Sunrooms and More: A Guide to Additions for Your Home

Like life, it gets to a point where we need to revamp ourselves by doing something different to look or feel good. The same applies to our living spaces. Most homeowners get to a point where they think they need to make some changes to the “normal home look” that has always existed. We present this guide to additions for your home to help you view the whole picture accurately.

Photo of a sunroom addition - Sunrooms and More: A Guide to Additions for Your Home
Sunrooms are a great way to expand the footprint of your living space. | Image by Kimberly Montgomery

A Guide to Additions for Your Home

Unlike what most think, these additions don’t have to be exhaustive. It could be a simple replacement of curtains with some window blinds. However, large home additions require proper planning and multiple considerations, especially large renovations that add value to your home. Listed below are the six things to think about before doing that home addition.

1. Is the Timing Right?

Everyone has unique reasons as to why they need a revamp to their living spaces. It may be based on personalities, family, the latest trend, or peer pressure. However, it would be selfish to only do it for yourself and not consider the ones you’re sharing the house with. For example, some additions may require you to relocate temporarily till the whole project is done. 

For sure, your home may need a revamp, but the timing may not be suitable. Ask yourself these essential questions:

  • What’s your family’s opinion?
  • Will it affect your family? Will they need to relocate?
  • Is it necessary?
  • Does the addition add any value to your home?

If you have already discussed these things and agreed on everything, you can know when to start this project.

2. Available Home Additions

The desired home additions vary from individual to individual, and they can either be big or small. Some significant home additions include adding a swimming pool, a sunroom, an extra living room, or even a sauna. If you love reading, a library is a superb home addition to consider. 

Ask any home remodeling contractor, and they will tell you that an addition, while still a significant expense, can add amazing value to your home. For instance, you could add a bathroom to the main floor or expand the living space. These types of additions are highly sought after, and home appraisers will recognize the value.

3. The Team to Hire

To have a successful home addition, you will need to hire a professional addition contractor for your project. A contractor will ensure the project runs safely, but they will advise accordingly on everything required for your project. These would range from size, building permits, overlooking the project, advice on materials, etc. Safety should be your priority in the long run. 

A contractor also ensures the project does not stall and that it is as organized as possible. Relying on amateurs may cost you much more money in the long run or other safety concerns in which you will have yourself to blame. If you’re confused about who to choose for the project, look for reviews online and get a recommendation from your trusted real estate pro. Especially valuable is speaking with the people who worked with the contractor.

4. Available Space

No guide to additions for your home would be thorough without considering available space. At times, homeowners may want an extensive home addition, but there’s simply no room for it to happen.

For example, you may want an indoor swimming pool, but the design, structure, and space limit that. If you want that specific addition to your home and have some available outdoor space, then have it outside. Eventually, it may be even bigger and better than you expected. 

Maybe you want a simple garage added to your home for extra storage space or to keep your cars safe. This doesn’t have to be large, but if your home cannot accommodate another, or it can’t be attached specifically to it, then you can always look at having one installed partially away from your home but on your own grounds. You’ll be set as long as you get the right professionals in to build the structure and put down the correct garage flooring.

5. Your Budget

Home additions are certainly not cheap and thus need lots of proper planning. Here’s a post by Ownerly that focuses on how much a home addition might cost.

Staying on budget is critical. Based on all the factors discussed above, your contractor should be able to give you a rough estimate to get the whole project done.

Also, you need to have an extra amount in case of additional expenses that may arise during the project. Everyone needs a financial boost once in a while; therefore, you don’t have to settle for less just because your finances limit you. 

There are numerous financing options to help you build your dream home without much stress. The project’s complexity will determine how much you use, so ensure that you keep your finances in check before you start the project.

6. Final Declutter Process

During any home addition, there’s bound to be clutter all over during the process. It may be challenging to deal with all the mess as a family once the whole project is done. The construction workers may not be best suited to this work for you. Therefore, you may eventually need to hire a decluttering company to clear up all the dirt or tackle it yourself. 

At least they will handle all of this professionally, and they will ensure that your assets are safe, and eventually, you will be left with a clean and almost new home to enjoy. While planning your budget, do not forget to add this to it. 

As discussed above, it’s essential to set your priorities straight when thinking of a home addition. Eventually, a home addition not only enhances your home’s look but also boosts your home’s value. Go for it! We hope our guide to additions for your home will get you psyched about what could be.

Tre Pryor, Realtor

Tre Pryor is the leading real estate expert in the city of Louisville. He is a multi-million dollar producer and consistently ranks in the top 1% of Louisville Realtors for homes sold. Tre Pryor has the highest possible rating—5.0 stars on Google—by his clients and is routinely interviewed by the local NBC news. Tre Pryor is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.