When you first bought or built your home, you may have loved everything about it. After some time, though, wants and needs may change. Luckily, there are several ways you can add to your existing home or shop to make it perfect for your lifestyle. Before you jump into any renovations or additions, however, it’s important to ask yourself a few key questions:
- What is your home missing that you or your family may need now or that you will need in the future?
- Can you afford everything you want to accomplish, or will the projects need to be split up into manageable pieces?
- Will these changes add value to your home?
Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to begin mapping out your renovations. Here are some of our favorite home addition ideas to spark your imagination for your next home improvement project.
Sunroom or Porch
There are several ways to add functionality to your home. One way is to create a four-season sunroom. This can be the perfect space to dedicate as a play area for kids and grandkids. Alternatively, you could move your office out of the spare bedroom into this space, leaving that bedroom available for overnight guests and giving you productive workspace with an abundance of natural light. A screened or covered porch can boost your home’s curb appeal while providing a comfortable space to enjoy your morning coffee or a shady spot for a cool drink on a warm summer afternoon.
Office Space
Even if you do not work from home, a dedicated office can keep your family’s important documents and technology organized and private. Build bookshelves, frame your children’s or grandchildren’s artwork, and create a quiet, comfortable space for reading, doing creative work, or attending to personal business.
You could conserve living space inside your home by locating your office in a garage or hobby shop. This can result in fewer distractions from other household members so you can stay focused and get more done. Renovating your garage or shop to accommodate a comfortable office can also increase your home’s value with renovation of the flooring, insulation, and lighting.
Second Level
If you simply need more space inside your home, consider building up rather than out. This lets you conserve land for other uses like gardening, recreation, or outdoor living spaces. The main floor is an ideal spot for the primary bed and bathrooms, kitchen, living room, and the second level could house additional bedrooms and bathrooms or guest suites. While this option is more labor intensive and costly than simply adding a room or two to the main level, the value it adds could be worth the work.
If adding a second level to your home isn’t a feasible option for you, consider adding a living space above your garage. Think of it like a studio apartment. You can use it for guests, as a rental, or for an adult child who’s ready to leave the nest but struggling to afford a place of their own.
Garage or Workshop
If you don’t have an attached garage, adding one can add both functionality and value to your home. A garage provides a safe space for your vehicles, bicycles, lawn care machinery, outdoor grills, and patio furniture when they are not in use. This helps keep your belongings in top shape and extends their life over leaving them outside.
Additional Bathroom s
If you do not have a primary suite, treat yourself to a full bathroom connected to your bedroom! This gives you privacy and a relaxing safe haven that’s off limits to others. If you already have a primary suite, considering adding a half bathroom on the main level near the kitchen for family and friends to use when you are entertaining.
Guest House
If you have the available land, consider building a brand new outbuilding on your property especially for your guests. It could generate income as an apartment or vacation rental, or you could keep it ready for your friends and family. A path connecting the guest house and main house can make coming and going simple and easy. Guests will have their privacy, and you can keep your home to yourself at night!
Changes like these can be exciting, but it is important to have the proper financing in place and consult with a general trusted contractor for best results. Pro-Line can help you manage all the moving parts of the construction process while making the most of your budget to achieve your goals. You can find more home renovation tips on our blog!
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