Are you feeling cramped in your current living space? Do you dream of having an extra bedroom or a dedicated family room? Adding a room to your house can be a great way to create more living space and make your home more livable and enjoyable.

How to Add a Room to a House

The cost of a room addition can quickly add up, leaving many homeowners feeling discouraged. In this post, we’ll explore how to add a room to your house on a budget while still getting the functional space you need.

Bump out addition

A bump out addition is a type of room addition that involves expanding the footprint of an existing room by adding a small, but strategically placed, extension. Bump outs can be a cost-effective way to add more living space to your home, without the expense of a full room addition.

Bump outs can be used to create a larger kitchen, a larger bathroom, or a walk-in closet, and they can be customized to meet your specific needs. Because bump outs require less structural work than a full room addition, they can be completed more quickly and with less disruption to your daily routine. However, it’s important to work with a professional contractor to ensure that your additional room is structurally sound and meets local building codes.

Finish your basement space

Basements are common in some parts of the US and represent a great opportunity to add finished square footage without actually doing an addition.  If you have a basement and want to add square footage, this is definitely the first option to explore. You can definitely save money finishing a basement versus doing a bump out.

Add a dormer to your attic

Adding an attic dormer can be a great way to add extra living space to your home. An attic dormer is a structural addition to your roofline that allows you to expand your attic space into a fully livable and functional room. Dormers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can customize the design to fit your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Attic dormer room additions can be used for bedrooms, home offices, playrooms, or any other type of living space.

They can also add natural light to your home, which can make the space feel brighter and more inviting. Before adding an attic dormer, it’s important to work with a professional contractor to ensure that the project is feasible and that all building codes are met. With the right design and construction, an attic dormer room addition can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home.

Tips for an Addition and Adding Living Space

Focus on Square Footage

Adding square footage to your home can increase the overall living space and provide room for a new functional room. It’s important to remember that more square footage doesn’t necessarily mean more living space. Before adding a new room to your home, consider whether it will add to your living space or just increase the size of your home.

Convert an Existing Room

One of the most affordable ways to add a room to your house is to convert an existing space. If you have an unfinished basement or an underutilized room, you can transform it into a livable and enjoyable space. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can turn a basement into a family room or a laundry room, or a spare bedroom into a walk-in closet or home office.

Make it a Livable and Enjoyable Space

When adding a new room to your home, focus on creating a space that is both livable and enjoyable. This means choosing colors, furniture, and decor that make you feel comfortable and happy. You can also add features like built-in storage or a fireplace to make the space even more functional and inviting.

Consider a Family Room

If you’re looking for more living space, a family room can be a great option. This type of room is perfect for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. It can also be used for entertaining guests, watching movies, or playing games. A family room can be added to your home by converting an existing room, such as a formal dining room, or by building an addition onto your house.

Consider Adding a Laundry Room

If you’re struggling with limited storage space or an awkward laundry setup, adding a laundry room can be a game-changer. A laundry room can be added to your home by converting an existing space, such as a mudroom or utility room, or by building an addition onto your house. A functional laundry room can also increase the resale value of your home.

Think About Resale Value

When adding a new room to your home, it’s important to consider the resale value. While you may not be thinking about selling your home now, it’s always a good idea to think about the future. Adding a functional room, like a family room or a bedroom, can increase the resale value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Focus on Storage Space

One of the most important aspects of any new room addition is storage space. Adding built-in storage, like shelves, cabinets, or a walk-in closet, can make the room more functional and help keep clutter under control. Storage space can also increase the resale value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

In conclusion, adding a room to your house can be an affordable and effective way to create more living space for a growing family or for facilitating work from home.