Home Addition Ideas for a Small Home

If you’re currently living in a small or starter home in the Bay Area you don’t necessarily have to move to enjoy a larger living area. There are several different types of home additions you could consider for a small home to provide your family with the extra space they crave even if your home and property are limited in space.

Custom home additions in the Bay Area are popular these days as they are more affordable than purchasing a larger home and they also increase the value of your property, not to mention give you more living space. Also, an addition to your existing home means you don’t have to leave the community you’re already comfortable with and have your children change schools. It’s the ideal way to provide some extra square footage to your home while staying rooted to your neighborhood.

As a homeowner, you’ll be able to let your creativity flourish as you design a custom addition that fits your family’s specific needs. For smaller homes, some of the most popular and common additions include family rooms, in-law apartments, sun rooms, bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, adding an extra floor, and finishing the basement. Most home additions consist of one or more rooms or by expanding the area of an existing room or rooms.

Bedroom Additions

The most common reason for building an extra bedroom or two is because your family is growing and additional space is needed for the youngsters. You can design rooms of any size to accommodate everybody comfortably.

Family Room Additions

As the kids grow older they don’t always want to hang around with their parents as they feel more comfortable socializing with their peers and own age group. A family room is an ideal place for older children and adults to get together with their friends.

Sun Room Additions

If you’re on a tight budget you may be interested in building a sun room to provide more space to enjoy the temperate and generally mild climate of the Bay Area or even a screened porch. A sun room can give you a beautiful well lit room for enjoying alone time or entertaining friends and family.

Garage Additions

If you have a existing garage, you may be able to convert it to a finished, livable area. The structure is already in place and if you don’t necessarily need it to park your car, you’ll be surprised at what can be done with a garage and how affordable it can be. Most garages also have existing insulation and electrical work, but you may have to add more switches and outlets etc.  If you have the room on your property, you can also consider building a detached garage and converting any existing garage space into a livable area.

Office Additions

With so many people working out of their homes these days and/or owning their own small business, the popularity of adding a home offices is growing rapidly.

In-Law Apartment Additions

If the in-laws or other relatives happen to be living with your or your grown children are in need of more privacy you can always have an additional apartment added on. This would come with its own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom etc.

Second Story Additions

If you’re looking to really increase the amount of living space to a smaller home you could add a second story addition to your home. It may be the most expensive option, but you’ll almost double your living area in some instances. However, if the new level consists only of family rooms and bedrooms it will be more affordable than having to pay for plumbing work on an additional bathroom.

Basically, as long as you have the space on your property, you’ll find you can more or less add on any type of room extension you please to a smaller home. You can come up with your own designs and plans or get some help from a professional designer and contractor. These will include flooring, plumbing, electrical, and insulation etc. The contractor will be able to make sure there isn’t any structural issue with the plan and will be able to confirm that it’s workable. Be sure to choose a fully licensed, bonded and insured contractor and don’t be afraid to ask for references.

About Element Home Remodeling

Element Home Remodeling is home addition contractor in Mountain View serving San Jose and the Bay Area. We specialize in taking smaller homes and spaces and creating amazing new additions to create the perfect living spaces for your needs.  Our professional team of contractors offer quality service while keeping your project on time and on budget. Contact us today for a free consultation.