Home additions can add value to your property, but are they worth the trouble? It may seem easier to buy a larger home, but before you go through the headache of moving, consider what an addition can do for both your property value and quality of life.
If you want more space, or want to modernize, it’s often cheaper to improve the house you already have than it is to move, and the expenses are frequently recouped when you sell. However, a home addition takes careful planning, and there are many factors to consider when making your decision.
By the time we decide to take action on a space issue in our home, we’re typically at the end of our rope. Start by identifying what you know isn’t working with your home. That kitchen that seemed “cozy” when we first moved in now feels like a claustrophobic closet. That single bathroom wasn’t a problem when we were a couple, but now we have a couple of kids. Be honest with yourself about all the things that aren’t working. Are there more than you can count, or just a couple?
Next, consider what you love about your home. Many of us are sentimental about our neighborhoods, schools, and coffee shops. We’ve created memories we aren’t ready to leave behind. If there are enough things you love about your home and neighborhood, it’s worth looking into the cost of remodeling versus the cost of a new home. Of all the diverse homes and living situations we have helped with, only two of our clients have decided to move.
Often, there is a solution to make your existing home your dream home. Sometimes an expansion isn’t even required and rooms can be repurposed or reworked to optimize space. Remodeling can be intimidating, but hiring a skilled architect can help with making these decisions and getting the best bang for your buck. Home renovations will always be disruptive and messy–efficiency and quality is worth it.
Kitchen Expansions
Kitchens are often where our guests gather, where family members overlap, and where we start and finish our day–the center of everything. Most people are looking for more storage, space, and light to improve one of the busiest rooms in our home. Before building out, think about ways you can improve your existing space. Can a small pantry be absorbed or a small bedroom moved? Is there an unnecessary amount of doors that could be replaced for more counter space? Remodeling is like a puzzle, and staying within the existing structure will save the most money. If this isn’t an option, a small addition, or even a bump-out (adding a few feet without altering the foundation) can make a huge difference. Imagine: no more bumping elbows with your partner while preparing dinner!
Bathroom Additions
If you’re fighting your family for the shower every morning, adding another bathroom could be key to both your sanity and property value. Be careful of the cost of appliances and fixtures, which can add up quickly. An architect can work with you to get the best quality items within your budget. Trending items such as full marble shower stalls, exposed brass, darker color schemes, and automated fixtures can add a touch of luxury to your home.
Master Suites
A master suite addition is a chance to design your own personal space from the ground up. Greater floor area with partial divisions, expanded closets and storage, a luxurious private bathroom, and bigger windows letting in natural light can increase property value. A customized bathroom for you and your partner, with double sinks or a double shower, can improve quality of life. It’s not always about size, sometimes it’s about adding special details, like a fireplace, a private porch, or even a Juliette balcony. A master suite should be a place to retreat to and equally as beautiful and relaxing as it is functional.
While in progress, these projects will be disruptive. Families will have to live with noise and mess, and loans will often need to be taken to cover expenses. However, in the long run, the main question to consider is if the new additions add value, both to the property and to your life. If the answer is yes, the initial inconvenience is probably worth it.
