When the family gets too big, or the homeowner wants to add a home office or a mother-in-law suite, many people begin to look at relocating. However finding another place in the same location may be hard to do, and with the kids settled into good schools and surrounded by friends it's hard to just uproot and move for the sake of a few square feet. So how does a person find the room in their present home?

Raising the Roof

Double the Space: Many people living ion a home built on one level look at their place from across the street and dream about going up a story. They envision the second floor patio and the huge bedroom with walk-in closets and large jetspa. The space that can be accumulated by going up is astounding. In many cases you can more than double the present space especially if there is a built-garage that can be built on.

Move out: The idea to keep in mind when thinking about this option is that, unlike any other type renovation, the whole top of the home has to be taken off and then rebuilt. In other words ½ of the home has to be demolished before the new addition can proceed. In this case the family would have to move out of the home because the interruption to regular living would be unbearable and the safety concerns would require it even if the homeowner didn't want to go. This means renting another place for up to six months or, maybe even worse, living with relatives.

Covenants and Codes : There is also the possibility that rules for the neighborhood may not allow this project because it may upset the look of the area. All covenants and codes would have to be checked before deciding on any construction.

Structure: Another point to consider is the strength of the building to accept another story. The present foundation and structure might have to be strengthened.

Adding On

No Mess: Many people have large lots so an addition into the back or side yard might be a great idea to add space. In effect, the homeowner is building a little house from the ground up because the addition will need a foundation, structure and utilities. The perk about adding on to the home in this way is that the homeowner doesn't need to move out. Almost 90% of the work can be done outside and the only discomfort would be after a wall or opening is made to join the two parts of the home. This means the mess and noise is isolated.

Foundation: Any addition will need a support system - basement, cement pad or piling.

Infrastructure: One of the main issues for adding on to the present dwelling is to isolate where all the utilities are located. This includes electrical, plumbing, sewer and heat. This is a good time to re-evaluate the type of heating and air conditioning system as a new system designed for the total home area may be more cost-effective than adding on. I addition, check for any conduit or gas lines that may be below the intended new addition.

The Basement Living Space

Many basements are never finished. They are used for storage areas or are deemed too wet to have any use for living space. However, in the right circumstances they can be an inexpensive way to add space.

Moisture: The biggest drawback of any basement is moisture. If not sealed properly concrete is like a sponge and can transfer outside moisture into the basement. There are many solutions to cracks and water seepage from putting in a new weeping tile system to parging cracks in the cement or filling the cracks.

Utilities: For the most part the utilities should be close at hand as most electrical panels, heating systems and water lines are situated in the basement. If the basement is below grade, which is below the main sewer line on the the street, a pumping system may be required for a bathroom or kitchen.

Walls: If the walls have already been finished, as in an older home, an inspection behind the walls should be performed to see if there is any mold. If a new space is being built then the walls should be taken out and new insulation put in. A foam-based spray is the best for sealing up the walls. The drywall can then be installed on the studs.

Garage Space

A garage can be easily converted into a living space because, like the basement, the utilities are already there and so are the walls and ceiling. Garage floors are also smooth and make a good base for any flooring. One drawback is that statistics prove that the vast majority potential buyers want a garage so reselling maybe tougher.

Porches and Decks

Many homeowners already have a deck and if this is in good shape then there is the structure for a room addition. The pilings are already in place and the joist system of a deck is as strong as that of any floor. The walls can be set right on the deck itself and a roof put on. This can function as a screened porch for the summer and then be completed in the fall and winter. A porch is even better because it already has a roof which means that the main roof does not have to be altered. Many older homes have front porches that have been glassed in for this very purpose. Some homeowners have even taken the full wall out and joined the space with the main living areas.

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