Room Additions: A Smart Investment for Your Home’s Value

Published on: February 18, 2023
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Are you looking to add some extra space to your home? Maybe you need a new bedroom, or perhaps you want to expand your living room. Whatever the reason, a room addition is a great way to give your home a fresh new look while also increasing its value. But before you start knocking down walls and laying the foundation, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to consider when planning a room addition.

Reasons to Consider Room Additions

Room additions can provide a cost-effective way to add space and functionality to your home without the need to relocate. Whether you are in need of an additional bedroom, a larger kitchen, or a home office, a room addition can provide the extra space you need to accommodate your changing needs.

A well-executed room addition can increase the value of your home and provide a great return on investment. With proper planning and execution, a room addition can be a smart and practical solution for homeowners looking to improve their living space. Here are a few more details on each of the reasons I mentioned earlier:

Expanding a small or outdated kitchen	If your kitchen feels cramped, outdated, or inefficient, a room addition can be a great way to create a more functional and enjoyable space. You might consider expanding the existing kitchen or building an entirely new one in a different part of the house.
Creating a dedicated home office or workspace	With more people working from home than ever before, having a dedicated office or workspace can be a game-changer. A room addition can give you the extra space you need to create a quiet, comfortable, and productive work environment.
Adding a master suite or guest bedroom	If you’re running out of bedrooms or want to create a more luxurious master suite, a room addition can help. You might choose to add a new bedroom or expand an existing one or create a master suite with a larger bathroom, walk-in closet, or sitting area.
Creating a larger living or dining area for entertaining	If you love to entertain or have a large family, a room addition can give you the space you need to host gatherings comfortably. You might consider adding a new living room, dining room, or family room, or expanding an existing one.
Building a home theater, game room, or exercise space	If you have a hobby or interest that requires extra space, a room addition can be a great solution. You might choose to create a home theater, game room, exercise space, or even a combination of these.
Creating an in-law suite or rental unit for extra income	If you have an aging parent or another family member who needs to live with you, or if you’re interested in creating a rental unit for extra income, a room addition can be a good choice. You might consider adding a separate living space with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.

Types of Room Additions

Here are some more details on the types of room additions:

1. Building up: This type of room addition involves adding a new story on top of your existing house. It can be a good choice if you have limited yard space or want to preserve outdoor space. However, building up is usually more expensive than other types of additions because it requires reinforcing the foundation and structure of the existing house.
2. Building out: This involves adding new space to the side or back of your house. It can be a good choice if you have enough yard space and want to create a single-story addition. Building out is generally less expensive than building up, but it may require removing outdoor features like trees or landscaping.
3. Converting an existing space: This involves converting an existing space in your house, like a garage, attic, or basement, into a livable area. Converting an existing space can be a cost-effective option, but it may require more extensive renovations than building up or out.
4. Sunroom or enclosed porch: This involves enclosing a porch or patio to create a sunroom or enclosed porch. It can be a good choice if you want to add more space without fully committing to a permanent addition. Sunrooms and enclosed porches can be used for a variety of purposes, from a reading nook to a playroom.
5. Bump-out: This type of addition involves adding a small extension to an existing room, typically just a few feet in any direction. Bump-outs can be a cost-effective way to add space to a specific room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, without a full addition.

When deciding on the type of addition to the building, it’s important to consider your budget, the size of your lot, and your goals for the new space. A reputable contractor can help you assess your options and choose the best solution for your needs.

Planning and Preparation

Before you begin planning your room addition, it’s important to define your goals for the new space. Consider what you hope to achieve with the addition, such as more living space, a larger kitchen, or a dedicated office. This will help guide your decisions throughout the planning process.

Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you’ll need to determine your budget for the project. Consider factors like the size and complexity of the addition, the materials you’ll be using, and the cost of labor. It’s important to be realistic about your budget and to build in some contingency funds for unexpected expenses.

Depending on the size and scope of your room addition project, you may need to obtain building permits from your local government. Be sure to research the requirements in your area and obtain any necessary permits before beginning construction.

A room addition project can be complex, so it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced contractor to lead the project. Look for a contractor who is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation in your community. Be sure to check references and ask for a detailed project timeline and cost estimate before signing a contract.

Before construction begins, it’s important to plan for the logistics of the construction process. Consider factors like where workers will park and store equipment, how the construction will impact your daily routines, and how you’ll manage waste and debris from the project.

As you plan your room addition, consider the design and style of the new space. Think about how the addition will blend in with the existing architecture of your home, and how it will function alongside the rest of your living space. It can be helpful to work with a designer or architect to ensure that your new space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Construction Process

Here are some more details on the construction process involved in a room addition project:

1. Site preparation: The first step in the construction process is site preparation. This involves clearing the area where the addition will be built, setting up temporary fencing to secure the site, and preparing the foundation for the new space.
2. Foundation work: The foundation is a crucial part of any room addition project. The type of foundation required will depend on the size and structure of the addition. Options include a slab foundation, a crawlspace, or a full basement. The foundation work will involve excavation, pouring concrete, and possibly installing drainage systems.
3. Framing: Once the foundation is in place, the next step is framing the new space. This involves constructing the walls, roof, and floor of the addition. The framing process can be done with wood or steel and may involve using prefabricated components to save time and reduce waste.
4. Electrical and plumbing work: After the framing is complete, the electrical and plumbing systems can be installed. This includes running wiring and plumbing lines through the walls and installing fixtures like outlets, switches, and lighting.
5. Insulation and drywall: With the electrical and plumbing work complete, the next step is to install insulation and drywall. This will help regulate the temperature in the new space and provide a smooth surface for finishing.
6. Finishing: The finishing process involves adding the final touches to the new space, such as installing flooring, painting walls, and adding trim and molding. This is also the time to install any special features, like built-in shelving or a custom fireplace.
7. Final inspections: Once the construction is complete, the new space will need to undergo a final inspection to ensure that it meets local building codes and safety standards. This may involve an inspection of the electrical and plumbing systems, as well as a review of the overall structure and finishes.

Decorating and Furnishing

Decorating and furnishing are essential parts of creating a new room addition that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Choosing a style and color scheme, selecting the right flooring and window treatments, and adding furniture and accessories can all help to make the new space feel like a seamless extension of your home.

Careful attention to these details can transform a room addition from a simple expansion of space to a beautiful and personalized area that enhances your home and meets your needs. Here are some more details on decorating and furnishing your new room addition:

Choose a Style

The first step in decorating your new room addition is to choose a style that complements the existing decor in your home. Consider the function of the new space and how it will be used, and choose a style that suits your needs and preferences.

Color Scheme

Once you have chosen a style, you can start to think about a color scheme for the new space. Consider using colors that are similar to the rest of your home to create a cohesive look. Alternatively, you may want to use a different color scheme to make the new space stand out.

Flooring

The type of flooring you choose for your new room addition will depend on the function of the space and your personal style. Options include hardwood, carpet, tile, and laminate. Consider factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and comfort when choosing your flooring.

Window Treatments

Adding window treatments can help to enhance the look of your new space while also providing privacy and light control. Consider options like curtains, blinds, or shades to complement the style of the new space.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for any room, and your new addition is no exception. Consider adding overhead lighting, as well as task lighting for specific areas like a desk or reading nook.

Furniture

When choosing furniture for your new room addition, consider the function of the space and the style you have chosen. If the space is a home office, for example, you may need a desk and office chair, while a family room may require comfortable seating and a coffee table.

Accessories

Finally, adding accessories like throw pillows, area rugs, and wall decor can help to complete the look of your new room addition. Choose accessories that complement the style and color scheme of the space and add visual interest and texture.

Bottom Line

Room additions can be a great way to add space and functionality to your home. Whether you are in need of a new bedroom, a larger kitchen, or a home office, a room addition can provide the extra space you need without the hassle of moving to a new home.

When considering a room addition, it is important to take the time to plan and prepare for the project. This includes choosing the type of addition that best suits your needs, as well as selecting a reputable contractor and ensuring that all necessary permits and inspections are in place.

During the construction process, it is important to stay involved and communicate with your contractor to ensure that the project stays on track and meets your expectations. And once the construction is complete, decorating and furnishing your new space can provide the finishing touches that truly make it feel like a part of your home.

A well-planned and executed room addition can not only add value to your home but also provide the space and functionality you need to make your homework for you and your family.