Considering a Home Addition

Are your kids tired of sharing a bedroom? Do you have to beg for your own storage space in the bathroom—or do you feel rushed in the morning because others are waiting to use it? Sure, you love your family, but sometimes enough is enough. If you feel constantly cramped at home, an addition might be the way to go—after all, it can be less expensive than buying a bigger home. But you’ll want to consider a few things first before diving into any project.

First of all, have a good idea of what you’re going for—for example, do you desperately need another bedroom? Perhaps the solution is as easy as converting an unused space such as a basement or garage into a fully functioning room.

Also, you’ll want to design a plan that complements your lifestyle and your budget. Before you begin laying the groundwork for your addition, you’ll definitely want to check out this Service Magic article. And while you’re at it, be sure to read this Solutions at Hand article to make sure an addition is what you’re looking for. Remember that while the final results of an addition can create positive change for your family, you may be inconvenienced while the work is being done—think dust, dirt, and lots of noise, depending on the scope of the project.

You’ll also want to take the style of your home into consideration. The addition should blend seamlessly with the rest of the house, as if it’s always been there. Make sure the addition is just the right size—it shouldn’t be too big, nor should it be too small. And make sure all materials match in color, size, and texture—or are very similar. This 80-year-old Georgian-style home gained 2,000 square feet—but the addition didn’t mar its exterior architecture.

If your finances can’t handle the cost of a full-scale addition—and you just need a little more space to enhance the functionality and flow of an existing room—consider bumping out a section of your house, such as a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. A bump-out adds valuable square footage without the high price tag. But note this: They usually don’t extend out more than 4 feet—if you go beyond this amount, you’ll likely require structural support—and this can increase the price. See how this once-cramped bathroom gained a little extra room and a whole lot of light thanks to a 2-foot 6-inch deep bump-out.

Of course, there’s a lot more to adding on to your house, from hiring reliable contractors to zoning regulations. I’ll be posting on these topics in the future, so stay tuned!

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Comments

[house decor]

good work