Home Addition Ideas for a Ranch Style House

Create a Courtyard

• Most ranch homes are twice as long as they are wide, resulting in a rectangular floor plan. To add space and fully utilize your outdoor areas, add two side wings to the main body of the house, forming a U-shape that creates a central courtyard. The courtyard is ideal for creating a comfortable and private outdoor living space. Because it is enclosed the courtyard becomes a more useful area. By adding large windows to the walls facing the courtyard you have a private view of natural, outdoor scenery. Because many ranch homes have bedrooms on one side of the house and a living room on the other, consider adding a master bedroom and a family room to the two wings.

Enclose the Garage

• Homeowners who want to avoid losing a portion of their back yard can convert a pre-existing garage into extra living space. Most ranch homes have a connected garage. If it's not being used this space can be remodeled to add more living space. This option is affordable, because it doesn't require walls to be taken out or built. In addition, because the space is not a living area, you will not have to deal with the stress of closing off portions of the house while it's under construction.

Patio Addition

• To get more private outdoor living space, add a concealed patio to the front of your ranch home. This option adds usable space to your front yard making it ideal for people with small back yards. Construct a wall of stacked stone or wood that conceals an area of lawn and wraps around the front of the house. Many homeowners include a welcoming gate or entry to the wall near the front door. After constructing the wall add brick, stone or decking to the ground for a comfortable space to enjoy the outdoors.