3 Home Addition Ideas to Elevate Your Living Space
There comes a time when people feel they have outgrown their homes. As your family grows, you might also feel the same. You might require more rooms or storage space to live comfortably.
Moving to a new home would solve most of your problems. But do you have the budget to buy a larger space? National house prices are forecasted to rise 2.9% in 2024. In a survey conducted by Gallup, 76% of Americans say that now is the wrong time to buy a home.
Instead of buying a new home, why not make additions to your existing space to make it comfortable? You can make numerous home additions to elevate your living space. In this article, we’ll explore some ideas that can enhance your living space while adding to its functionality.
#1 Construct a Second Floor
Building an extra floor atop your one-story home can elevate your space while making it more functional. You’ll enjoy increased living space, with more bedrooms and bathrooms.
Constructing a second floor or pop-top, however, is expensive. The project will cost you anywhere between $65,000 and over $600,000. The square feet, the number of rooms you decide to add, and the condition of your existing structure are three factors that determine how much you will have to shell out for adding a second story.
Getting a second story built can also boost your property’s value. You can recoup up to 65% ROI if you sell your property after constructing a second story. Adding a pop-top is especially beneficial for homeowners with limited lot sizes who need more room but cannot expand outward. As it can accommodate multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a second living area, it’s ideal for growing families.
However, before you start, make sure that the foundation of your home can support the extra weight. A structural engineer or architect can help you determine whether adding a second story is safe, so consult them.
#2 Build a Dormer
Dormers, or vertical windows set on slanted roofs, improve a property’s curb appeal. A dormer will make your space appear brighter and more welcoming by drawing natural light into the room. Why not add one to your structure, then?
The attic or the upper floor areas are the best places to add a dormer. It can transform an underutilized area into a functional room such as a bedroom, office, or playroom. These structures come in various styles, including shed, gable, and eyebrow, each offering different aesthetic and functional benefits.
Shed dormers offer more interior space and are often used for larger rooms. Gable dormers, however, are the most common, providing ample headroom and a classic look. Eyebrow dormers, on the other hand, add a unique, curved architectural element.
Many people, however, take the DIY route for building a dormer. You can also do so. First, lay out the details of the dormer on a piece of paper. Keep construction equipment such as a hammer, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, a screwdriver, measuring tools, and a nail gun handy.
When it comes to construction projects, SitePro Rentals explains, having the right equipment is important for success. Without these tools, it would be impossible for you to complete the build. Don’t buy the tools if you don’t have them. That will cost you a lot of money. Instead, consider renting them from equipment or tool rental companies.
To kickstart your project, you will have to open the roof by removing shingles. Create lines using chalk between nail points. Saw along those lines, then. Put up the front wall on the attic floor and the top plate. Cut it after measuring it and nail it to the corner stud and roof while making sure it’s level. Thereafter, install the bottom plate as well as the studs.
#3 Add a Kitchen Bump-Out
Who doesn’t like having a spacious kitchen? Well, everyone does. You need not remodel your entire kitchen to make it spacious. Instead, a bump-out addition is a smart way to increase your kitchen’s space and functionality without undertaking a full-scale addition.
A bump-out is a small extension that pushes out an exterior wall by a few feet, typically two to four feet, which can significantly enhance your kitchen area. You can add cabinets, a larger island, a breakfast nook, or expanded countertops.
Hiring professionals would be the best bet for a kitchen bump-out addition. It takes a fair amount of planning, skills, and preparation to add a kitchen bump-out.
To sum things up, you can elevate your living space by incorporating thoughtful home additions. Whether you plan to construct a second story, build a dormer, or add a kitchen bump-out, each of these additions will breathe new life into your home.
However, consider your family’s needs before you decide on any project. Rest assured that you will create a space that not only meets your current requirements, but also adds long-term value to your home.
