Often times when we are asked to renovate a home, it’s because there is a need for more space, or an alteration is needed to make the space more useable within the household.
The most common examples of space increases are typically the following:
- The addition of more living space in the living areas of the home
- A larger kitchen space
- A larger master ensuite
- A larger family entrance, or mud room
The easiest way to typically accomplish this within the existing home is by doing an addition of space on the main floor, or by adding a second floor to an existing bungalow. This can often be a scary thought to many homeowners because it can seem daunting. However, an addition can be a smart way to stay in the home or location that you love while creating the home you desire.
Let’s look at the options for increasing space on your current home.
Main Floor Addition
A main floor addition is most often used when critical space in a specific area can solve the problem. For example, if you need more family space in your living room and kitchen, adding a small amount of space in this area will allow you to restructure your existing floor plan and make a relativity small space addition feel like a completely different home.
This generally applies to some of the other common spaces people want to expand; more specifically the mud room (or laundry room) and the master ensuite.
When homes were built prior to the 1990s, they typically didn’t have these features incorporated into the design. As families become familiar with what is now common features in new homes, there is an increasing movement to have these same features in older homes. As such, this is typically where renovation additions are required.
Some of the advantages in choosing an addition is that it is a relatively affordable way to add space. For the most part, the homeowners can usually live in the home while the addition is being constructed, which reduces moving costs and temporary rent expenses.
However, there are still some key considerations to address with your contractor. First is your new roof and determining how your contractor will tie your new roof into your existing roof. Second, and something that is often forgotten, is determining how you will heat your new space. Your existing furnace is most likely sized based on the volume of your old space, so if you are adding space you may need a larger furnace to heat the extra space. Finally, when considering extra space, it is critical in the design phase to ensure that your committed development office allows you to add an addition to where you would like. Your contractor should be aware of the permits required and help get this all sorted properly in advance.
BEFORE an Addition to the Main Floor on this Sherwood Park Home
AFTER the addition to the main floor. Note the extra window and section on the left of the home.
Second Floor Additions
Second floor additions offer many advantages if you’re looking for a great deal more space, or if there is no more available space to expand horizontally. In a recent example we just completed, the homeowners needed more living space on the main floor, so we moved all the bedrooms to the second floor, giving us the opportunity to completely redesign the main floor.
Also, second floor additions typically have to span the entire first floor, and most second floors in any house are usually dedicated to the bedrooms. As such, if the existing main floor structure can be used, this form of renovation can be very economical when looking at it from a total cost versus total new square foot.
However, second floor additions can be much more difficult to live through because in virtually all cases the roof has to come off at some point. As long as this is planned for, the result can be very practical and can allow for a much greater opportunity to redesign the look of the home.
BEFORE a basic bungalow with a sound foundation and starting structure.
DURING the second floor addition building up from the original main floor.
AFTER the second floor addition – a totally different home that added space and functionality while saving on costs by building up from the existing structure.
Regardless of which style of addition you may be thinking about, make sure that the end result fits your family’s needs. Renovations are generally harder to estimate the cost of than a new home build unless your contractor or drafter has developed a detailed “as built” set of plans showing how your home is currently put together in detail.
From this point, pricing can proceed just like a new home and cost assurance can be determined.
While living through a renovation is always somewhat of an inconvenience, it is critical to develop a plan with your contractor on how they can help you to live in the middle of your renovation. Temporary bathrooms and kitchens are great ways to let you “live” while your home is being renovated. Air cleaners/filters and the creation of a dust free zone can also go a long way in giving you a sense of normalcy while living in a renovation.
Finally, insist on having your home left clean and safe from hazards at the end of every work day. It’s something small for your construction crew to take care of, but will help you get through the construction experience much more easily.