So you are thinking of adding a new space in your home? What an excellent opportunity! When a homeowner wants to add in a new area, generally, this is to either increase the value (by adding square footage) or to accommodate new family living conditions.

Whether you are planning to add in a second story, finish your basement, add a new bathroom, change your garage, or expand one of your rooms, there are essential required steps to help you move forward with your plans. Generally, many new home remodeling projects need the time and care of researching ahead of time. This may include gaining knowledge about the proper building permits and codes, applying for permits, and following inspection procedures. 

Continue reading about what possible ideas you could add to your home, or if you have already decided what you would like to add, make sure you understand all of the legal protocols to consider when adding more space. 

Related: How Much Does It Cost To Build A New House in 2020 

Brainstorm Home Addition Ideas

Perhaps you are unsure about what type of space you would like to add to your home. This uncertainty is typical when considering your home's location, the amount of property you have, and the functionality of creating a new space. If this is your dilemma, have no worries! Below is a list of possible additional ideas for you and the benefits and considerations for each design. 

Adding a Sunroom 

A nice and simple addition is adding a sunroom. These add a beautiful leisurely component in any room in your home. Sunrooms do need building codes based on county or state, so be sure you have a site plan ready to demonstrate that it meets building requirements. 

Including a House Addition 

Perhaps you want your home to include your children's grandparents, but want them to have a private space. Or, maybe you wanted to add a little cottage or small apartment to rent for others to earn extra income. Each of these examples is a long-term project investment. Obtaining a detailed site and 3D plans may be the best solution to help visualize how you can easily construct a mini-house addition seamlessly. 

Related: How To Build The Perfect In-Law Unit

Remodeling A Attic 

A benefit of remodeling an attic is that it already has a stable structure with flooring and a roof. Additionally, the electrical wiring and additional utilities may quickly transfer offers since they are close to the house's main floor (depending on if it is a two-story or one-story home). Be sure to conduct thorough research on roofing permits, especially if you want to extend the attic height. Additionally, additional flooring material may be necessary to include to limit noise transmission. 

Related: The Complete Cost Of Changing A Roof Line

Converting A Garage 

Remodeling a garage is by no means an easy endeavor. There is a lot to consider beforehand if your garage location meets the minimum requirements before redesigning. However, if it meets the requirements, you can proceed forward in planning what information you need. 

Related: How To Convert A Garage Into A Master Bedroom

Adding a Pool 

To create a space for more family entertainment, or to increase value, can be made simple by adding a pool. Before you begin, make sure you have the right property landscape and have your questions ready. Also, prepare for having demolition construction workers on your site frequently and limit potential hazards for both you, your property, and their safety. For instance, if there is a tree that could put anyone at-risk at the construction site, you may also need to apply for a tree removal permit. This can all be prepared for in advance by creating the right site plan for a pool! 

Related: Using a Site Plan for Swimming Pool Removal or Remodel

Adding an Outdoor Kitchen

Aside from adding a pool, you can enhance the quality of your home’s outdoor experience by constructing an outdoor kitchen or barbeque grilling area that your whole family can enjoy. Choose between different types of grills, construct a rustic-style outdoor brick oven, or even insert an open flame fire pit to cook over along with some solid countertops and plenty of cupboard space. If you want to get really fancy with it, you can even consider installing a sink so you don’t have to haul water from the kitchen.

Create a Budget Plan 

Once you have chosen what you'd like to add to your home, the next step is to get an approximate budget amount. This plan includes the type of construction materials, types of glass, flooring, or wall choice, and the amount you may need to apply for permits. Luckily, with My Site Plan, you can request a custom site plan of what you would like to include in your new home project, and they can offer an estimated quote of how much it will cost. 

Curious to learn more about specific detailed costs for home additions? Check out My Site Plans’ Home Addition Ideas & What You’ll Pay For Them

Create a Site Plan 

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You may be wondering, do you need a site plan, or what should I include in a site plan? Suppose you plan on adding new home additions. In that case, you will need a site plan to help you determine the proper dimensions, which permits to apply for (such as mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits, etc.), as well as verify any zoning or building codes that vary per county. 

Certified vs. Non-Certified Site Plans

You have two options to consider: a certified site plan or a non-certified site plan. An accredited site plan is reviewed by a certified architect, engineer, or surveyor to help you reach the most accurate dimensions. A non-certified site plan, however, does not need a certified individual.  The homeowner, an unlicensed individual, or a company will serve as the organizer of the plan. Depending on the project you are constructing, you may need only to order a non-certified site plan (generally cheaper than a certified site plan).  My Site Plan can help you with measurement adjustments with the aid of satellite data that's free of charge!  However, if your new home addition requires verification from an engineer, for example, be prepared to pay more for the plan. 

Related: Do You Need A Site Plan For A Roofline Remodel?

Selecting a Site Plan

There are many options for you to select a site plan with My Site Plan. There are choices from Basic, Medium, and Detailed. The Basic Site Plan service includes lot lines, north arrows, existing building locations, and dimensions. It is not the best service for building permits, but a great choice if you are seeking to renovate a home! The Medium Site Plan is the most favorable since it includes trees, pools, driveways, and other landscapes, as well as the features from the basic site plan. Finally, the Detailed Site Plan offers commercial and residential use and includes all features from the other plan services. Generally, most people use this plan to apply for a demolition permit, removal of a pool, remodeling, or encroachment issues with neighbors. 

All of these plans can be used when applying for permits; however, be sure to verify that your property or building department does NOT require a plan to be prepared by an engineer, surveyor, or architect to stamp the project. 

For a more in-depth understanding of comparing these site plans and determining which is best for you, click here! 

Include a Construction Permit

 Typically, when making any new home renovations, you will most likely follow your county's building regulations and need a permit related to your latest changes. These regulations vary from county to county, so you must reach out to your local building officials before you do construction. It may seem tedious at first, but even the minor home alterations may need a permit. Typically, regional inspection offices will ask for a design blueprint before you can move forward. The inspection process is easier to complete with My Site Plan's online services that typically follow up with you 1 to 2 business days so you can proceed with your project. Be prepared to gain signatures of approval from various members of your community(such as a city planner, zoning officer, or a health local board member), especially if you are creating a new home or pool that may require a septic system. 

Be sure that every new construction on your home has up-to-date building codes to ensure that all safety measures are met. 

Related: Mysiteplane.com & Permitting: What You Need To Know

Do you need the services of an industry professional to provide you with site or plot plans so you can get the permits you need to complete your dream home? Reach out to the experts at My Site Plan today to learn about everything they can do for you!

Request for a 3D Preview

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An additional service that is provided by My Site Plan is offering a 3D site plan. This option is a fantastic feature that can help ensure that a project meets the builder's vision of investment. AutoCAD designers do 3D rendering at My Site Plan, who are experts in converting a 2D blueprint or a sketch into a 3D rendering of the new space. This option builds confidence that the project will be exactly how it is envisioned by the homeowner or property managers. 

How do I add more space to my house?

If you know for a fact that you need more space in your home, you need to take action. Here are some excellent ways to add space to your house.  

Finish the Basement 

A finished basement gives you a great opportunity to add some extra living space to your home. Since the basement tends to sit underground, it is a space especially susceptible to water damage. However, with the proper waterproofing techniques, the basement can be transformed into a great space for the family to spend time together. It can also provide a great place for additional storage. 

Expand the Kitchen

Many home buyers want a large kitchen as many people consider the kitchen to be the hub of the household where people gather together and make food together. 

Small kitchens can become crowded easily, and this can make it uncomfortable and even unsuited for cooking purposes.  

Expand your kitchen by taking out one of the walls and extending the space so that you can walk around freely and include an island. You also include more counter space and cabinet space.  

Build a New Floor 

A new floor to your home can create extra space for bedrooms and bathrooms as a person’s family starts to grow. 

When adding a floor to your home, you can match the exterior siding or choose a new siding that adds an interesting visual juxtaposition. 

Build a Room Above the Garage

If you need an extra room for a bedroom, work space, or storage, add a room on top of the garage. This can work especially well for people who want a space with some privacy from the rest of the house. 

Turn Front Porch Into a Living Space

The front porch can be a great place to sip on some tea with your loved ones and watch the animals frolic around at the end of the day. However, the porch doesn’t count as a room in your home. 

Upgrade your front porch so that you have more space and the comforts of the indoors, such as air conditioning. You can still use windows in the front so that you can enjoy watching the peace outside. 

Build a Deck

If your home doesn’t already have a back porch or deck, consider adding one to increase the value of your house while providing a nice, relaxing area for your family to enjoy during the summer months.

Add a Modular Addition

A modular addition refers to an addition manufactured off-site and delivered to you for easy installation. The easy installation makes it up to 20% cheaper to install than traditional additions. 

Modular additions can work well for one-story homes, but they can be installed as a second story as well.  

Construct a Dormer

Dormers serve many purposes aside from adding some extra space to your attic. They also provide a ton of natural lighting and can bring some major curb appeal to your home, making it look much bigger than it actually is. 

Add a Bump-Out

House bump-outs are small extensions (also known as micro additions) that can add some extra square footage to a room with the benefit of being much cheaper than other types of home additions. Use them to create a new walk-in closet, a reading nook, a small office space, or to provide an area for a new bathroom tub.

Expand a Bathroom

Expanding the square footage of any of your bathrooms can significantly increase your home’s overall value while also providing you with that extra space you’ve been longing for. Consider growing your home’s master bathroom to include space for a dual sink system or a large soaking tub. You can also turn underutilized spaces into new half-baths, like in closets or under your stairs.

Build a Mudroom

While most homes have some form of an entryway, taking the time to expand it into a full mudroom can be a great way to add organizational space for storing coats, shoes, backpacks, and more. The addition of built-in cabinets, cubbies, wall hooks, and lockers can also add some beneficial bonus storage to your home.

Enhance Your Laundry Room

Consider expanding your laundry room for some much-needed space, or even consider moving your laundry room to another floor altogether. Second-floor laundry rooms are a unique home feature that is becoming highly desirable in the market and can add some significant value to your home.

Consider a New Closet or Wardrobe

If your home is in desperate need of some more storage space, consider building a new closet or wardrobe to house your clothes or other belongings. This can be especially useful to add in underused areas of your home, such as in basements, attics, or under the stairs. 

Construct a Carport 

If your home doesn’t have the space to build a new garage or extend a current one, consider constructing an outdoor carport to protect your vehicles from rain, snow, hail, and more. Carports can also provide a nice covered spot for anyone who may want to develop a small home workshop or maintenance area.

Is it cheaper to add on or build up?

When you build up, you add more weight to the house. Unfortunately, this means that you need to have a foundation that can support the additional weight. 

As you add extra floors to a home, you need to add more weight thanks to the additional foundation and supports. 

If you need to upgrade the foundation, you need to assume that you will pay a lot more for the construction work.  

How do you add space to a small house?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to add space to a small hose, especially if the property doesn’t provide a lot of options for expansion. 

Try these tips to add space to a small house without the need for large construction projects. 

Eliminate Clutter

Some people fill their home with unnecessary knick-knacks that only get in the way. 

While you want to personalize your home, you don’t want to overdo it so that your home looks cluttered. 

Remove excessive decorations, especially in areas that feel cramped. 
This also applies to personal items, such as clothes, shoes, and accessories. When you remove the things you don’t need, you gain the space these items occupy. This make things look better and even look more spacious.  

Hang Items on the Walls

To add more space in cabinets and the closet, try using organizers and hooks that hang things on the wall or against doors. 

This increases space for all of your personal items. 

Create and Open Concept

Remove a wall from your home to make it an open concept. 

Open concept floor plans give the illusion of more space, and make the home flow better. 

When removing a wall, it’s important not to remove support walls that help hold up the weight of the home.  

Related: What Is 3D Rendering? Everything You Need To Know

Final Word 

Even though the goal is to enjoy a new living space in your home, always remember that it is best to be over-prepared with thorough research to save you time and money. My Site Plan offers quick and easy service to give you the best site plans for your needs to begin your new home addition journey. If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to contact them directly! 

Do you want to remove or add some specific new features to your home but need permits to get it done? Reach out to the industry experts at My Site Plan today to learn about how they can help get you everything you need to move forward!

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