If you’re looking to expand your home through the services of home remodelers, you’ll need to decide whether to build up by adding an upper floor or to build out through a home addition. Today, Highland Design + Build Birmingham discusses key factors to consider before making your choice.
Backyard Space
First off, you need to consider whether your property has enough space for a home addition. If you have a large backyard, this shouldn’t be a problem, but if your yard is small, adding on may not be feasible so you’ll have to build up.
Zoning Requirements
Just because you can doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Your local government might have zoning restrictions on home additions, which is why you should check your local area’s zoning requirements before making your decision. You shouldn’t worry too much if you’re building up though—most municipalities do not regulate adding extra floors to a home.
Primary Purpose of Additional Living Space
After making sure there are no physical or legal restrictions on how you can expand your home, focus on what you’ll be using the additional living space for. For example, areas for entertaining guests usually work best when located on the ground floor or basement, while a new bedroom could work well on an upper floor.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Of course, each option has its pros and cons:
- Building out – It’s easier to integrate ground-floor home additions to your house’s current layout. However, going with this option will reduce your backyard space.
- Building up – You won’t have to deal with a lot of zoning restrictions, although there is still a height limit.
If you’re having trouble deciding, you can consult with local interior remodelers. Just make sure to carefully vet your remodeling contractor before hiring them.
Looking for reputable remodelers in your area? Highland Design + Build Birmingham is a multi-award-winning kitchen remodeler, having won the Houzz Best o