Your Guide To Home Additions

(Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels)

​When you find your dream home, it's tough to let it go, even if the reason is joyful. For example, your family might be getting bigger, so you no longer have space in your old home no matter how hard you try to squeeze everyone in. In that case, you might have to look for a larger house or house addition. While it is possible to find your second, bigger dream home - the process can be difficult, lengthy, and expensive. On the other hand, home additions are an excellent alternative for people who would rather put the money they would spend on a new house back into their existing one. If you have extra space in your backyard, you can transform it and add more rooms to your current house. If you're unsure how to do that, don't worry, we've got you covered. You'll find your complete guide to home additions in this article.

​Types Of Home Additions

 ​Before we get into reasons why you should get a home addition, the first thing in our guide is to go over some of the most common types of home additions. They are:

Room Conversions 
Room conversions are the type of home additions that utilizes the already-existing space and transform it into a living area. For example, remodeling a basement is a great option to add living space or guest rooms to your house without the effort or expense of a complete extension. Attic and garage areas that were unused before the renovation are also great for this sort of home addition. Thinking of Renovating Your Home - Consider A Dream Loft Conversion

Partial Additions
Compared to room conversions, which are basically just remodels, partial additions are actual expansions of existing spaces. Often known as a "bump-out," they are used to increase an existing room in the house. These projects face the same logistical issues as a full addition but on a smaller scale. However, their goal is usually to add only a few feet to the area. The most popular application for this home addition is to build a kitchen bump-out to make way for an open concept kitchen.

When you’re considering home additions, it’s important to first realize how much work each addition requires. (Photo by Thijs van der Weide from Pexels)

​Full Additions
Finally, full additions are a sort of expansion that transforms your property into a completely new space. Building a second story to a property as well as adding onto an existing level are typical projects in this category. Full additions necessitate the greatest effort since you are effectively constructing the room from the ground up. This means you have to hire contractors to take care of everything - from the foundation to the framing to the HVAC and electrical systems.
​#homereno #homerenovationtips #homeremodeling 

​Will A Home Addition Add Value To Your House?

​Once you've decided what you want to accomplish by building onto your house, you'll need to determine whether such a large project will add value to your property. In most markets, expanding a home's square footage is an improvement that raises its value. When it comes time to sell, a remodel like this allows you to start with a higher asking price than you would otherwise. However, you should also take into account other factors. You should conduct research and look at other houses in the neighborhood, their square footage, and their value. For example, if your home is the only one in your community with one bathroom, installing an additional one may be a wise financial decision. ​Budget your new home build and renovation project.

Deciding if you should make a home addition is an important financial decision that requires a lot of research and planning. (Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels)

​Home Addition vs. Moving

Many people don't want to deal with remodels and home improvements and think it's best to move. However, for others, moving can be a lot more stressful and difficult. So, if you're trying to decide between these two options, you have to carefully think about what's more important to you.

For example, if you love your home and your neighborhood, and can't see yourself moving, then home addition is the perfect solution for you. In that case, a home addition will also allow you to redesign your home to your preferences and truly make it your own. On the other hand, if you're not as fond of your neighborhood or your current home, why stay there?
​
If you still can't decide, look at the financial aspects of it. When you move, you'll have to pay money to hire a real estate agent, buy a house, pay fees, pay the moving company, and make any required upgrades. A home or room addition, on the other hand, will be less expensive than purchasing a new home because you will just be paying the contractor for supplies and labor. You'll also save a significant amount of time.
​#homerenovation

​What To Do During Home Additions & Renovations?

If you decide to go the home addition route, you must consider where you will live while the contractors are doing their work. If possible, it would be a good idea to find another place to stay while the job is in progress. You will have different workers and contractors at your house every day, and you don't want to make an already complicated situation more chaotic by having your entire family be there at the same time. How to Make Your Home Secure When Remodeling and Renovating your Home

However, sometimes this is not an option if you're already spending a lot of money on home additions and can't afford a separate place. So, if you decide to stay inside the house while the construction is going on, at least consider getting rid of some of your belongings to make more space. For example, renting a storage unit is the best way to protect your possessions and get them out of the way during renovation.

Make sure all your belongings are safe during the remodel by packing them or putting them in a storage unit. (Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels)

​Final Thoughts

​As you probably took away from our guide to home additions, such projects are definitely challenging, but they're also absolutely worth it. You get to stay in your dream home and improve it so that it fits your entire family and its needs. If you decide to go the home addition route, don't forget to also discuss changes with your kids. They'll appreciate it if you get their input before you start renovations. That way, by preparing them ahead of time for the upcoming change, they'll find it easier to get used to things. Moreover, don't forget to give your neighbors a heads-up about the possible noise and mess.
​#homeimprovement #homeimprovementtips 

Other Useful Articles:
​Are you wasting money or adding value with your home renovation?
Restrictions which could impact your home renovation plans
Waiting To Renovate? Here's the Best Time To Do So

Author

​Miles McLaughlin always had an interest in interior design and creative writing. Currently, he’s fulfilling his dream by working for Four Winds KSA and writing pieces on topics such as interior design, renovation, and relocation. When he’s not writing, he’s hitting the gym or playing beach volleyball.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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​Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home.  and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home. 
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