Looking to expand your liveable space? If you love your home and want to make even more out of your space, an addition is the way to go.
But then you have a big question to answer: go up, or out?
Deciding how to expand your space is one of the most important – and often difficult – questions to answer. Let’s explore what you need to know in order to decide which option is better for you.
Factors to Consider
Lot Size
This is the first place to start, as it might immediately rule out a ground-level expansion. It’s time to pull out your records or spring for a new land survey, to determine what lot space you realistically have to work with.
Local City Ordinances
Likewise with looking at your land, starting with city building ordinances will help with any immediate decision-making. Most cities have requirements and restrictions for both ground and second-story additions. Depending on your city, they may have restrictions on how high you can build and/or how much of your lot you can fill with buildings.
Related Content: 4 Things to Know Before Tackling a 2nd Story Addition
Purpose Behind Build
What are you thinking of adding, and why? When all things are equal, this can help you make a determination. For example – let’s say you want to add another bedroom and bathroom. But why – is it for your children? For elderly parents? For visiting guests? Depending on your answer to that question, it may realistically make more sense to choose a second story over a ground-level addition.
Additionally (no pun intended), if you’re considering adding a separate living space, you might want to consider other home addition options like an accessory dwelling unit as a part of or instead of an addition.
Related Content: What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
Layout of Current Home
Some current home layouts work extremely well with a second story addition – for example, C 00 V0V 0 vVhomes with an attached garage. With other home styles, it creates a challenge and an expansion is better. You can determine the optimal choice for your home’s layout by consulting an experienced home remodeler.
Cost
Finally, you should consider your overall budget. It’s impossible to know how much a project will cost without an estimate, but generally speaking, it costs more to build out than it does to add a second story addition. While it seems like it might be the opposite on the surface, a ground expansion has the additional cost of ground leveling and foundation building which are typically not required in a second story addition. However, to truly decide on a budget you should acquire an estimate after reviewing the previous considerations.
Related Content: Tips for Financing a Home Improvement Project
If you’re trying to decide between a second story addition or a ground expansion, use these tips above to help you find the right option.
Considering moving on up? A second story addition is a fantastic way to expand your liveable space.
Download Now: What to Know Before Adding a Second Story to Your Home
Remodeling Guide for Twin Cities Home Owners
Download our eBook to learn everything you need to know before adding a second story addition.
Titus Contracting is a full-service remodeling company offering commercial and residential construction. We have an office in Burnsville, Minnesota and work throughout the Twin Cities.
