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Whether you’re expecting twins or planning to host your in-laws for the holidays, there are many reasons why you might consider a home addition. When brainstorming with a remodeling contractor, the first decision you’ll need to make is where to put the new room or wing. If you’re not sure whether you should build up or out, use the following guide to make an informed decision.

Build Up

Some homeowners follow the urban planning standard and add height to their homes. However, you don’t have to turn your ranch house into a condominium—you can start small by adding a room over the garage or expanding a cramped attic into a functional living space with a standard ceiling height. One of the main advantages of building up is that you don’t have to use up precious square footage on your lot, so you can still enjoy that big backyard or patio area. Plus, you won’t have to deal with legal restrictions, such as allowing a certain amount of feet between your dwelling and your neighbor’s exterior wall.

On the other hand, your house may not have been built to withstand that much extra weight from above. Therefore, your contractor will likely have to reinforce the foundation and lower floors of your home. Also, some of your floor plan will be taken up by a stairwell. If you have family members or frequent guests with mobility issues, building up might not be the best option.

Build Out

remodelingThe other option is to expand the square footage of your home by building a new wing or pushing out an exterior wall to add a new bedroom, a larger kitchen, or a sunroom. While your contractor won’t have to add support to the existing foundation, they will have to excavate some of the landscape to add to the foundation. Once the slab is laid and the structure is built, they will have to build the new walls and extend the roof to meet them. 

When building out, you’ll have to be mindful of zoning restrictions to ensure your living space doesn’t encroach on your neighbor’s property. You’ll also want to consider how much of your yard or outdoor entertainment area to remove, especially if you have pets or children.

 

If you’re eager to renovate your home by building up or out, turn to Bernie Brothers of Kodiak, AK. This trusted team specializes in exterior finishing and remodeling, and they have over 30 years of experience catering to residential and commercial clients. Whether you’re interested in a home addition or new siding, call them at (907) 481-3900 to schedule a free estimate for your project.

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