An Addition to a Ranch Home for Split Entry Stairs

Foyer Options

• A front addition can create a new house entry. You can, for example, build an addition that features a coat closet, sitting benches and expanded floor space to welcome individuals. An existing split-foyer entry, consisting of one set of four or five stairs leading to the bedroom area and one set of stairs leading to a basement, is often cramped.

New Roof Ideas

• Planning a contemporary roof will enhance the design of the home. Adding a dormer, larger overhangs or new roof materials increases market appeal. Blending the roof over the front addition to the old roof might involve constructing a gable roof, hip roof or interesting roof shape besides a standard sloping roof.

Interior Expansion

• The interior floor plan of the house may need improvements. An existing foyer with adjoining rooms and existing stairs can change if you incorporate additional square footage on the front of the house. You may decide to widen stairs leading up to the living room. Or, you can remove a wall to widen stairs leading down to the basement area. A new front addition allows square footage for a powder room, for example, so you can demolish an existing powder room next to the living room. The removed powder room can add square footage to the home's living room.

Curbside Beauty

• Windows and doors can add to overall front curb appeal. When you construct a new addition, the windows and entry door should fit harmoniously with front facade windows already in place. If the budget allows, consider replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones in a new style on the front facade. This way, your new construction will look original to the house design. You don't want the addition to look tacked on because this could hurt the market value of your home.

Staircase Changes

• New stairs constructed inside the new addition space can enhance the house. The new addition on the ranch house might include new stairs leading from the addition up to bedrooms. The existing stairs in the split floyer can be narrow and outdated. You can also create a landing inside the new addition to tie in with an existing set of steps leading down to the basement.