House additions are a great way to add more space to a home without having to take drastic measures like buying a bigger one or remodeling the existing one entirely. While the former means having to say goodbye to a location that suits you and your family’s needs, the latter could potentially burn big holes in your pocket and give you many sleepless nights.
So, whether you want to meet the ever-increasing demands of a growing family, set up a home office, or simply add resale value to your home, house additions have come to be regarded as the go-to choice by smart homeowners.
Various factors, including cost, utility, return on investment and the general aesthetic of the house, need to be kept in mind before narrowing down on the right option for you. Let’s take a look at some of the popular types of house additions to help breathe life and space into your living area.
Bump-Outs
As the name suggests, these additions quite visibly bump out from an existing exterior wall. This option is ideal for when you need more space but aren’t really looking to add another room altogether.
While they may not look like much from the outside, these structures can provide that much-needed extra space we’re almost always craving, especially when it comes to our bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. With a little bit of investment, you’ll finally be able to accommodate that dining table, kitchen island, or the luxury spa you had been eyeing.
Bump-outs are generally cost-effective, with prices depending on whether you go in for a small bump-out or a larger one that requires its own foundation.
Sunroom
Looking to increase the living space and natural light in your home while being on a budget? A sunroom might just be the right option for you.
More often than not, sunrooms are made of prefabricated materials. However, if you want a better visual appeal, go in for the same material as your house. Typically closed off from the main part of the house with doors, these can serve as the perfect place to comfortably enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while avoiding bugs or bad weather.
Sunrooms tend to be cheaper than some other additions since they do not need to be temperature controlled. However, if you want it to be a four-season space, prepare to shell out upwards of $50,000.
Garage Conversion
These are gentler on the homeowners’ pockets as compared to a full-blown room addition or adding on a second floor, given that the basic structure is already in place.
That being said, you’ll still need additional electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC to convert your garage into an extra bedroom or living room. The major challenge with a garage conversion is blending in the remodeled space with the house’s architecture.
If you’d like to supplement the monthly income, a garage conversion could be easily rented out, too. However, do keep in mind that many people do not prefer houses without garages. So, if selling the house is on the cards, it would make more sense to leave the garage be.
Traditional House Addition/Room addition
This type of home addition involves adding one or more rooms onto the side of the house. Since it’s a lot like building a scaled-down house, you’ll need to involve contractors and architects who can secure permits, lay the foundation, add roofing, install essential services, add insulation and work on the interiors.
It may be worthwhile to find out about the building codes and zoning permits in your area well in advance. If the primary objective is to maximize ROI, you should consider speaking to a few realtors to understand what additions are valued more in your area.
Despite being relatively expensive and time-intensive, such a project offers immense potential to turn your home into your paradise, be it through the addition of a gym, an in-laws’ suite, an entertainment room, a library, or a children’s playroom.
Second Story
This option is ideal for states like California, with comparatively less square footage per person. When it comes to adding another level to your house, there are two ways to go about it.
First, a modest, partial second story if you only need a small amount of extra space- perhaps just an extra bed and bath. Alternatively, you can go in for a full-size second-story addition.
Regardless of what you choose, you should have your home’s foundation evaluated before you begin planning, in addition to checking with local authorities for height restrictions. Moreover, since the roof of the house has to come down, account for the fact that you might need to relocate for a while. Thoughtful planning and clear communication throughout the design and construction process can undoubtedly minimize the disruption and allow you back into your home in a timely manner. Therefore, it’s advisable that you seek professional guidance from experts in the field. Because when done right, a home addition could be the best thing you could do to your living space.
So, are you ready to translate your dream home into reality? Our architects and engineers at Design Everest can provide you everything you need to kick start your journey, with custom-made plans and designs catering to your requirements. Reach out to us at 888-123-3242 for a consultation and a free quote.
