How to Add New Living Space to Your Home

The quickest, easiest and least expensive way of adding new living space to a home is by finishing unused existing space in attics, basements and garages. The basic walls and roof are already installed, so the major construction is complete. Remodeling these areas is also much less expensive than having a complete addition built on to the house and much of the work can be done by the homeowners themselves.

However, when a new addition plan is being considered developing a clear picture of what the house will look like with the new addition is essential. The style of the planned addition should not clash with the architecture of the original structure in form, color, or roof line. Take pictures of the house, enlarge them, and sketch in changes that are planned. Using a grease pencil works well and is easily erased as ideas come and go. The cost is small and is well worth the effort. Contractors working with architects are expensive, and their artwork can add much to the cost of adding new living space.

New windows and doors of the new addition should line up with the tops and bottoms of the existing ones. Typically, if smaller windows are used on the new addition, they should line up with either the top or the bottom of existing windows. The middle horizontal bar can be used as a guide or half the height of the existing windows. Symmetry counts in the end and it's a good idea to be prepared before the work is completed.

Original house plans can be invaluable when expanding living space. House plans can often be acquired from the builder if the home is not too old, or in other cases, through the local building department of your area. The original plans can provide valuable information such as the thickness of walls and the location of the main beams. The routing of wiring and plumbing through walls is of importance to avoid expensive modifications in these areas during remodeling.

Some walls can be removed while others can not depending on whether it is a load bearing or non-load bearing wall. Load bearing walls support the upper sections of the house. Load bearing walls generally run parallel to the longest outside walls of the house and at right angles to the floor and ceiling joists. Check the attic or the basement to find the direction of the floor or ceiling joists.

Be sure to obtain a building permit for the work to be done. Local zoning regulations usually outline a minimum amount of space to be left clear at property lines.

Remember, always work safely.