Expanding your home through a well-planned addition is an exciting change that improves your home in multiple ways. Before you dive in, you probably have questions and uncertainties about the process. Let’s put some of those uncertainties to ease.
Below, we’ll address some of the most common questions we hear about building a home addition. Our goal is to provide enough information to help you navigate this life-changing project with confidence and clarity.
Question: Which room additions add the most value to a home?
Answer: Any amount of new square footage is going to add value to your home, but certain rooms are more valuable than others. The type of additions that add the most value include:
- Kitchen bump-outs: By expanding it with an addition (and a full remodel), you’ll have more room for cooking, gathering, and cleaning up. A kitchen expansion will get you an ROI of at least 80%.
- Second story addition: Even though this type of addition is more complex than other types, it can double your square footage and add a ton of appeal to homebuyers. You can expect an ROI of about 65% for a full two-story addition.
- Primary suite addition: Adding a primary suite that includes a large primary bathroom and walk-in closet is not only a functional and smart choice for day-to-day living, it’s a good investment. This type of addition brings, on average, a 63% return.
Q: How much does a home addition cost?
A: The cost of a home addition varies based on several factors, including the size of the addition, materials used, and complexity of the project.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range bathroom addition in 2023 costs, on average, $57.090 with a 30.2% return on investment. On average, a mid-range primary suite addition costs $157,855 with a 30% ROI. Remember these are general estimates — you should consult a reputable contractor or home remodeling company for a detailed cost assessment that’s specific to your project.
Q: Do I need a permit to build a home addition?
A: Permit requirements vary by location, but in most cases, a permit is required for building a home addition. Permits ensure that the construction meets safety and building code regulations. Consult with your local building department or a professional contractor to determine the specific permit requirements for your area.
Q: How long does it take to complete a home addition?
A: The duration of a home addition project depends on several factors, including the:
- Size of the addition
- Complexity of the design
- Weather conditions
Generally, smaller additions can take a few months to complete, while larger or more intricate projects can take several months or even up to a year. Try to establish a realistic timeline with your contractor, and make sure it includes enough time for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Q: Is it cheaper to add on or build up?
A: The cost-effectiveness of adding on versus building up varies based on individual circumstances. Adding on is a cost-effective option if you have ample space available on your property for a home addition, but it may require excavation, foundation work, and extending utilities, which can add to the overall cost.
Building up is sometimes more expensive than adding on due to the additional structural work required, such as reinforcing the existing foundation and supporting the new upper levels. But this option is best when there is limited space available on your property for a horizontal addition.
Q: What is the cheapest home addition?
A: The cost of any home addition depends on several factors, including local building codes, the complexity of the project, and the quality of materials chosen. While it’s challenging to determine the absolute cheapest home addition, there are a few options that tend to be more cost-effective:
- Bump-out addition: This is a cost-effective addition because expanding an existing room requires less extensive construction and foundation work compared to larger-scale additions.
- Sunroom addition: Depending on how much insulation and amenities you want, sunrooms can be designed as a more affordable alternative to traditional room additions.
- Garage conversion: Converting an existing garage into livable space is an affordable way to add square footage to your home. With insulation, flooring, and HVAC installation, a garage can be transformed into a functional room, such as a home office, guest suite, or additional living area.
Q: How do I choose a reputable contractor for my home addition?
A: Prioritize the below factors to ensure you choose a reliable, high-quality contractor:
- Research: Look for contractors with a strong reputation and experience in building home additions. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or trusted online review platforms.
- Credentials and insurance: Ensure the contractor holds the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance to perform the work safely and legally.
- Portfolio and references: Review their portfolio of completed projects to assess the quality of their workmanship. Request references and contact previous clients to inquire about their experience working with the contractor.
- Communication and collaboration: Choose a contractor who communicates effectively, listens to your needs, and collaborates with you throughout the project.
For more information, see how we help clients build home additions.
Home Additions in Columbus, Ohio
Dave Fox is an employee-owned company that makes our clients our number one priority. We design and build bathroom remodeling, renovation, and room addition projects for our clients in Central Ohio and deliver the best value through exceptional craftsmanship, excellent materials, and ethical business practices. Contact us today to learn more and sign up for our newsletter here!