10 Home Addition Ideas to Add Square Footage
This is for informational purposes - always check with your permitted authority or regulatory body first.
Americans spent over $369 billion on home remodeling in 2021. Many homeowners want to add square footage to their homes, providing additional living, storage, and recreational areas. If you’re thinking about a home remodeling addition, here are our favorite home additions that can increase your square footage.
10 Best Home Addition Ideas to Increase Square Footage in Your Home
Here are the best ways to increase the square footage and value of your home:
1. Finish The Basement
If you live in an area where you can have a basement, basements are a fantastic way to increase your square footage because they can be half or even equal to your main floor square footage, averaging 400-1500 square feet.
The cost to finish a basement can be expensive. Even though the foundation and main walls are in, a lot of labor, permits, materials, and finishing work can cost between $3K-$34K. The beauty of this space is that you can create several rooms to make the space fit your family’s needs. You can also rent it out as a basement apartment for passive income.
2. Convert the Attic to a Bonus Room
Another space that doesn’t require a significant build is finishing the attic space and converting it into a bonus room. In order to be counted as additional square footage, at least half of the ceiling space must be at least seven feet. The attic must also connect to the home through a staircase. A bonus room is typically less than 70 square feet.
While converting the attic is a more affordable option for adding square footage, you need to be aware that not all states recognize bonus rooms as added square footage when it comes to resale. You’ll want to check your local government requirements to see if your bonus room can be counted toward the overall square footage of the home.
Related Link: What Are the Steps to Renovating a House?
3. Build a Bump-out Addition
A bump-out addition extends a room of the house by a 2-15 ft. Bump-outs don’t require foundation work or a roof, saving you up to 30% in costs compared to a conventional addition. The square footage for this depends on the room's size and shape. Many homeowners choose a bump-out when expanding a bathroom, window nook, closet, or kitchen.
4. Breakfast Nook for the Kitchen
You can extend your kitchen by adding a breakfast nook. This is traditionally a conventional addition, but some can use a bump out to create a nook. This space not only gives you about 70 square feet but also provides more eating and entertaining space in your kitchen. Kitchen remodels can cost between $46K-$60K, but you typically recoup this cost when you sell.
5. Expand a Bathroom
You can expand your bathroom using a conventional addition or a bump-out. The expansion will depend on how many feet you choose to extend the bathroom. The cost of doing a bathroom expansion can range from $5K-$35K depending on the size, shape, and customization of the build-out.
6. Add a Mudroom
You can add a mudroom by building a conventional addition or a bump-out. A mudroom is a huge selling feature because it provides storage and organization for high-traffic areas in your home. A mudroom typically adds about 50 square feet to your home. Building a mudroom may cost you up to $16K.
Related Link: My Site Plan Frequently Asked Questions
7. Convert a Patio or Porch into a Sunroom
Another way to easily add square footage is to convert a patio or porch into a sunroom by enclosing the porch or patio with enclosed walls that can be accessed from inside the home. A sunroom can add between 80 – 320 square feet. The cost to convert can run between $8K-$25K depending on the size and shape of the sunroom.
8. Bonus Room Over the Garage
Bonus rooms or mother-in-law suites over your garage are a great way to expand your square footage while leveraging the existing foundation. A bonus room above the garage is typically 400 sq ft. But this more expensive expansion can cost about $35 per square foot. You may have to get building permits and follow strict zoning and building codes as well.
9. Dormer for Your Attic
An Attic dormer can expand your attic, add more light, and make the home look larger and more appealing. A dormer adds about 30 square feet to your attic space. You can use professional installation or install it yourself, making it a fairly affordable home addition option. If you choose professional installation, it can cost you between $12K-$70K.
10. Convert the Garage into an Extra Room
You can easily convert this large space into an extra room if you have an attached garage. A converted garage adds between 400 -720 square feet to your home. While a garage is part of your home, it isn’t included in the square footage unless it is used for something other than a garage.
You can use this space to create a home gym, workshop, art studio, craft room, or guest bedroom. Converting your garage typically costs between $5K-$24K, and you recoup about 80% of the cost when you sell.
Related Link: I Want to Renovate My House? Where Do I Start?
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the typical zoning considerations for a bump-out addition? | Zoning considerations for a bump-out addition vary by locality but typically involve setback requirements, height restrictions, and property line considerations. Check local regulations. |
| How can I determine if my attic can structurally support a bonus room conversion? | Consulting a structural engineer or an experienced contractor is advisable to assess if your attic can support a bonus room conversion, considering the weight of additional materials and usage. |
| What factors influence the resale value added by converting a patio into a sunroom? | Factors include the quality of construction, the integration of the sunroom with the rest of the house, regional climate, and local market preferences. A well-built, aesthetically pleasing sunroom generally adds more value. |
| Are there any energy efficiency considerations when finishing a basement? | Yes, proper insulation, moisture control, and efficient heating/cooling systems are crucial in basements to prevent energy loss and ensure comfortable living conditions. Energy-efficient windows and doors are also recommended. |
| What permits might be required for converting a garage into a living space? | Building permits are generally required, and the project might need to meet specific building codes related to fire safety, ventilation, and insulation. Always check with your local building authority. |
| How long does a typical home addition project take to complete? | The duration varies based on the scope of the project. Finishing a basement or converting a garage can take 4-8 weeks, while more extensive additions like sunrooms or second-story additions might take 2-4 months. |
| What are the potential tax implications of adding square footage to my home? | Increasing your home's square footage can raise your property's assessed value, potentially leading to higher property taxes. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific implications. |
- Ryan Crownholm
