Let's talk additions! When you say Home Addition, most people immediately think, “There goes my backyard.” This may not be true. There can be other options. Such as, if you have an unfinished basement to convert, or an unfinished attic. Sometimes maybe the decision is made to go “up”, and add a second story all together.
Every house and property are unique and specific for its location and area that it is located in. Some things to consider is with going “up” or “out”. Does the neighborhood you live in allow for 2 story homes? Does the area have height restrictions? These are a couple of questions for going “up”. When going “out”, the first question should be set-backs. How far away does your house need to be from your property line? This information is generally fairly easy to find out. Sometimes a simple phone call to your local building permit office is all you need. Tell them your address and they will tell you right over the phone how far away from the back, sides, or front you’ll need to stay. If you're handy at navigating your local government website, you may also be able to find this information there.
Once you determine what you're looking for in the additional space you need, then going “up” or “out” may be easier to decide. Such as, if you're looking to add on for an aging mother or father. Going “up” probably isn’t a good idea with the need for them to use stairs. While going “out” typically allows a way to obtain the space without stairs.
Typically the next subject that pops up is money! How much is it going to cost vs adding resale value. Depending on what kind of addition you're wanting to do, the national average for additions can run between $80 and $200 dollars a square foot, but in some more expensive parts of the country this can go up to $300 + dollars a square foot. You would need to determine the neighborhood you live in and the comparable houses in the area, and how they price out to determine if it would be worth it. Sometimes the need outweighs the price, such as if you “need” to move a parent back in with you to take care of them.
These decisions all can be made a lot easier with the help of professionals. A good designer or architect should have an idea of what things cost, as their drawing. You don’t want a designer or architect to “over design” your project from your budget. It’s also recommended to find a designer or architect that has been in the residential remodeling world. Remodeling is a totally different world than new constructions.
So just remember, you don’t always have to lose your yard to add on to your house. Find a good designer such as Residential Remodeling Designs to get started helping you figure it all out.