Whether you have a large or small home, expanding your square footage with a home addition is an invaluable investment. Adding usable rooms with features that are desirable to home buyers can increase your comfort at home and resale value down the road.
When it comes to adding space, there are a few things to consider. First, where are you adding the square footage? There are many options for additions but you first want to check with your local zoning ordinances, building codes and homeowners association to determine what you are legally allowed to build on your property. Next, you will want to decide if your addition will be attached to your home or will be a stand alone structure. Once the city details and structure type is figured out, it’s now time to talk to a builder!
Most builders have an architect or designer on staff that can help you draw out your blueprints so you can submit them to the county or city building department for permitting before you start. Knowing which home additions will increase your home’s comfort and home resale value can help you make good investments.
Here are a few home addition ideas to help get you inspired:
BASEMENT ADDITION
A basement level addition can span the length of the home. This can be used as an additional entertainment space like a game room, kids’ playroom, or man cave. You can make it a suite to rent out to earn additional income for your home or a place for guests.
GARAGE ADDITION
An air-conditioned garage addition can provide additional storage for your vehicles that can also be turned into a workspace, gym, art studio, guest bedroom, or craft room down the road!
CASITA / GUEST HOUSE ADDITION
A stand alone casita / guest house addition on your property. This can be used for a home office, mother-in-law suite, she-shed, man cave, kids hangout space, game room, home theater, hobby room, music studio, workout studio, workshop, or so much more.
BACK PATIO ENCLOSED ADDITION
Enclose a back patio addition, this makes it a technical room to create a cozy outdoor living space, sun-room, art studio, tearoom, or more. As long as it is accessible from the house, it may be counted towards livable square footage, make sure to check with your builder for additional details.
BONUS ROOM OR APARTMENT ADDITION ABOVE YOUR GARAGE
A bonus room or apartment addition above your garage, is a great way to add extra square footage without turning your home into a mess. This can be rented out, used for an office, or used for any other hobby space.
SECOND FLOOR ADDITION
Second Floor Addition. This is one of the bigger home additions, adding on a second floor to a home. This is a more costly option but does get you a great amount of square footage. Perfect for adding bedrooms, bathrooms and a ton of usable space. Do take into account you will have to add a roof, electrical, AC, heating and plumbing to the entire floor.
You can make a great investment with increasing your home’s comfort, square footage and usable space now with a new home addition!