Many couples began their married lives in an apartment and then, when the kids came, moved into a bungalow near schools, activity areas and shopping. Once of the facts of life is that kids get bigger and begin to take up space. Not only that their interests increase and their “stuff” begins to garner the rest of the available storage space. The small room with the bunk beds bbecomes too small even for one child and then the search begins for a larger home. This is a scenario that is played out time and time again in almost every neighborhood.

Many larger homes are available within the price range that the families are looking in, however the location may not be close to where they are now. This not only affects school choices, activities and ease of shopping but leaving an area means leaving friends and a close-knit neighborhood. And this is one of the biggest downsides of moving. This is why many homeowners put aside the idea of moving and look toward increasing their space where they are.

Renovating is a great way to get more space from the home. Not only is the area increased but you can decide where you want the extra space and have a big input in how it will be designed. Because except for the physical limitations and area codes you can pretty well have what you want in an addition. The only other decision you have to make is in which direction do you want the extra space.

Going Up

Building onto the top of your home almost doubles your floor space. In effect you are building a home on a home with all the amenities, and more of the problems, of building from scratch. This is probably the most expensive way to go because first you have to demolish the roof structure, trusses and all, before you can begin the addition. Not only is this costly it is also messy and, in most cases, dangerous. In fact, if the safety codes do not cover this subject, most contractors refuse to let families stay in a home undergoing such a renovation. And if this isn't bad enough the time for the reno could stretch to up to a year.

Going Out

If a homeowner has a large lot then pushing out the side or back of the home can be an option. Of course, this cuts down the outdoor space but many people are happy about that because it leaves less yard maintenance. In effect, an addition is like building a luxury cottage onto your home. It calls for infrastructure like a foundation, walls , roof, electric, heat and plumbing. (In some cases there are codes which do not allow you to build within a certain distance from your neighbor.) Like going up this also means a high dollar but at least you don't get the mess because the new addition is usually built in its entirety before the interior opening is made.

Mining the Basement

If you have a basement that is not getting much use this might be a good time to re-evaluate the space. There are many reasons that exploring this area should be the first option.

1) Infrastructure is in Place: In most cases the electrical, heating, plumbing and other items are already in place. The most you may have to do is put in some extra electrical and plumbing if you are putting in a bathroom and/or kitchen.

2) Can be a do-it-yourself project: Except for the items where the building codes decide you need a permit – electrical, plumbing, HVAC – a handy person can do it. This especially true if the walls are framed. If not they can be framed for less than $1,000 and the insulation, vapor seal and even the drywall can be installed by the homeowner. Taping and mudding should be down by a professional for a smooth surface but hanging drywall is not that difficult.

3) Floor: A basement usually has a cement floor so only a subfloor would be required.

4) Mess: The basement is one of the easiest places to seal off from the rest of the home. In addition many basements have entrances so all building materials and waste can be easily taken in and out.

5) Time: A basement does not have to be “roof tight” before the snow flies. The homeowner can pick away at the job or hire someone to do it quickly.

6) Cost: This all adds up to a lower cost.

Preparation

The main concern with any basement is moisture and so the walls will have to be checked for moisture before any walls are put up. If there are already walls in place these should be checked behind in case of mold. This cane be accomplished by taking out small squares near the floor and checking behind the wall for moisture with a hydrodometer.

In most cases it's best to take the wall part down to the cement. Sheetrock is cheap and you will have peace-of-mind. If there is rot it can be taken out and replaced but most of the materials will be able to be re-used. If there is a crack, or cracks, in the wall get an expert in to fill them before proceeding.