Adding onto your home isn’t just about gaining extra square footage; it’s a strategic move that can enhance your home’s value, functionality and aesthetic appeal.
With more homeowners opting to stay put and customize their living spaces for their needs, home additions are becoming increasingly popular when compared to moving. This is especially true in Pittsburgh, where the unique blend of architectural home styles presents endless possibilities for creative home expansions.
Current Trends in Home Additions
During the pandemic, the space inside our homes became increasingly valuable. Consequently, many homeowners now seek to reconfigure their spaces in innovative and creative ways. This often leads to needing a home addition to accomplish what they are looking for.
Some of the most popular home additions we are seeing in the Pittsburgh area include:
- Master Suite Additions: The desire for a comfortable and private space to unwind and relax has only increased. Master suite additions offer a luxurious retreat complete with en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets and even outdoor decks or balconies.
- Kitchen Expansions: When families were sequestered to their homes, they saw the value (and joy) of spending more time cooking and entertaining. Kitchen additions have always been a top choice in home remodeling, so it is no surprise that there has been an uptick in kitchen expansion projects. This could involve knocking down walls to create an open-concept layout or adding extra square footage for a larger kitchen with a central island.
- Home Office Additions: With hybrid work schedules remaining an option for many professionals, having a dedicated home office space has become a necessity, not just a luxury. We’re spending most days on video calls and need a space that is ergonomically comfortable and provides ample storage and enough sound-dampened features that you aren’t distracted by the other activities happening within your home.
- In-Law Suites: More homeowners are opting to add in-law suites, like this award-winning casita in Gibsonia, to their homes. These self-contained living spaces can provide a comfortable and convenient option for aging parents or guests.
Benefits of Building a Home Addition
Besides the obvious benefit of gaining additional space, there are several other advantages to adding to your home:
- Increased Property Value: A well-executed home addition can significantly increase your property’s value. This is particularly true in areas in high demand, like Pittsburgh. Even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, it’s always wise to invest in additions that will increase your home’s resale value.
- Enhanced Functionality: Adding more space allows for a home that better suits your lifestyle. Whether you need an extra bedroom, a larger kitchen, or a new office, a home addition can provide the functionality that your current layout may lack.
- Personalization: A home addition provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate personal touches and tailor the space to your specific tastes. From selecting flooring and wall colors to choosing fixtures and finishes, you have complete control over the design of your home addition.
Essential Considerations for Homeowners
While the benefits and current trends make home additions an enticing option, there are some things to keep in mind.
Budget: Establishing a clear budget is one of the first steps in planning a home addition. Your final budget will include not only the costs of materials and labor but also expenses such as permits, inspections and unexpected construction challenges.
As an example, one challenge we sometimes run into in this area is during excavation when we find lots of rock. It’s just part of living in southwest Pennsylvania.
NOTE: your professional design-build team should go over all these details with you.
Permits and Regulations: Navigating the legal aspects of building an addition can be complex, particularly when dealing with setbacks and zoning regulations. Consulting with a professional can take this out of your hands (they’ll do it for you) to ensure compliance.
Design Harmony: You’ll want to ensure that the addition is seamlessly integrated with the existing structure. This includes matching architectural styles, materials and colors to create a unified aesthetic. This applies to both the exterior of the home (siding, brick, etc.) and also the interior and many even include adjacent rooms. For example, if you are adding a kitchen addition, this will most likely affect the flooring and wall paint colors in adjacent areas.
Future Needs: When planning your addition, think long-term. Consider how your needs might evolve over the years and design a space that remains versatile and functional. This foresighted approach ensures that your investment continues to pay off in the future.
Process of Adding an Addition
The process of adding a home addition is like that of a custom home building.
Initial Consultation: This first step involves discussing your needs, preferences, and the feasibility of your project.
Design Phase: Collaborating with architects or designers, you’ll refine your vision and lock in the blueprints for your addition.
Construction: This phase is where your plans come to life, transforming your home day by day until the vision is realized.
Final Touches and Completion: Attention to detail ensures that the finished product not only meets but exceeds your expectations, encapsulating quality and satisfaction.
Home additions represent a significant opportunity to transform your living space, aligning it more closely with your lifestyle and enhancing its overall value. Whether you’re envisioning a serene master suite, a dynamic kitchen or any other space, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. With the right planning, team and execution, your home can evolve to meet your dreams.
Are you considering an addition to your Pittsburgh home? The Prime 1 Builders team is ready to help. Contact us today for a consultation and start the exciting journey toward your home’s transformation.
