Room Addition Project

Focus like a laser on what you expect from the room before you begin planning any other aspect of the process. The use and purpose of the addition should guide the construction and design of it. This identification of purpose is vital when you are considering the multitudes of design elements.

Choose the best construction process to meet your needs as well as lessen the impact of that process. The addition of a room to your house does not necessarily mean the same kind of building process that took place in the construction of your home. While you can choose to go with the traditional building from scratch method, you may also opt for modular construction, which means that most of your room will be built in the factory and then delivered in large pieces that can be completed in just a few days. Similar to the modular method are room kits that can become a DIY project or taken over by a local contractor.

Pick the foundation that best suits your purpose as well as reduces the amount of work required to finish it. The foundation of the room addition project is another aspect that provides you with perhaps more options than you care to deal with. Post and pier foundations are low-cost and easy enough to be a DIY project. Other foundation possibilities are concrete blocks on poured footing, which creates space for either a basement or crawlspace and reinforced concrete with integral footing that also provides space beneath the room. Another option is a pressure-treated wood on crushed-rock footing foundation.

Look over your situation to determine whether this project should be attached or freestanding. Most bedrooms, kitchens and bathroom additions are likely to be attached. Freestanding projects include rooms like a home gym, an artists' studio or a home office. Consult with an architect to determine whether attached or freestanding rooms will result in a more affordable construction.

Consider alternatives to adding on when you don't have room or your plans can't meet building regulations. A room addition project need not extend horizontally or vertically relative to the house. Don't allow a project to escape simply because you have figured out you don't have enough property to meet all zoning issues or space considerations. The option may always exist to build up. A single room as a second story addition can lend architectural interest to a house or it can become just the first step toward eventually completing an entire second story with multiple rooms.