The remodeling market in America should hit $509 billion this year as people look to get even more out of their biggest investment. Your home might be perfect in many ways, but sometimes you just need more space, and a home expansion project is on the cards. If there is one thing we strongly recommend avoiding, it’s jumping into a renovation without proper planning.
If you dive headfirst into expansion projects and miss some crucial details, those facepalm moments can end up costing a lot of money. After all, we’re expanding a home, not your stress levels!
Avoid the complexities of extending your existing home
As much as we love home extensions, they can be tricky. A more straightforward and cost-effective approach worth considering is garages with living quarters.
A detached garage-plus-living-space combo is essentially creating a stand-alone structure. The builders can work without disrupting your life with internal renovations, and since you’re building from scratch, you can incorporate modern energy-efficient features and current building standards from the ground up.
Plus, many municipalities have simplified permit processes for detached structures compared to home additions. Space for your car downstairs while you gain valuable living space upstairs – two solutions for one project!
Play real estate Tetris
Good renovations are smart choices that work with your existing space while following the relevant building codes. When planning where your extension will physically go, you’ve got several potential spots to consider: the back of your house (usually the most popular choice), the front, or either side, but don’t forget about going up – a second-story addition might be your perfect option.
Older homes often come with a surprising advantage. Many were built with generous front setbacks from the street, so you might have a prime spot for an addition right there in front of your house. This could transform your home’s curb appeal and make life easier for your construction crew since they’ll have direct access from the street.
The best spot for your addition isn’t just about where you have physical space, however. It’s about how it’ll flow with your existing floor plan. Working with your home’s current layout can save you from expensive internal renovations and structural headaches.
Consider the type of addition you choose
Ground-level additions might seem like the obvious choice, and often they are the most practical. You’re essentially extending your home’s footprint horizontally, which typically means simpler construction and easier access for builders. If your lot is tight or you’re looking to preserve your outdoor space, however, you might want to think vertically.
Going up with a second-story addition is an option that comes with some sweet views, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It comes with some serious considerations: structural support requirements, staircase placement (which can eat up space), and the not-so-small matter of keeping your existing home dry during construction. Plus, there’s the neighborly aspect to consider – nobody wants to be that person who blocks all the natural light.
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of different types of additions, it’s also worth exploring the balance between furnished and unfurnished options for any new spaces you’re creating. Furnished additions can save time and effort in outfitting the space, while unfurnished ones offer the flexibility to personalize every detail. This approach is often a crucial consideration for homeowners looking to maximize the functionality and appeal of their expansions.
Consider the cost and create genuine value
Both for your lifestyle and your property’s worth, get a bit of a glow-up when you extend. Modern buyers are looking for homes that blend functionality with lifestyle perks, and a property with a well-designed master suite (complete with an ensuite and walk-in closet), for example, ticks that box. Extra space is great, but it needs to come with that resort-like feeling that today’s homeowners crave – this is how your additions can significantly boost your home’s market appeal.
The orientation of your addition can make or break its value. A beautiful sunroom is no good if it becomes an unbearable hotbox in summer because nobody thought about the afternoon sun. Backyards are also no longer just for hanging laundry, the seamless indoor-outdoor flow that turns your yard into an extension of your living space is something everyone is looking for. Aim for covered patios that double as outdoor dining rooms or multi-purpose areas that work for entertaining and everyday living.
The key to maximizing value is how thoughtfully you integrate these new spaces with your existing home. When done right, these improvements add square footage to your floor plan and significant dollars to the value of your home.
Choose the right contractor for your extension
FindTheHomePros.com is an alliance of local builders, contractors, remodelers and trade professionals who proactively stay up to date on the newest regulations and building and construction codes. This means you’ll get quality work, and we’ll make sure you find the right contractors for your project for FREE!
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