In days gone by considerations for the expansion of a family was never pondered for too long: the expectations for a growing family were a given. Most people of that era had large families, especially farmers where every additional child was a blessing in the form of farm labor. So many a small farm house was enlarged with roof dormers, expanded kitchens and even bedrooms built off the side of the home. As children married rural families extended the length and breadth of the homes to accommodate this expansion as well.

Today, many people would rather move on than add on space. The thought of living in dust and noise for months does not appeal to even the boldest of families so changing homes is usually the norm. However, for those who love their location and the street where they live adding on to the home is a vialble opportunity for space.

Up, Down or Out

Depending on the style of home additions can be made by going up a story, making a living area in the basement and taking out an outside wall and expanding. All three methods have their challenges and so a home additions contractor with experience in new room addition design and construction should be consulted to help make this decision. He or she will most likely look into the structural aspects of the renovation, the space requirements and neighborhood covenants, any of which would have an effect on the decision.

1. Raising the Roof

Building up a story is probably the hardest way to go because you basically have to destroy the roof to do it. So there is a demolition process to go through before any building can be done. In addition, the whole top of the home is exposed to the elements for as long as it takes for the new construction to be “roof-tight.” And this could be months under a tarp.

However, many homeowners will bear this cost, time and inconvenience for a grand view, a spaces where they can entertain while watching the mountains or the ocean.

Strength: If your home was built before th 1930's it is likely that “balloon framing” was the structural design. This means that the gable walls support the whole structure and rise from the foundation to the peak. Platform framing is the way most structures have been build since. Each floor is supported by the floor and walls below. When going up a story a structural engineer will test the lower studs to see if they need to be braced. An old 2” X 4” wall will probably need to be supported.

Building Code: Will the local building codes let you go up a story. Maybe the covenants in the neighborhood will not allow more than single story, slab-on-grade homes.

Time: No contractor would willingly want a family to go about its business while a crew rips off a roof and then builds a new structure. This could take 6 months. And this is 6 months of dust, noise and debris in the yard. And even if you won't move out for the renovation the building inspector may not allow the project to go through because of safety concerns. It will be, after all, a “hard hat area” and not up to discussion with the authorities.

Cost: This is by far the most expensive proposition for expansion of living space. Just the cost of demolition and salvaging of materials (trusses, etc) will take almost a third of the time for the whole project and these are materials that have to be bought again at today's prices. And this is not to mention the new studs, HVAC extension, electrical, windows, plumbing, drywall, etc.

2. Going Out

Adding on to the size home can be done in different ways. The most popular way is out into the backyard because this is where there is extra room in most yards. Side additions usually include attached greenhouses and sun rooms, placed where the sun can reach them. Adding on to the front of the home can gain space for a living room, solarium and as an excuse to put in towering windows for a better view.

Building Codes: As with going up a story there are building codes to be considered and property line considerations.

Time and Nuisance: Depending on the structure the time to build could match going up a story, especially if a basement is involved. As well, with building onto the home you usually don't have to open up the wall until the structure is mostly finished so safety and dust will not be an issue. However, you are probably going to need a landscaping service to finish the job.

Cost: This is generally cheaper than going up a story depending on the size and if there is a basement involved. A pillar foundation would be the cheapest. There is also the consideration of redoing the roof because there is little chance the shingles will match.

3. Going Down

Basement remodeling is by far the cheapest alternative in room addition.

Drainage: If the basement is already sealed and dry then you are fine but if it weeps moisture there have been many improvements in foundation sealers so that even a wet basement can be sealed. Make sure that the gutter system is working properly and steering water away from the basement.

Plumbing: Can a bathroom be installed downstairs in a conventional manner, or is it below-grade? If the latter is true then you will need a pumping system (around $2500). As well, it is a good idea to get a safety pan for your water heater in case it fails and begins to leak. Finishing off a basement only to have a water leak is a heartbreaking experience.

Cost: This way is much cheaper and most of it can be accomplished by a handy do-it-yourselfer.