Do you have a growing family that your house just can’t support anymore? But you aren’t willing to part with your current home just yet? Adding onto your additional square footage may be easier and more cost-effective than you think.
Here are just a few of the ways you can expand your living spaces without having to buy a new home.
Building an outward addition
Not only is this the most efficient way to add space to your home, it will greatly increase your Return on Investment. Additional square footage adds value back into your home, especially with the addition being new construction.
An outward addition is unhindered by existing structures and you usually do not need to vacate the premises during the construction.
However, it is amongst the pricier of the following options. Depending on the scope of your project, an outward home addition can cost you between $21,099 – $68,985, according to Home Advisor. With that being said, this type of home addition will pay you back many times over – both financially and emotionally.
Building an upward addition
Second story additions aren’t as common with the increasing popularity of single-story homes, but it is a good option if you do not have enough property to build outward upon. It is also sometimes easier to obtain a building permit for an upward addition versus an outward addition.
The price involved is typically the same as an outward addition, but there may be more disruption to your day to day life during the construction process. Contractors may need to enter your home to perform certain tasks, especially when installing a staircase to your second story addition.
Converting an existing space
Many homeowners may opt for converting a basement or an attic that does not get a lot of use. This is a good option to lower costs and utilize a space that does not get a lot of use. However, in Florida we do not typically see large attic spaces or basements. This is when Florida homeowners start turning to their garage.
Converting a garage to a living space is a heavily debated option for homeowners. With unpredictable Florida weather, it is nice to have somewhere to safely store your vehicle. Additionally, a garage acts as a storage space for lawn and yard equipment. If you do not use your garage for these purposes, then it may be fiscally more conservative for you to transform it into an extra living space. Keep in mind that this would include adding extra plumbing, electrical, and an A/C unit as most garages do not offer, or are limited, on these systems.
Alternatives
If you just want to establish better flow and a grander living space in your home, and you do not require a whole new separate room, then you could always just reconfigure the layout of your home.
Pesky walls may be in the way of your living space and kitchen/dining room. Consider knocking these down to create the illusion of more space. If they happen to be a load-bearing wall, you can opt for a cutout or even pay a little extra to reinforce that area.
You can even enclose a patio that does not get a lot of use, get creative! The possibilities are endless.