We have probably all heard the expression, “Why move when you can simply improve?”Or how about “Why relocate when you can do a renovation?” And it makes sense; if you have the ideal location and otherwise love your home, you don’t have to move just to get the additional space you’re looking for.
Some room additions are rudimentary and easy. Others are more complex and time-consuming and complex. The most important part is to work with a licensed, bonded, and insured professional contractor to ensure the job is done correctly. It also means ensuring that the right permits are in order to have legal permission to modify your home.
Options Available For A Home Addition?
- Bump Out – This is probably the least invasive of the home additions. A bump-out is more of an enhancement to an already existing room. This is the option to choose if you would like to transition a powder room into a full bathroom, be able to fit in a kitchen island or convert your standard bedroom to a master bedroom size.
- Two Story – On the opposite end of the spectrum is the addition of a second story to a single-story home. This is obviously a much more labor-intensive job as the roof must be removed to build upward. However, it is usually still more cost-effective than selling your current home and locating a two-story house in your desirable neighborhood.
- In-Law Suite – Although this doesn’t have to be used for moving your in-laws into your home, it does add enough space in case you wish to do so. Generally, this means adding on to the length or width of the house in order to create a secondary living space. In the best case scenario, this includes a master bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and closets.
- Sun Room – It’s the best way to enjoy the great outdoors all year long while staying in the temperature-controlled comfort of your own home. Unlike an enclosed deck, the beauty of a sunroom is that it is connected to utilities like heating, air conditioning, and water if needed.
- Garage Conversion – If you don’t have the extra space or cannot get the permits for a home addition, you may still have other options. One of these is converting the garage into a living space. With proper insulation, wiring, and plumbing, you can create a secondary living space or room for whatever you want. Depending on the proximity to the house, you may even be able to connect the garage to the main home.
Don’t overlook the potential you may have within your own home, too. One of the most popular remodeling jobs these days is basement finishing. Stop wasting this space for a dark, damp, creepy storage space to do laundry in. A finished basement has the potential to be almost any type of room you could want. Many homeowners make this another bedroom or a guest area for extended visits. Adding or remodeling a bathroom is also popular for basement finishing projects. In addition, your basement can make the perfect family game room, man cave, woman well, fitness room, or bar.
There is also the attic to consider, although the ventilation and temperature control are the main challenges here, in addition to the slanting of your roof. It depends mainly on what you need to use the room for and how much space it requires. But it often pays off to focus on improving your home instead of putting your house on the market and relocating your family to a new home in a new location.
Make sure the remodeling contractor you choose has experience with this type of work because a lot is involved. Ask for references and to be able to see similar work that they have completed. And when searching for a contractor to work with, ask around people you know and trust or who you know have had this type of work done to their house. It is not just about getting the job done; it is about doing it right.
