If your family is expanding, you’re renovating a new home, or a relative is moving in with you, you might want to add on to your current space. When you do, you’ll have to decide between building out onto your property or building up on top of your existing structure. While either home addition is feasible, they both have benefits and drawbacks.

Building Up

This option is ideal if you don’t have much space to expand into your yard or surrounding property. This is particularly applicable if you’re adding on because of a growing family; you’ll want enough yard space for your children to play. Building up can also be more affordable because you don’t have to pour a new section of foundation, but additional home supports might need to be added, which can interrupt your everyday life. Additionally, the zoning and permit process for building up may be more extensive and can be untenable if you live in an area with lots of building restrictions by a homeowners association.

Building Out

This option is ideal if you have a spacious property and are willing to spend a little bit more. Most of the work can be done without intruding into your home, so while there might be some inconvenient noise, you won’t have to restructure your life around the structural addition. However, you might need to check the zoning requirements to make sure you’re adding on within a certain distance of your neighbor’s property. If you’re only making a small home addition such as a bathroom, you might be able to do a “bump out” that hangs off the side of the building and doesn’t require a new foundation.

Whether you decide going up or out is the best home addition for your needs, the contractors at ST Evans can help. Based in Fenton, MO, they serve the Greater St. Louis area with home addition, deck building, and siding needs. They can also repair or replace your roof. To learn more about expanding your home, visit them online. You can also call (314) 267-4064 to start a conversation about your project.