Additions, Framing & Demolition

Home Additions in Salem, Oregon

Add a bedroom, a living space or a covered porch without moving. We build additions that look like they were always part of the house.

Roof trusses and framing on a single-story home addition in Gervais, OR

Adding on is often the smartest alternative to moving. You keep your neighborhood, your schools and your mortgage rate while gaining the space you need. The challenge is that an addition has to be built against an existing house that has its own foundation, rooflines, wiring, ducts and quirks, and every connection between old and new is a chance for something to go wrong if it is not planned.

Our additions begin with a conversation: what is the room for, how will it connect to the rest of the house and what do the lot, setbacks and permits allow. In the Willamette Valley, many homes sit on crawlspace foundations, which affects how a new footing and floor frame tie in. From there we plan framing, roof structure, windows, insulation and ducts. Photos from our recent work show a single-story addition with new roof trusses going on, sheathing and ductwork in place before the roof was closed in.

A well-built addition should not announce itself. Siding, trim, roofing and window styles should match the original so the finished house reads as one design, and that is the standard we aim for.

Signs an addition may be right for you

  • Your household has outgrown its bedrooms or living areas, but you love your location
  • You want a covered porch, sunroom or mudroom that extends living space
  • A family member needs a private space, such as an in-law suite or a home office
  • Your lot has room to grow within local setback and coverage rules
  • The cost of moving, including agent fees and a new loan, outweighs building on

How a home addition gets built

  1. Concept, budget and feasibilityWe talk through your goals, check the lot and discuss budget, design and likely permit requirements.
  2. Plans and permitsDrawings are prepared, permits are filed with your local building department and a schedule is set.
  3. Foundation, framing and roofWe build the foundation and floor, frame the walls and roof and tie the new structure into the old.
  4. Close-in and finishWindows, siding and roofing make the shell weathertight, then insulation, drywall, flooring, trim, paint and fixtures finish the interior.

What drives the cost of a home addition

Additions vary widely. We give a written quote after we know the design and scope.

Size and complexitySquare footage, roof shape and the number of windows and doors set much of the price.
Foundation typeSlab, crawlspace and stem-wall foundations each have different costs and site requirements.
UtilitiesExtending electrical, heating and cooling, and plumbing for bathrooms or kitchens adds cost.
Matching existing finishesSiding, roofing and trim that blend with the original house influence materials and labor.
Permits and designDrawings, engineering and permit fees vary by jurisdiction and scope.

Why choose Frank General Contractor for your addition

  • Framing, roofing, drywall, flooring and finishes are all handled by one crew
  • Roof and wall tie-ins get extra care because they decide whether an addition leaks
  • We explain permits and plan requirements in plain language before work starts

We build additions in Gervais, Salem, Portland and nearby. Learn more about our framing work.

Questions about home additions

Do I need a permit for a home addition?
Almost always. Additions require building permits and inspections, and may also be subject to zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits. We help you understand what applies.
How long does an addition take to build?
Many modest additions take from several weeks to a few months once permits are in hand, depending on size, weather and inspections.
Will my heating and cooling work for the new space?
Sometimes it can be extended, and sometimes the new room needs its own system. We check capacity and ductwork early so you do not end up with a cold or stuffy room.
Can an addition match my existing house?
Yes. We match rooflines, siding, trim and window style so the addition looks original, though older materials can be harder to match.
Can I live in my home during construction?
Usually yes. The new structure is built outside until the connection is made. We tell you when the tie-in will happen and what to expect.

Plan Your Addition with a Free Quote

Share your idea and your address. We will schedule a visit and talk through your options.