Home additions are a perfect way to expand the available space within your home without needing to move to a new location. Before you hire a custom builder to work on the project, however, you must first decide whether you want to build up or out. What you want and the nature of your property will determine whether a vertical or horizontal addition is the better fit.

What to Know About Horizontal Additions

Horizontal home additions are frequently used when homeowners wish to expand a currently existing space, such as a kitchen or living room. However, they can also be used to add an extra bedroom or bathroom to a property. Horizontal additions are a popular choice because they tend to be less disruptive to a family’s routine during remodeling work. Smaller “bump-out” additions may not even require any foundation work.

Building out will take up some of your yard space, however, which is an important trade-off to consider. You will need to double-check zoning laws and your city’s floor-to-area ratio rating to ensure that a larger ground floor doesn’t result in any violations.

What to Consider for Vertical Additions

Building up is an ideal solution when you want to add extra bedrooms and bathrooms, but your yard is too small to support a horizontal addition. One of the most common options is to add a new living area above a garage or porch. This allows you to preserve yard space for other future renovations — like a swimming pool. 

Keep in mind, however, that vertical additions can be more disruptive to daily life, as the foundation and walls may need to be retrofitted. This will ensure they are strong enough to support the newly added weight.

For all home addition work, you can depend on Loeck Designs. Serving Lincoln, NE, for over 35 years, their team provides expert craftsmanship while still respecting your budget. As a member of the National Association of Home Builders, you can expect high-quality work that puts your needs first. To learn more about their home remodeling services or to schedule a consultation, visit them online or call (402) 450-1500.