Creating a Home Addition: Should You Build Up or Out?

Home additions can be a great way to allow your home to grow along with your family. Whether you need more bedrooms for the kids or want to add an office or recreation space, there will be many decisions for you to make regarding construction. One factor to consider is whether you should build up or out, and while this choice will depend on your budget and preference to some degree, there are other ways to decide as well.

 

When it comes to building up vs. building out, one factor you can consider is how much room you have to expand. If you don’t have a lot of acreage around your home, then you may want to consider building up. An experienced renovation contractor can help you decide if a first-floor addition is possible, given the existing space available.

 

If you want to disturb your home as little as possible during a renovation, then you should consider building out. Expanding outward typically means a simpler type of construction and less stress on the home’s existing foundation. If you plan to remain in the home while the addition is being built, then building outward may allow you to do so more easily, especially if your master bedroom is on the second floor.

 

Building an addition can be a challenge if you have limited space, but even a few feet can be utilized if you build out. Consider adding U or L-shaped additions that hang off the side of an existing wall. These additions, which are known as bump-outs, might allow you to add new showers and bathtubs to a bathroom or additional cabinet space to your kitchen.

 

Whether you decide to build up or out, you may have more options than you thought possible when it comes to home additions. Be sure to ask your contractor which may be best for your individual budget and home style.