Planning and building a room addition can seem overwhelming at times, yet it remains one of the most popular home renovation projects. That’s because it offers great potential for adding space, function, and versatility to your home. Before you start planning your own addition, let’s look at why room additions are so popular along with some of the most important factors to consider along the way.
3 Key Reasons to Remodel With a Room Addition
1. Add overall square footage to your home.
If you really like your home and where it’s located, a room addition is a great way to make your home meet your needs long term. For example, perhaps you now have more children and need the extra space. Or, you simply want a new look. Either way, adding a room (or two!) can get you exactly what you need or want.
2. Increase your home’s resale value.
If you’re looking to sell your home in the next year or so, going through the process of planning and building a room addition probably isn’t in your best interest. The process itself can take months and you likely wouldn’t get much use out of the new room before selling your home.
On the other hand, if you anticipate selling a few years down the road, it’s wise to think about what type of room addition can be beneficial to you now but also increase your home’s resale value later. For example, an additional bedroom or bathroom could be what you need now for your growing family but also be attractive to potential buyers in the future. Or, maybe adding a master suite creates that at-home spa-like atmosphere you’ve always dreamed of and would be a great selling point down the road.
3. Add function and versatility.
There’s no question that as homeowners, our needs change as the years go by. If your aging parents need some assistance but you don’t want them to be in a nursing home, for example, perhaps a small apartment or in-law suite would be a useful addition to your home. Or, if you now work from home thanks to pandemic workplace changes, a designated office space could be the perfect room addition.
Factors to Consider As You Plan a Room Addition
Just like any other home remodeling project, building a room addition requires a great deal of planning. Here are some factors to consider as you start the process:
Building out vs. building up – If you have enough property, adding a room in front, behind, or on the side of your home can work well. If space is limited, however, adding to your home vertically may be an option. Just be sure that whichever option you choose fits well with your overall home design and the design of other homes in the neighborhood.
Project timeline – Every remodeling project is different. As you begin to plan yours, think about how long it will take from beginning to end. This will help you plan how to use your existing space during the process. Depending on the extent of the project, you may need to vacate one end of the house or even stay somewhere else entirely.
Financial considerations – Every home renovation project needs a remodeling budget. Of course, how sizable that budget is depends on the square footage you’re remodeling, the types of materials used, which remodeling contractor does the work, and a variety of other factors. Once you’ve determined the size and scope of your room addition, you can decide whether you already have enough money to complete such a project or if additional financing is necessary.
Structural components – One of the biggest factors affecting your remodeling price tag is the extent of work that needs to be done. Will demolition be required? Do load-bearing walls need to be moved? Will plumbing or electrical components need to be relocated? All of these can have a significant impact on your overall budget.
The nitty gritty details – There are specific details that must be addressed in order to make your room addition a success. For example, will it be okay to simply add a new room with its own roof? Or, will your home’s entire roof need to be replaced to make everything match properly? Similarly, windows and siding should be considered so that the new addition blends seamlessly into the existing home vs. standing out like a sore thumb.
Hiring a remodeling contractor – Unless you’re a skilled designer and builder yourself, planning and building a room addition is not likely something you will do yourself. Hiring a local design-build remodeling company enables you to get the services of designers, engineers, and builders all under one contract. In addition, they will act as general contractor, handling all necessary permits and other contractors such as plumbers and electricians. Look for a remodeling company that has gotten great reviews from past customers and one that has significant experience remodeling in your area.
Home Remodeling in Orange County
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has been meeting the remodeling needs of Orange County residents for over 35 years. From kitchen remodels and bathroom renovations to room additions and more, our design-build team has the knowledge and experience to help you make the most of your space.
If you need ideas and inspiration for your next remodeling project, register for our upcoming remodeling webinars. We’ll share current design trends, remodeling tips, and before and after pictures of some of our recent projects. Our remodeling experts will also teach you about the benefits and complexities of home renovations so you avoid major mistakes and end up with a space you truly love.
When you’re ready to start planning your own remodel, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.