So you’re looking for more space to live in, but you’re not interested in moving; a home addition is the perfect choice. However, it can be challenging to decide precisely what type of home addition you want. There are many essential factors to consider, such as cost, home values, and location (among many others). Continue reading for helpful advice on choosing the right type of home addition for you.
Brief overview of the importance of home additions
Home additions can provide homeowners with a convenient alternative to moving into a new house. Rather than enduring the painful moving process and having to give up the property they love, an addition can be far less stressful, expensive, and time-consuming! Remodeling versus moving also allows homeowners to stay in the area they’re familiar with instead of having to find a new neighborhood.
Importance of choosing the correct type of addition
There are many ways to expand your home, and each has its own reasons. Whether you’re looking for a conventional full-size house addition or simply adding onto an existing room, you have options. Consulting with a qualified professional will help you make a guided decision based on your preferences and needs.
Polli Construction. Inc. is a trusted partner in home remodeling in Vermont
For homeowners in Vermont, we provide thorough advice well before starting any actual construction to ensure that the plans fit exactly what our clients are looking for. We’ll evaluate the property and the home’s structure and layout to determine where it’d be best to build an addition. This evaluation is based on things such as efficiency, cost, and quality.
Understanding Your Needs
Before meeting with a contractor, you should have a firm understanding of what it is you need from an addition. For instance, although it isn’t technically an addition, many people choose to finish their basement as it increases their living space without changing the property’s footprint. However, depending on the circumstances of your addition, you may be looking for a project that will provide far more living space than a simple basement remodel would.
A. Assessing your current living situation
The first step to understanding what you need from a home addition is to assess your current living situation. Your ultimate goal is to figure out the “why” behind your remodel so that you can more easily determine what you want.
B. Identifying your specific needs and goals for the addition
Once you’ve assessed your current property, you’ll need to solidify exactly what you need from this project and what your goals are. Are you looking to increase your overall square footage or increase your living space? Are you looking to build additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or something else? These are the questions you’ll need to answer for yourself.
C. Considerations for future use and resale value
Lastly, you’ll need to consider your future and whether this type of addition makes sense in the long term. For example, if you’re not sure your current property is your “forever home,” it may not be wise to invest in a remodel (think: moving vs. renovations). This is because the market can fluctuate, and your home’s resale value may not account for what you’ve put into it (i.e., you won’t necessarily make your money back). For those who are sure of their home and want to make it better suited to their needs, an addition is perfect.
Types of Home Additions
So with that in mind, which type of home addition is right for you? Let’s take a look at some popular types of home additions to help you make your decision.
Room Addition
A room addition (often referred to as a “bump-out”) is precisely what it sounds like. You’re building a single-structure room onto the side of your house, typically for the purpose of adding another bedroom, bathroom, living room, or even to extend an existing room. These additions are popular among those looking for a smaller, less time-consuming project.
1. Benefits and considerations
A room addition will provide you with that additional space you need without the burden of a full-scale addition. Bump-outs can be ideal for those not looking to invest as much in their home; however, it’s important to note that they are not always significantly cheaper. These additions are still subject to all of the necessary protocols of any other home remodel.
2. Ideal scenarios for a room addition
An ideal room addition would be for a homeowner looking to build a new single structure or expand an existing one. For instance, a room addition can be building a new bedroom or bathroom, but it can also be making a tight kitchen a bit roomier or expanding a living room to be more accommodating.
3. Common rooms to consider (bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, etc.)
The most common rooms to consider are bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, offices, dens/playrooms, and kitchens.
Second-Story Addition
For those who live in areas where land is either way too expensive or simply unavailable, second-story additions allow homeowners to expand their living space significantly without building out.
1. Pros and cons of adding a second story
Pros: Second-story additions can double your home’s finished living space, increase your property’s value, and maintain the footprint of your home as well.
Cons: These additions are a massive investment for a homeowner that will likely require the resident to temporarily move as contractors and construction workers need to work extensively in the home.
2. Factors influencing the feasibility of a second-story addition
Building up can allow a homeowner to have a “best of both worlds” scenario where the home’s square footage can easily double while the property is untouched. Although these additions are a significant investment and will require a major, albeit temporary, lifestyle change, they are very likely to pay off in the long run.
3. Considerations for structural integrity and aesthetics
Since all of the work is built on top of the existing house, it’s essential to consider the longevity and structural integrity of your home. Zoning issues will also come into play, so be sure to have a thorough understanding when discussing with your contractor. Lastly, consider how your home will look with a second-story addition and whether you’ll be happy with its new exterior.
Garage Conversion
Similar to a finished basement, a garage conversion uses the existing structure to create a new living space in the home.
1. Transforming a garage into a livable space
A garage conversion involves converting a one- or two-car garage into a new room, equipped with flooring and a ceiling, and adding a wall to the garage doors. These additions are popular because they are versatile for homeowners, and the options are nearly endless.
2. Benefits and potential challenges
While there’s a lot you can do with a garage conversion, it comes with both benefits and challenges. As for benefits, you’ll have a very customizable, relatively affordable expansion of livable space added to your home, which you can use for bedrooms, bathrooms, and pretty much anything else. However, as for challenges, you’ll want to be aware that these conversions may be more difficult to match the style of the rest of the house and will take a bit more work. Furthermore, most garages will not have plumbing or other systems (such as HVAC) installed, which may require additional work.
3. Creative ideas for garage conversions
If you’re thinking about a garage conversion, our suggestion is to think differently. Add a non-conventional living space to your house that wouldn’t necessarily be possible if it were an ordinary room addition.
Budget Considerations
When embarking on any home improvement project, you need to have a good idea of what type of budget you’re working with. Make sure to review your finances and create a realistic budget that works for you. Keep in mind that many factors can influence the cost of each type of addition. Lastly, work directly with your contractor to determine the best way to maximize your available budget and avoid overspending.
Regulatory and Permitting Requirements
Vermont homeowners should look into local regulations and building codes before starting any construction projects. You’ll also need to obtain any necessary permits, so this is something that you’ll want to figure out in advance. A reliable contractor will be able to assist you in navigating through all of the different requirements before starting any work.
Closing Thoughts
Regardless of which type of home addition you choose, it’s essential to go into it as informed as possible. Consider important factors such as budget, longevity, time constraints, local regulations, and who will be doing the actual work. For Vermont homeowners, consider choosing Polli Construction, Inc. for all of your custom building and remodeling needs. We’re here to help! Contact us today for more information.