting its removal.

Most room additions take about 3 to 5 months of construction once permits are issued. Design, engineering, HOA review and permitting usually add 2 to 4 months before work starts. Garage conversions are typically faster because the roof and walls already exist. We give you a written schedule before construction and keep you updated as each phase passes inspection.

Yes. Any addition that adds space, changes structure or adds plumbing and electrical requires a building permit, engineered drawings and inspections. The permit is issued by your city building department if you are inside city limits, or by the county in unincorporated areas. As a licensed general contractor, we prepare and submit the permit package.

It depends on your local zoning. An attached in-law suite with a bedroom and bathroom is usually allowed where additions are allowed. A separate unit with its own kitchen and entrance is treated as an accessory dwelling unit in many places, and rules on size, parking and occupancy vary by city and county. We check the rules for your parcel first.