Do you have a smaller home? Are you looking to add square footage and living space? Do you want to increase your home’s market value? Consider constructing some additions! While not only adding more livable space, additions to your home can also increase your property value. Additions can make your home more unique to your style since you have full control over the design process.
While high-quality additions aren’t cheap, they are well worth the money. You will often be able to pose a higher asking price for a home, which leads to a return on the money you invested into the addition. Work closely with a home addition contractor to bring your ideas to life.
If you’re looking for some ideas on home additions, check out these seven best room addition ideas for small homes.
Room Addition Idea #1: Sunroom
If you want to increase your square footage, consider adding a sunroom. A sunroom is a great addition to any home since it can be used for many different purposes. A breakfast nook, reading room or sitting area are only some of the possibilities. It can be as large or small as you like, and you can choose which shape would best complement your home’s existing architecture.
A sunroom is especially useful for people in colder climates who want a space that feels lighter and more outdoorsy than the rest of their homes. A sunroom is a nice escape from the confines of a house during the winter months.
Room Addition Idea #2: Enclosed Porch
There are numerous benefits to an enclosed porch. An enclosed porch offers protection from poor weather, bugs, and theft. With the increase of “porch pirates,” or people who steal packages from porches, an enclosed space in front of your door is a good choice as packages will be more hidden from view of the street.
An enclosed porch can be as minimal or extravagant as you like. You could simply screen the porch or have a porch enclosure built with insulation and temperature regulation, turning it into a four-season room. Whatever you choose to do, enclosing your porch will boost your home’s curb appeal and add some more usable space.
Room Addition Idea #3: Dormers
Dormers are wonderful additions to small houses since they make your home look much bigger from the outside. Some dormers are for show purposes only, but a functional dormer could add extra space to your attic or second floor.
Adding a dormer to your home provides endless possibilities for extra space. Some ideas include a desk nook, a closet, an airy bedroom or bathroom, or a window seat. With the extra space, dormers undoubtedly increase your home’s curb appeal.
Room Addition Idea #4: Deck
Do you have a yard that’s sitting empty? A deck is a great way to increase your home’s value and add a unique living space that can be used in warmer months for entertaining or relaxing. Since deck designs aren’t complicated, the main cost of the project is materials.
A visually appealing and well-built deck can increase your home’s value since a deck is a much sought-after feature for home buyers.
Room Addition Idea #5: Bump Out
Do you want to add space to your home but don’t want to foot the bill for a major renovation? Consider a bump out! Also called micro renovations, bump-outs can add some additional square footage without you needing to commit to the massive scale of traditional renovations.
A common area for bump outs is the kitchen. You could add some beautiful bay windows, a breakfast nook, or room for extra counter space with a bump out.
Room Addition Idea #6: Mudroom
Do you live in a climate with rainy or snowy weather? A mudroom is a great addition with lots of functions. Mudrooms don’t take up a lot of space but can make your home feel bigger as you have a designated space for coats, shoes, and laundry. A mud room also keeps people from tracking snow, mud, and rain through your entryway when they enter your home, which is a bonus!
Room Addition Idea #7: Finish an Already Existing Space
Do you have an unfinished space, such as a basement or attic, that only functions as a storage room for old holiday decorations? You can put that space to use and increase your living space by finishing it! While finishing a basement or attic isn’t technically an addition, it will increase the amount of usable and livable space in your home.
Finishing an already existing space is a cost-effective way of increasing your home’s value. If you have a smaller home, this is an especially appealing option since you may not have the space on your property for a full-blown addition.
A finished attic or basement can be turned into bedrooms, offices, or play areas for children. Make sure to talk to professionals when renovating since both attics and basements are home to important hardware like ducting and pipes. Both areas must be inspected to ensure they are up to code.