Home Additions that Increase Living Space

There are several styles of additions to choose from:

• A detached addition, akin to a shed or guest space added above a detached garage.
• A ground level “build out,” where extra rooms are added to the first floor of the home.
• A second floor “build up,” which adds vertical space without compromising the size of your yard.

While additions increase the square footage of your home, they do bear a heavy cost. Remodeling Magazine’s cost vs. value report suggests that a major kitchen remodel averages a whopping $75,571. However, the 57.9% return on investment helps, especially if you decide to sell your house in the future. Estimated prices for each addition varies based on design features, project description, and size. Homeowners should also factor in required building permits. Still, the sum of these costs is usually cheaper than moving.

If a home addition doesn’t seem like the right fit, why not work with the space you already have? Increase your home’s usable square footage by remodeling an unused area such as a basement or attic. You can convert your basement into a bedroom, fit for a growing child. Or convert your attic into an attic suite. Another attractive option is creating a home office, considering over 55% of Americans would prefer to work remotely at least 3 days a week.. A basement remodel can cost you up to $75,000, but it provides a 55% ROI. Attic bedroom conversions typically cost you around $75,000.