Make a list of what you hope to achieve. Put your priorities in order because budget will dictate how much you can do. When the numbers come in, dream plans often go out the window. Once you've decided, take your ideas to an architect or a designer. In order to get a permit, you will need something on paper.
Many builders can provide a detailed enough drawing.
The Kennedys stressed the importance of getting someone who knows how to build a sound addition from an engineering standpoint. Once the plans are drawn and you have something on paper to take to the building department, it's time to start the lengthy and on-going permit process. Next comes the scheduling process. This includes putting on the calendar everything from getting building permits and interviewing and acquiring subcontractors, who will do the various jobs, to selecting and purchasing materials, setting up delivery dates and making out a schedule for the work to be done. The Kennedys learned the hard way with their alarm company.