Deciding Between a Home Addition: Built Out or Build Up?

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There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to build out or build up when adding on to your home. The most important thing is to determine what your needs are and what will work best for your particular property. Building out involves adding additional square footage to the existing foundation of your home, while building up involves adding a second or third floor to your home. Both options can provide additional living space and increase the value of your home, but there are pros and cons to each. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of building out and building up, to help you decide which option is best for your home addition project.

For expert guidance on your home addition project, contact SDG Home Concepts today.

What Does it Cost to Build an Addition to Your Home?

The cost of building an addition to your home can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the materials used, and the cost of labor. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $80 and $200 per square foot for a home addition. This means that a 200 square foot addition could cost anywhere from $16,000 to $40,000. However, it is important to note that these estimates are just rough estimates and the actual cost of building an addition to your home will depend on the specific circumstances of your project. It is always a good idea to get estimates from multiple contractors and carefully consider your budget before beginning any home improvement project.

Build Out

Expanding your home by building out involves constructing an additional room or structure on the ground level of your home. This can be a great way to increase the amount of living space available to you, whether you need more room for a growing family or simply want more space for entertaining guests. Building out can also be a more cost-effective option compared to building up, as it may require fewer materials and labor costs.

Extensive landscaping or excavation may be necessary in a build out if the new structure requires a significant amount of space that is not currently available on the property. This could include clearing land or removing structures that are currently occupying the desired space. Additionally, if the new structure requires a foundation to be built, this may involve digging into the ground to create a stable base for the structure.

Build Up

Building up, also known as building vertically, is the process of adding additional floors or levels to a home. One of the main advantages of this option is the ability to utilize the existing foundations, which can save time and money. Building up can also be less disruptive to daily life, as the construction work can be done on an upper floor while the lower floors remain unaffected. Another benefit of building up is the potential to increase the value of the home through the addition of extra living space. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when building up. This option may require more extensive structural work, such as reinforcing the foundation or adding support beams, and there may be challenges with integrating the new addition with the existing home.

Reinforcing the foundation may require the use of additional materials such as concrete or steel, and may involve digging deep into the ground to lay the foundations. Adding support beams may also require the use of additional materials, and may involve cutting into existing walls or floors to accommodate the new beams. Additionally, building up may require the hiring of specialized contractors with experience in structural work, which can further increase the cost of the project. It’s important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and costs of building up before making a decision.

In summary, here are the top things you should think about while considering these two options.

 
  1. Budget: It’s important to consider the cost of each option and whether it fits into your budget. Building out may be more cost-effective, but building up may have other cost-saving benefits such as utilizing existing foundations.

  2. Available space: Consider the size of your property and whether there is enough space to build out or whether you will need to build up to add additional living space.

  3. Purpose of the addition: Think about why you want to add on to your home and how the additional space will be used. This can help you decide which option is best for your needs.

  4. Structural considerations: Building up may require more extensive structural work, such as reinforcing foundations or adding support beams. This can add to the cost and time commitment of the project.

  5. Disruption to daily life: Building out may involve more disruption to your daily routine, as it may involve extensive landscaping or excavation. Building up may be less disruptive, as the work can be done on an upper floor while the lower floors remain unaffected.

  6. Design considerations: Think about the design of the addition and whether it will blend seamlessly with the existing home. Building out may involve more challenges in this regard, as it may require matching the style and architecture of the existing home.

  7. Location: Consider the location of your home and whether building up or out is more feasible. For example, if you live in an area with strict height restrictions, building up may not be an option.

  8. Future plans: Think about your long-term plans for the home and whether an addition will be a necessary or desirable feature. This can help you decide which option is best for your needs.

  9. Permits and regulations: Make sure you are aware of any permits or regulations that may be required for your home addition project. Building out or up may require different permits and may be subject to different regulations.

  10. Professional help: Consider seeking the help of a professional, such as an architect or contractor, to help you make the best decision for your home addition project. They can provide valuable expertise and guidance.

Building out can provide additional living space and potentially lower costs, but may require extensive landscaping or excavation. On the other hand, building up can add living space without significantly increasing the footprint of the home, but may require more extensive structural work and could present challenges with blending the addition with the existing home. It’s important to consider your needs and budget when deciding which option is best for you. If you’re considering a home addition, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional contractor to discuss your options and get a better understanding of the process.

At SDG Home Concepts, our team of experienced professionals can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful home addition project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your home addition needs.