A: Many seemingly simple additions can be more complicated than they appear. Adding a bay window that needs its own roof makes a structural change to your home. It must tie into the existing roof, and you must take roof lines, valleys, run-off, gutters, downspouts and drainage into consideration. You also want to make sure all home improvements actually do enhance your house, because obvious "add-ons" can detract from a home's value.

These days most jurisdictions require building permits for such home improvements. The fees collected cover an initial check to determine if the proposed project will comply with local building codes, as well as, a final inspection to make sure the construction was done properly. It doesn't sound as though you obtained a building permit yet.

You will need to contact a professional to design or build the most appropriate roofing structure for your particular home. Perhaps an architect or building designer could design and draw the roof plans according to code, but it would probably be easier (and likely no more costly) to just hire a general contractor to do the whole project from design through construction. I encourage you to explore your options and talk to several different kinds of professionals to decide your best plan of action.

To locate some reliable professionals to discuss your options, visit Home Advisor, and be matched with a service professional in your area to help you get that window covered as soon as possible!

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com