Home Addition: Building Out vs Building Up

Building Out vs. Building Up

When considering your home addition project, there are several factors to consider before starting the project. At 3Rivers General Contracting, we ask the following questions before starting a project to determine the best solution for our clients:

How would you design the house if it was a new construction?

It is difficult to view the potential in a house when there are preexisting walls and windows. You need to look past your existing home and image what could be in place if you were to start fresh. Every household has its own needs, and those needs change as a family grows and ages. Families get larger, kids get older, and hobbies change. A home renovation will customize your home to fit the lifestyle and needs of your ever-changing family. Maybe your home needs a new bedroom to accommodate twins. Maybe your family enjoys relaxing by the pool and you want to enjoy a pool house. Whatever the reason, it is your home, so you should design it how you like.

How will your new addition add value to your home?

People start home additions for different reasons, but common reasons include growing families, changing lifestyles, and investing in the resale of the home. The financial benefit of raising your property value should not be overlooked when considering a home addition. A simple home remodeling project will increase curb appeal by improving the look of the home and attract more buyers. Ultimately, your home renovation will give you a return on your investment.

What is your home addition budget?

Home additions typically cost more than a home remodeling project, so it is important to understand what you are looking to accomplish and how much you are willing to spend. However, a large construction cost should not deter you from the home addition. If you really want the new addition and added value to your home, the cost of the project should not change your mind.

What are the zoning restrictions?

Most municipalities have restrictions on where and what you can build, which includes home additions. There are often restrictions on how high a building can be, how close to a property line you can build, and other various ordinances. The best thing to do is work with a licensed and insured general contractor who is educated in your area’s laws and regulations. In the Greater Pittsburgh Area, you can trust 3Rivers General Contracting to do their due diligence with your home addition project.

Does the home addition fit the design of the house?

You will want to think about how the addition will affect the overall look of the house. How does the material match the existing home? Does the exterior addition look like it belongs? Does the interior design match the rest of the home’s aesthetic? Working with a trusted general contractor will help in creating the best plan to blend your current home and new addition.

Chris Essey