Building an addition is
often more like remodeling
than new
construction, especially where the
addition meets the existing structure.
Joining the new to the old —
"tying in" — doubles the chances
that a problem will sneak up on you.
On top of all the problems of new
construction, it may also be difficult
or impossible to uncover crucial
construction details in the existing
building before work begins.
Look Before You Leap
The best place to solve problems
is in the design, estimating, and contract-
writing phases of a job, where
it can be done without the use of a
nail puller. For instance, in a 20 x 28
two-story addition I recently bid on,
the architectural plans specified
2x12 joists