Building a home addition is a great way to add space and features to your house without having to move to a new one. Although the construction process can be disruptive, the end result is worth the hassle. A new addition will not only make your home more beautiful, but it will also make it more valuable when it comes time to sell it. There are many options for home additions to fit your space and budget.

Build a Deck

A deck is a popular way to add to the value of a home. A new deck should have enough space to entertain a small group outside. It should also provide room for a good-sized grill. There will be many family memories created during summer cookouts, which is just one of the many benefits of owning a deck. In addition, the deck should be made of a quality material. Wood decks give you a classic look but require occasional weatherproofing. Composite materials are less traditional but will last longer in the elements. To expand the usable outdoor space, you can build your deck in conjunction with a stone patio.

Add a Garage or Expand the One You Have

If you want to improve your home for a potential sale, adding or expanding a garage can be an important addition. In fact, not having a garage may significantly affect your ability to sell your home. A good-sized garage allows the homeowners to protect another important investment: their cars. If building from scratch, choose the type of garage that works best for your budget and property. However, you should try to build a structure that can hold at least two vehicles. You will also want to consider extra storage needs, such as whether you need space to stow a lawnmower or snowplow.

Add a Bedroom

Adding a bedroom to a house can be an excellent investment. When you add a spare bedroom, you will have extra space for guests or hobbies while you are living in the house. When it comes time to sell, the additional bedroom will put your house in a different category on the market because it adds value to your house. This can boost the price by a significant amount. One consideration when adding a bedroom is whether the additional value makes the price too high for the local housing market. After all, you do not want your investment in construction to make your house more difficult to sell.

Add a Master Bath

A master bath with a large tub is a feature that many people are searching for in a new home. However, many older homes gave families a single bathroom for the entire second floor. The master bath offers space and privacy to the homeowners and eases morning bathroom congestion. Depending on the size of the room you have to work with, there are many features to consider such as double sinks, a separate shower, and extra storage space.

Build a Guesthouse

If you have a larger property, a small guesthouse can be a valuable addition. It does not need to be a large house. A small space with a bedroom and bathroom can be sufficient accommodation for a guest or two. This guesthouse gives you the possibility of added income by renting it out through an online rental service. It also might be used as a creative space, like an art, writing or music studio. A guesthouse can get very expensive if it needs to be heated, so it might be a better investment in a more temperate climate.

Build an Outdoor Firepit

An outdoor fire pit or brick oven can add a unique feature to your backyard landscape. A stone fire pit uses natural materials to provide a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a night under the stars. You can have all the joys of a campfire and still go to sleep in your comfortable bed. A brick oven will allow you to treat your guests to special events, like an outdoor pizza night. Be sure to check with your local fire department before constructing this feature as local burning rules vary from town to town.

Add a Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is always a popular addition to a home. An inground pool adds fun and value to your home. If you are constructing the pool as an investment, be sure to consider the needs of a variety of potential buyers. A pool that is primarily built for family play will have a different size and depth than a pool that is intended for lap-swimming. It’s also essential that you construct a safety fence around your pool. If you do not do this at the time of construction, it may be an unexpected cost at the time of sale.

Add a Laundry Room

In recent years, dedicated laundry rooms have become popular additions. These are typically the size of a large closet, providing space for a washer, dryer and extra storage. In most homes, the laundry machines are kept in a basement, requiring many trips up and down stairs to do the wash. In a separate laundry room, washing, drying and folding can all be done in a single, convenient space. Some families even set up a TV in the laundry room so people can watch their favorite shows while folding clothes.

Add a Screened-in Porch

A screened-in porch is a lovely addition for people who enjoy life outdoors without the bother of mosquitos and other pests. When you place this addition, consider how the breeze typically hits your house. There is nothing like spending a summer afternoon with a cold drink and a slight breeze blowing through the screens. Also, consider where the sun hits your home at dawn and dusk. You want to minimize the amount of time that the sun will shine directly into the porch.  Invest in outdoor furniture that suits the style of your home, and you’ll be well on your way to basking in the great outdoors. A porch is a wonderful place for a pest-free picnic, morning meditation or afternoon reading session. This is a relatively low-cost addition that will make your home stand out among similar houses on the market.

Final Thoughts

Building an addition to your home is a great way to boost home value and make your space more livable. No matter the addition to you choose to build, make sure that you have taken steps to hire a reputable contractor. Take time to interview contractors before starting the project to ensure they understand your vision for your property. Ask specific questions about their experience and how they plan to protect your property during construction. This will give you greater peace of mind once the project moves forward, and you will be more likely to get better results. 

There are many things to consider when adding to your home. A well-built addition will improve your quality of life while you live in the house. Later on, it will improve your price when it comes time to sell your house.