One of best ways to increase the living area of a home is by adding space to the structure. This can be accomplished with a home addition by going up a story or out the side of the home onto the property. Both ways require a licensed contractor who can manage subtrades like plumbers, electricians and roofers because new utility lines will have to be put in for the increase in power and water usage as well as sewer capability.
On any room addition project adding more room onto an existing structure there should be an engineer involved to calculate the stress loads involved with. The walls may have to be strengthened as well as the foundation. In construction jobs like this the inspectors will look for an engineer's approval before passing the plans.
Building on a Deck
One of the easiest ways to add interior space to a home is to look at an existing structure like a deck. Most decks already have seasoned foundations that may include concrete pilings. By building on top of a platform that has some height many steps are saved and there is room underneath to run electrical and plumbing. The underneath area can also be insulated and sealed off from the elements.
The addition can be built in stages. The first would be to close in the space and then each year it can be transformed from an out door living space to an interior one. Another plus with using a deck is that there is usually an entrance door to the home already there. Many of these are large patio doors so a larger entranceway may not need to be built.
Adding Another Story
One of the most expensive ways to add space is to add another story. In reality this requires two separate operations: demolition and construction. This is because the roof has to be taken off before the new addition can be built. If an engineer deems that the present walls are strong enough this will save the expense of strengthening them however the roof trusses may have to be replaced.
In this type of operation the homeowner has to move out and usually the length of time is a lot longer than expected. This is not only because of the dust and noise but also because of safety concerns. And while the renovation is taking place the home has to be protected against the elements so the contractor has to have extensive knowledge of this type of renovation.
The plus for this addition is that the space can almost be doubled. As well the utilities just have to be extended from the basement or garage.
Going Out
The most popular ways to add space is to extend the home outward on the property. This addition can be out the front, back or sides of the home depending on the covenants and building codes for the area. In reality it is like building a new, small home with a foundation. When completed the little house will be joined with the main structure and either a wall portion will be taken out or a doorway put in as an access way. However, just like any new structure there is the cost of putting a foundation. Now this can be as simple as a set of concrete pilings or as involved as a full basement.
One of the challenges of going out onto the property is attaching the water and sewer. In most cases this can be hooked directly up to the existing utility connections as can the electrical. Heating may require an extension to the ductwork or simply adding an electric in-floor heating system or, if the system is hot water heating, in-floor tubing.
The other consideration when an adding new space is the roof. In many cases the roofline will be altered and so a new set of trusses will have to be added. To maintain continuity of color and style the whole roof will have to be redone.
Garage Space
One of the cheapest ways to gain space is to renovate the garage. Some people do not have need for one so this might not be an issue. The space gained is around 400 square feet and this is area with the walls and ceiling already insulated, wired and, some cases, plumbed.
The double doors can be sealed up on the inside or a fake exterior put on the outside for continuity. In addition the smooth floor can be leveled and heated with in-floor radiant wiring or tubing.
The only drawback with going into the garage is that the resale value may not be as good as with a garage. In addition real estate agents agree that they have a harder time selling a home without a garage.
Whatever your addition ideas are consult our Contractor Directory or simply post your project online. You will be assured of qualified contractors that will able to accomplish what you want in a room addition.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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