June 30, 2023 | Buying
If your family is getting bigger and your home feels too small, it’s time to consider making some changes. Adding an extension can be a great solution, but you’ll need to decide if you want to add another floor or expand outward. Consider your needs carefully and take the necessary steps to improve your living situation with confidence.
Pros and Cons of Expanding Your House’s Footprint
Expanding your home horizontally can increase its size without adding another floor, making it a great option if you have a family member with limited mobility who can’t handle stairs. Maintaining a single-story home is also easier, as tasks like cleaning the gutters and painting are less demanding without the need for a tall ladder.
However, expanding your home’s footprint may require sacrificing some yard space, which could be an issue if you have a smaller lot or if you want to have a pool or patio.
Additionally, having a smaller yard can affect your home’s resale value, which might not be attractive to future buyers, particularly those with children.
Finally, zoning regulations mandate a minimum distance between the home and the property line, which could limit your expansion options or prohibit outward growth altogether, depending on your location and local rules.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Building Upward
Expanding your house with an extra level is a great way to increase your living space without compromising your yard. You’ll get the same amount of outdoor area to enjoy, and you won’t have to worry about potential yard size issues affecting a future sale.
If you decide to build an addition without expanding your home’s footprint, you won’t have any problems regarding the distance from the property line. However, you may have to comply with restrictions on the height of your home.
When building an additional story, workers will need to install stairs, which might result in a loss of square footage and require some floor plan modifications. It’s also important to consider that stairs can make the house difficult to navigate for senior citizens and those with limited mobility. Even if it’s not an issue now, it’s worth pondering how long you intend to live in your house and whether stairs might become a problem in the future.
Choose the Design That’s Right for Your Family and Your Budget
If you want to expand your home, there are several factors to consider. These include the style and layout of your house, available yard space, local zoning laws, your family’s current and future needs, and your budget. To make the best choice, you can reach out to local contractors for estimates and discuss your options. Weighing your choices carefully will help you make an informed decision that suits your family’s needs.