Busy homeowners with changing family sizes and needs want a home that is more flexible to accommodate their lives for many years. But do you have to sell your home and buy a new one to achieve this flexibility? Not necessarily. One way to add flexibility to your existing layout is with the strategic use of a home addition. Here are a few ways it can do just that.
1. Add a Flex Room
A flex room is a simple idea that you can do a lot with. It is a space that's made intentionally generic and basic so that it can be quickly altered over the years for new purposes. It's generally installed on the first floor near public areas of the home and may or may not have a door. You can later turn this space into a home office, a kid's bedroom, a guest room, a den, or a bar for entertaining.
2. Add a Second Floor
The addition of a second floor is one of the largest home additions you can make. But it also gives you the most possibilities. Most homeowners move some or all of the bedrooms from the main floor to the second story, freeing up the lower floor for new features. However, you can reconfigure your addition any way you wish, giving you a lot of possibilities.
3. Add an Additional Dwelling
An additional dwelling unit is often referred to as a mother-in-law suite. It's often self-contained and features a bedroom, sitting room, small kitchen, and bathroom. This extra living accommodation can be used to provide housing for an aging parent or college-aged child. It may also serve as a rental unit for extra income either short- or long-term. And if you don't need it for these purposes, you can simply use it as an extension of your meal prep, hosting, and entertaining spaces.
4. Add a California Room
A so-called California room is an external addition also known as a three-season room. This external room is a hybrid of indoor and outdoor spaces and usually has four walls with large (possibly removable) windows and comfortable interior décor. It may or may not be tied into the home's HVAC. This space could be anything you want it to be at any time, including a dining area, hosting space, outdoor kitchen, family room, or home office.
5. Add a Bump-Out
Bump-out additions are simpler and more cost-effective than many other types. The contractor extends the existing floor joists several feet outward, giving the room significant extra square footage. You can bump out one room or the entire side of the home. This extra space can be used for anything, including creating an open floor plan that provides a plethora of design options.
Which of these additional styles could add flexible options to your particular house? Learn more about all your choices and their pros and cons by contacting companies like Wall to Wall Construction, LLC.
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