4 Types of House Additions to Add More Space 

While it’s one of the largest and lengthiest renovation projects you can take on, a home addition is well worth the effort and the investment. Additions are by far the best renovation project for adding space if you don’t have the budget to tear down and rebuild. And depending on how far you take the project, it can also give you the feeling of having a “new” home in a house and neighbourhood you already love. Each of the four home additions described below has similar nuances with varying results based on which you choose, it depends on what you are looking to achieve within your budget.

Main Floor Addition or Rear Addition 

It’s as it sounds, a main floor addition or rear addition is a home renovation where we add a room or rooms to the existing house. Generally, for these types of projects, we would go out the back, side, or front and extend both the above ground structure (the house), as well as below ground structure (the foundation), to accommodate the new space. While it sounds like this would be a stand-alone “bump-out” as some call it, it’s a little more complicated than that as you will need to extend the foundation to support the new space. This requires permits and in some cases, committee of adjustment involvement. Also, as the new space needs to tie into all of the systems, the systems will need to be upgraded, and in some cases, changed altogether to work seamlessly with the home addition. And while all of this seems daunting, it isn’t with the right team in place walking with you through the process.

Second Floor Additions or Third Floor Addition

In this scenario, you are turning your bungalow or single story house into a second story house or a second story house into a third story house. This project is very similar to a main floor addition or rear addition in that all systems need to be updated to accommodate for the additional space. However, while some foundation work will likely need to take place, for the most part, it does not require a large dig. Similarly, you will require permits and possibly committee of adjustment involvement. But it’s worth the effort to get an entire new floor in your home, especially if you have an expanding household that needs extra space.

Garage Addition

This can either be a free-standing garage or a top-up of your attached garage. This seemingly unconventional structure to build or build onto is a real space getter at a sometimes lower price, depending on how far you go of course! Garages these days don’t have to be just a place where you park your vehicle, a garage can be turned into an extra bathroom, workout room, second-floor laundry room, a studio, an office, and even a guest suite. Because this project doesn’t need an extension of the foundation it helps save on the build. However, you will likely need to bring services to it or extend the services that are already present to make the new space work. Similar to the previous home additions, this requires permits and depending on how far you want to take it, potential committee of adjustment involvement.

Three Seasoned Porch

Unlike all the other additions listed above, this project usually doesn’t require tying into systems or extending the foundation, and systems like plumbing and electrical may not be necessary depending on what’s already there. Essentially, this is a space that keeps you connected to the great outdoors without being exposed to the elements. It can be designed and built to look like an extension of the house, a greenhouse, or a covered deck, you are only limited by your imagination and budget.

So, whether you’re adding a room or adding an entire floor, home additions are a fantastic way to gain space in the home that you already love. And while it may seem like a mammoth project, it is manageable with the right team in place to help you through the process. These days with the real estate market breaking records regularly it’s usually a safe investment to put your hard-earned money into your biggest asset. Reach out today and start planning your home addition for 2022!

Love your home again

Dan is happy to meet with you, listen to your ideas and provide you with a free site quotation no matter where you are in the renovation decision process. No charge…with no pressure, no obligation and no strings attached. We promise. We simply want you to have all the information you need to make the best decisions related to your Simcoe Muskoka County home renovation or addition.

Dan Robinson
President
Dan Robinson Construction Management
705-294-0234

​Considering a home renovation or addition?

Whether you want more space for your growing family, or crave a space that reflects your vision better, Dan Robinson is here to help transform your dream into a reality.

Regardless of where you are in the process, contact us, and we’ll call to arrange a no-obligation consultation at your convenience. We will come to your home, discuss your vision and begin the process of helping you love your home again.