5 Things to Consider When Deciding to Build a Home Addition or Teardown and Rebuild Your Innisfil Home
Innisfil – Simcoe Muskoka County homes have so much potential! Not only are they close to the hustle and bustle of the city, but they’re also surrounded by nature and small-town charm. If you’ve been in your home for a while and feel like you’ve outgrown it, there are so many options available to help you love your home again.
Of the more popular options in the quest for more space, there are usually two choices thrown around: Should you build a home addition? Or tear down and rebuild from the ground up? Before you decide, there are numerous factors to take into account.
Here are five things to consider when deciding to build a home addition or teardown and rebuild your Innisfil home…
1. How long do you plan on staying in your home?
The first thing you could ask yourself is: how long do you see yourself living in your current home?
If you love your neighbourhood and believe you will stay in your home long-term, then building your dream home from scratch is the perfect way to incorporate all of the functionality you need now, in the future and in your own personal style. Making this kind of investment in your home benefits you and your family for years to come.
If you think you just need an extra bedroom, bathroom, or maybe a larger kitchen to get by for the next few years, an addition could be the right choice. Building an addition to your current home can add more space without the commitment of undergoing a teardown and rebuild, and you may be able to live there while it takes place. Popular addition ideas to expand your Innisfil home include: adding a second story, adding a third story, adding a garage addition (attached or detached), and adding a rear addition with a full gut.
2. What is the condition of your home?
How structurally sound is your home?
If you are considering adding an extra floor, you must ensure the existing structure can handle the weight of new structures. If your home has a poor foundation that is in need of repairs or is of considerable age, it may not be advisable to burden it by adding an extra floor.
The same concerns apply if your house is built on a crawlspace because these foundations were never intended for multiple levels above grade. In such cases, it may be more efficient to tear down the structure and build a new house that is structurally sound with all of the amenities and features you need for your family home.
3. What zoning restrictions are you facing?
Before anything can be torn down or built, you need to consider the zoning laws and restrictions that apply to your Innisfil property. There may be restrictions around the footprint that a structure is allowed to encompass on a particular property.
Your home’s footprint or gross footage area (GFA) is the amount of space the structure takes up in relation to the size of the lot. Often, the ratio should not exceed 50%. A builder and architect should be able to answer these questions for you before you start applying for building permits.
If you’re unable to build out, it’s not over yet, you might be able to build up instead. Adding a second or third floor to your home gives you more space without expanding your footprint. However, zoning restrictions apply to how high you can build, so instead of that second and third story, you may only be able to add a second story to your bungalow. This is something to keep in mind while planning for your project.
4. Are you prepared to live without your house while it’s being rebuilt?
Tearing down your house for a rebuild is a lot to consider, logistically. You will need to move out and live somewhere else for months while construction takes place.
If you have small children, pets, or elderly folks in your household, you will have to accommodate their needs and space requirements as well. Before you consider tearing down your house, ask yourself if you are prepared to make alternative arrangements for accommodations.
5. Do you really need to teardown and rebuild, or would building a home addition solve your problem?
Tearing down your home and rebuilding a new one is one of the most ambitious projects you can take on, and sometimes, there is no other way to get the home of your dreams. However, building an addition may be just what your home needs. Home additions are incredibly versatile and can dramatically change a space.
For example, you can build out and expand an attic space for a new bedroom or studio, you can build a granny or in-law suite with its own separate entrance for privacy, you can add a rear addition and get the chef’s kitchen you’ve always wanted with a walkout to a back deck for the ultimate dining and entertaining experience, add a second floor and get three extra bedrooms and a bathroom or two.
Truly, the possibilities are only limited to your imagination and budget!
If you’re contemplating a teardown and rebuild of your Innisfil home or curious about the possibility of building a home addition, we encourage you to get in touch with us. As a seasoned home renovation expert, we’re here to offer you a professional opinion and assist you with any questions you may have.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!
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.
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 Innisfil, Simcoe County home renovation or addition.