7 Things To Ask Yourself Before Adding On To Your House

Whether you want to expand up or out, home additions are pricey projects. Here's how to save. [SPONSORED]

HomeAdvisor, Brand Partner

Posted Tue, Feb 28, 2017 at 5:53 pm ET|Updated Tue, Aug 8, 2017 at 7:16 am ET

Ever picture your home with an extra guest bedroom, a cozy new nook in the kitchen, or a bright and airy sunroom? You’re not alone. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2016 True Cost Report, strong housing market conditions are encouraging more and more homeowners to invest in projects like room additions.

The right addition can transform an old house into a dream home. But before you start, ask yourself these questions to set yourself — and your bank account — up for success.

#1 How much do I want to spend?

Hold on to your chair: The average cost of adding a room or house addition is $40,942. That’s one hefty chunk of change! Costs vary from project to project (we’ll give you a breakdown later), but every successful addition project starts with a plan and square footage estimate. Once you have that, you can formulate a budget by getting estimates from these local professionals:

Foundational Pros:

Excavation, demolition and site preparation - Get a Custom Estimate
Pouring concrete footings and a slab foundation - Get a Custom Estimate
Support beams and roof trusses - Get a custom Estimate

Exterior Pros:

Roofing - Get a Custom Estimate
Installing vinyl siding and trim finishes - Get a Custom Estimate

Interior Pros:

Drywall the ceiling and walls - Get a Custom Estimate
Insulation - Get a Custom Estimate
New doors - Get a Custom Estimate
Adding windows - Get a Custom Estimate
Electrical wiring - Get a Custom Estimate
New flooring - Get a Custom Estimate
Tying into the existing HVAC - Get a Custom Estimate

#2 Is an addition going to pay off in the long run?

Even if you have no plans to sell after your sparkling new space is complete, a new addition should pay for itself in the long run. Here’s what you might expect to get back on a few popular home addition investments:

Sunroom Addition: 49% return
Bathroom Addition: 53% return
Master Suite Addition: 63% return
Two-Story Addition: 65% return (an upstairs master suite and a downstairs living area)

#3 Are there building restrictions I should worry about?

The answer to this one is almost always yes, but restrictions vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Reach out to your city and county offices for a breakdown of rules in your area.

What can you expect? The buildable portion of your land generally doesn’t stretch all the way to your lot lines – and for good reason. These “cutoff lines,” which are enforced by your local government, may give you less space for an addition, but they are in place to prevent house fires from spreading and to protect your neighborhood’s aesthetic. There may also be a height limit, which would restrict floor additions.

#4 Could I remodel an existing space instead of adding a new one?

The costs of adding onto your home add up, so it’s wise not to jump in without thinking of alternatives. Remodels are generally more affordable than additions, so start by taking inventory of every room in your house to see if any could be updated to meet your goals of an addition. Maybe you could finish the basement or renovate the attic to create extra living space. Instead of adding on to your kitchen, you may want to remodel your existing kitchen to increase space, or even install custom cabinets to make things more efficient.

#5 Is it smarter for me to build up or out?

Building up can save you money because it does not require excavation and foundation work. But going up may require an architect since it can be more complicated than staying on the ground.

If you decide to build out, a detached addition can save you money. Detached additions are often used as garages, guesthouses and home offices. Homeowners report spending an average of $15,000 to $24,658 to have a detached addition built.

#6 Are there projects I can DIY to save money?

Finally getting rid of that hideous window-less wall to put in a bright new sunroom? By all means, do the demo yourself! Not only will it feel great, but you can save hundreds in labor charges. Same goes for painting, laying tile, installing pre-made cabinets and hanging mirrors.

#7 Do I need a contractor, an architect, or both?

Intricate additions tend to require an architect. Adding a second floor complete with two new staircases? Find a local architect. Adding a new sitting room to your first-floor master bedroom? Find a local contractor and you’ll most likely be fine. And, if you’re not sure? Find exactly who you need below:

Extra Room Addition

Average cost: $80 to $200 per square foot

Find a Local Building Addition Contractor

Patio Addition

Average cost: $15,196

Find a Local Patio Enclosure Contractor

Closet Addition

Average cost: $1,836

Find a Local Closet Addition Company

Barn, Shed or Playhouse Addition

Average cost: $3,020

Find a Local Builder