Top 10 Home Addition Ideas

Extending your home is an excellent way of accommodating your growing needs or desires without having to go through the hassle of moving. In this blog we’ll explore the various home addition ideas as well as the benefits of each.

Dormer

Dormers are a type of window structure that extends out from the attic and the main slope of the roof. A dormer often has a different pitch and ridge direction than the rest of the roof. The two most common kinds of dormers are the shed and gabled dormer.

These small house additions can sustainably increase the floor space and functionality of lofts and attics. You can also use a dormer to bring in more natural light and improve your home’s curb appeal.

Second Story Addition

One of the more expansive home addition ideas are second story additions – a whole extra upper level! You can choose either a full or partial second story addition. A full addition essentially doubles the existing square footage, whereas a partial addition may add a couple rooms rather than a whole level.

Second floor additions are best for people with small yards or individuals who wish to increase their living space without expanding their footprint. This addition can significantly boost your home’s market value.

Finishing Your Basement

Finishing your basement might not involve adding on to your house but it does increase the amount of livable space in your home and can also be done through basement underpinning. As the existing structure is already constructed, finishing your basement is one of the more cost-effective home additions you can invest in.

By adding drywall, flooring, lighting and insulation, you can build multiple room additions without having to make costly structural alterations. Finished basements are perfect for apartments, home theatres, craft rooms, offices, game rooms, and more.

Expand Your Bathroom

Bathroom expansions involve knocking down existing walls, installing new plumbing systems, and upgrading fixtures. Even though it is a small house addition, with a larger bathroom, you can create the luxurious bathroom you’ve always dreamed of, equipped with spa-like features and modern finishes.

You can add extra storage room, double sinks, soaker tubs, or walk-in showers. Bathroom expansions are perfect for big or growing families. For example, you may choose to expand the main bathroom on the second floor, connect it between two children’s bedrooms, and add more sink room and storage.

Extend Kitchen

Extending your kitchen is a type of room addition that builds upon your existing kitchen. A kitchen addition can involve updating fixtures, replacing old flooring, installing new countertops, and adding smart home appliances.

You may use a kitchen addition to create a small work area or a larger dining area. More square footage provides room for additional counters, cabinets, pantries, islands, and appliances. Regardless of whether it’s a small project or a substantial back house room addition, renovating the kitchen is a great investment that offers a high return.

Build a Sunroom

One of the more popular home addition ideas to consider is a sunroom. A sunroom attaches to the side of the home but remains separate from the rest of the living space. They can be built on any level of the home, given proper structural considerations.

Sunroom additions combine the comfort of the indoors with the pleasure of the outdoors. They often feature large windows and protective screens that allow you to enjoy nature without being exposed to the elements. Sunrooms are perfect for tending to plants, enjoying sunrises, and relaxing at night away from cold winds and mosquitos.

Bump-Out Addition

Another way of adding an addition to your house is considering a bump out. They often involve building a separate roofline, usually in the form of a shed or flat style roof. One of the top advantages of a bump-out is that it rarely requires major roof or foundation work.

A bump out can be turned into window nooks, walk-in closets, or extended bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. A bump-out home addition is generally smaller, less time consuming, and more cost-effective than other home addition ideas.

Garage Conversion

A garage conversation becomes a room addition when it turns into a livable space. You may convert your garage into an in-law suite, guest room, gym, rental unit, or art studio. This addition can involve major construction work, including installing HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as insulation.

To create a fully functional space, you may also replace the doors, windows, and flooring. Garage conversions can be a source of income or used as an entertainment room.

Attic Conversion

Converting an attic is a great way to add on to your house without altering its footprint. The value of your home can raise over 50% when attics are converted into livable areas. Finished attics are ideal for bedrooms, game rooms, sitting rooms, and libraries.

An attic conversion is suitable for a house with a framed attic without roof trusses. If you plan on using the attic as a bedroom, make sure to add egress window exits for safety.

Room Addition

Room additions are individual rooms built on to either the side or top of your house. They vary in size, ranging anywhere from 10 feet to 50 feet. Room additions offer the potential for a higher resale value. The main benefits include improved functionality, personalization opportunities, and additional storage capacity.

Adding rooms to accommodate your family’s needs and wants can also be more affordable than buying a new home and moving. Room additions create dedicated spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms.

Discover the top 3 benefits of home additions here.

Let’s Start Your Home Addition Project

Regardless of the size or scope of your home or room addition, you can count on Astaneh Construction to deliver the home addition of your dreams. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of home addition is the most valuable?

Kitchen additions are the most valuable home addition. From expansions to bump-outs, you can drastically raise the value of your property with a kitchen renovation. While they can be more costly upfront, a kitchen expansion is definitely worth the price in the long-run. New appliances, quality finishes, smart home integration, and ample storage are all attractive details to potential buyers.

What type of home additions are the most cost-effective?

The most cost-effective additions to homes are those that use existing rooms, such as finishing basements, attic conversions, and bump-outs. These projects typically earn back the cost of the renovation through added resale value. A couple other cost-effective house addition ideas include building prefabricated sunrooms and home offices. Prefab involves constructing structural components off-site, then transporting and assembling them on site. This method offers several benefits, such as reducing the cost of labour and materials.

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Hamed Astaneh

CEO & FOUNDER OF ASTANEH CONSTRUCTION

I’m a veteran renovation professional with a range of whole house renovations under my belt, including kitchen renovation, basement renovation, and bathroom renovation at the highest level in Toronto.