Home Additions: Should You Build Up Or Out?

Tips & Tricks Home Additions

April 28, 2024

Considering Your Plymouth Home Addition:
Should You Build Up Or Out?

Weighing The Options For Adding
Extra Space To Your Home

A home addition for your Plymouth home is an excellent option for homeowners who’ve outgrown their current space but don’t want to uproot and move.

When planning your home addition, consider this important question: Should you build up or build out?

Depending on your house’s size, layout, and property lines, the answer to this question will differ among homeowners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. Familiarize yourself with zoning ordinances that may restrict how high or wide your home can be.

Let’s take a look at what to consider when determining whether to build up or out with your home addition.

Benefits Of Building Up During Your Home Addition

Home additions such as bedrooms and bathrooms are common to add onto a home’s second floor. Besides giving yourself more living space, you’ll also increase your home’s property and resale value.

Homeowners who opt to build up usually need significantly more living space than a single bedroom or expanded kitchen. Adding an entire second floor can essentially double your living space.

Building up is the best option if you can’t build out or add to your home’s foundation without getting too close or infringing on your neighbor’s property lines. Most homeowners want to keep what yard they have on a small lot.

If this is a major consideration for you, then building up might be the best option.

Things You Need To Know About A
Second-Story Home Addition

There are a few things to consider before adding a second story to your Plymouth home.

Consideration 1: Can Your House Support A Second Story

If you’re adding onto an existing second floor, you’ll have to consider whether your house can handle the weight.

Always consult a professional remodeling contractor before deciding on building up so you can know for sure whether your home’s design and type will accommodate a second story.

Consideration 2: Obtaining The Proper Permits
From Your City’s Zoning Administration

Ensure you have all the proper permits in order before beginning work on your second-story home addition. Some cities have ordinances that restrict the height of houses or even whether you can build up.

Understand whether building up is even an option before planning your home addition.

Consideration 3: Determining Where To Add The Stairs
To Connect Your First And Second Floors

Finding the right place to put your stairs may seem like a small detail, but your staircase’s location largely influences your satisfaction with your second-story home addition.

After all, you’ll have to deal with the stairs every day, even if you end up putting them in an awkward location!

Consideration 4: Making Your Second Story Match The First

Nothing is tackier than a house with a second story that clashes with the first. When designing your second story, make sure it matches the first. Choose similar windows, trim, and siding so your home maintains a seamless look – like it was all built at the same time.

Consider replacing the siding for your entire home after your second story is completed. This way, you won’t have to worry about whether the old siding matches the new.

Some homeowners prefer a more contemporary style for their home, one where the first and second floors don’t exactly match. If this is the case, choose complementary colors and designs for a cohesive look.

At Executive Remodeling, we handle ALL aspects of the remodeling process, taking the stress of remodeling off your plate!

Benefits Of Building Out On Your
Plymouth Home Addition

Adding on to your home’s current floor plan is ideal for houses with large lots that may not be able to accommodate a second story.

Building out is also ideal for homeowners who want a smaller home addition, like an extra bedroom, dining area, or expanded kitchen. Homeowners who opt to build out don’t usually need as much living space as a second-story home addition offers.

What Do I Need To Know Before Building
Out On My Plymouth Home?

Building out includes some of the same considerations as building up, but a few factors differ.

Consideration 1: Familiarize Yourself With
Your City’s Zoning Ordinances

Many cities have ordinances that restrict how much you can build onto your house. Having the proper permits in hand before beginning work is essential to a smooth home addition.

Consideration 2: Know Where Your Property Lines Are

No homeowner wants to start a home addition only to infringe on their neighbor’s yard. Know where your property lines are and make sure to build within them.

Consideration 3: Determine How Much Yard You Want To Keep

When you add on to your existing floor plan, you end up losing some of your outdoor space. While this is usually not a big deal for houses with big lots, it can mean a lot if you have a smaller lot.

Find out where you don’t mind losing yard space and design your home addition so you can be satisfied with the final product.

Plymouth Homeowners Know Who To Trust
For Seamless Home Additions

Whether you want to build up or out to your Plymouth home, Executive Remodeling has the skills, experience, and reputation to deliver the very best home additions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area.

With a shining reputation for excellence and outstanding customer service, the choice is clear. Call us at (612) 333-5577 or visit us online to schedule your consultation.

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