Get the right home addition

When we think of a home addition, most people think of expanding the ground floor of a home and building outward. While most additions increase the footprint of the ground level, many projects may also work by expanding your home vertically.

Building Out Home Addition

Horizontal additions are used for expanding a kitchen or dining room, adding a family or sunroom, or for additions in one-story homes. These are often chosen because they involve the least disruption of existing space, and if your addition is small enough, you may be able to do a “bump out” and avoid any foundation work.

There are some disadvantages to building out. By expanding the footprint of your home, you will lose some of your yard. You also may need a zoning variance if you are near a neighbor’s property. Some towns also have a Floor-Area-Ratio rating, which dictates what proportion of a lot you can build.

Building Up Home Addition

You can add another story to a one or two story home by expanding the top floor using large dormers in a pitched roof. Depending on the structure of your home, it is also possible to add living space above an existing garage or a one-story wing.

Building up is a good choice if you don’t want to lose any of your backyard space, or risk zoning restrictions. Before you choose to build up, keep in mind that certain towns may have a limit on how tall houses can be. If you are adding another level to your home, you’ll need to make room for a stairwell, which can eat into your existing living space.

How to choose

There are many possibilities for home additions. If you need help planning or choosing which type of addition is right for you, Allen Keith Construction Company can help. We will guide you through every step of the process, so you are comfortable and satisfied with the results. Contact us for more information.