Expanding Your Living Space with a Room Addition

by Gabby Hyman

Have you outgrown your living space? Are you considering upgrading your existing home to increase resale value? Both are solid reasons for a room addition. A nationwide survey conducted last year shows that you can recoup a substantial percentage of your room addition costs in increased home value, whether you're planning a minor facelift or mid-range improvement. Even if you're not selling your home you'll still appreciate the extra breathing room.

Family room additions are a popular choice because homeowners can redecorate them and change their purpose as their family grows. What begins as a den or entertainment center can become a hobby room or home office when the children move away.

Up or Out?
Many homeowners prefer adding rooms on the ground level to making second-story additions. If there's space on your lot, adding a new bathroom, bedroom, or family room to the ground floor makes more sense than a second-story project which can stress or weaken foundations, footings, or weatherproofing elements. In addition, one-story homes fare better in many housing markets at resale time--not everyone likes stairs.

Adding Advantages: Benefits of a Room Addition
If you're already cramped, you'll gain immediate benefits from building a room addition. When planning an addition for the kitchen area, consider how much space you'll need and what you want-- a new breakfast nook, preparation/cooking island, walk-through pantry, homework table, or laundry closet. Bear in mind the obvious benefits of combining an expanded kitchen with a family room or dining room addition. Both rooms are begun at the same time and completed together, saving the headache of disrupting your living situation twice, and eliminating duplicate costs for re-wiring, drywall, and painting.

Lifestyle Considerations
Adding a bathroom can do more than boost resale value. If you're already fighting with teenagers for time in a single bathroom, a new one can make all the difference in family relations. For parents it may mean a private bath or spa getaway from a hectic schedule. Some families add bathrooms for guests, combining them with a new bedroom expansion. Room addition planning shouldn't be overwhelming, and the choice to expand could be a very smart decision. Not only can you enhance your lifestyle right now but you may add to the eventual resale value of your home. And you can avoid the hassle and expense of selling, buying, and moving just to get more space.

Source:
2007 Cost vs. Value Report
Realtor.org
Remodeling Magazine

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.