Before you get started, you need to think about why you are no longer happy with the current home you are in? Is it that you don’t have enough room? Are you lacking specific amenities? By answering these questions, you will then be able to decide whether or not if a room addition is a right strategy for your family.

Sometimes selling isn’t the best option

When you outgrow the space you have in your home, the first thought may be to hire an agent and put a sign in the yard. However, under certain circumstances, this is not always the best choice. Particularly in today’s volatile real estate market, home prices are on the rise. It could take a while for you to sell your house and find another one that you absolutely love. It may not be in your budget and you may not want to deal with the hassle of having to pack up all of your belongings and move. There’s no reason for you to have to sell your home. Particularly if you love your home and the neighborhood you live in, you should be able to stay in your home. A home addition will allow you to simply have more space while keeping the same address. There may be a lot of endearing qualities within the neighborhood you chose. Whether you have lived there in your entire life or have just moved, you may see yourself raising a family here. This is all the more reason to use a room addition to make room for kids as opposed to selling your home.

Do I have enough space?

Making room for the kids can be a challenge. Particularly within the current floor layout, there may not be enough space to get creative with. You want your kids to have an ample amount of room they need in order to be able to play, to relax, and to have some personal space. Even if you do opt for the kids on sharing a room, at some point, you need to make sure that the shared space is adequate as well. If you don’t have the room in the design of your current floor plan, you need to think about ways to get it.

While you may be able to do some more remodeling, there may be the need to create more functional space. While you are creating the space, you may also want to create other alternative rooms – such as a home office man cave, or even a larger dining room in order to accommodate your blooming family. When you are going to schedule a room addition, you need to be pragmatic about the amount of space that you actually need. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to add additional space once you have already gone through a room addition in previous years. It’s best to give yourself more space. Children tend to spread out, so you may want to consider providing them with a playroom in addition to a bedroom. You may also consider whether you need just one extra bedroom or if you need multiple – if you are planning on having several more children. This is not a decision you should make overnight, and therefore you need to truly take the opportunity to sit down and do some groundwork and planning. The more you know about your future, the easier it will be to create more space for kids.

Benefits of a Room Addition

A room addition can provide you with as much space as you need. Depending upon your home, the amount of space you require, as well as your lot size, there are several options available to you. You can choose to build up or out. When it comes to expanding your home, you have to take a look at your current floor plan and decide where you want your additions to be. If you have a second floor already on your home, you may want to add a third. If your land plot allows, you may also want to spread out. Important decisions have to be made because you have kids. If you eliminate too much of your land in order to expand, you may not have a backyard for them to play in. This eliminates such things as a playground, a swimming pool, or anything else you may want to have for the kids to enjoy as they get older. There are options to go out and about, as well. This will allow you to expand upon your current home layout in ways that work best for you, your growing family, and your budget.

In the end, you have to look at a room addition, similar to how you would look at purchasing a new home. If you could expand any area in your home, where would it be? It may not be limited to one room. Although you need another bedroom or two for kids, you may also want a larger kitchen, a large playroom, a larger dining room, and even another bathroom or two. This creates a large project but maybe what’s ultimately best for you. It will ensure that you get to keep the home that you love and make room for all of the new family additions.

No matter which room additions you choose, let us be the ones to bring new life to your home!

Contact us today to get your new rooms added to your home!

Spare Bedroom

Whether you are expecting a new addition to your family or having an older parent move in, a spare bedroom can give you the space you need while still being able to stay in your home. An extra bedroom can also come in handy for when relatives are staying over, especially during the holiday season. Whatever you decide to do with an extra bedroom, many homeowners appreciate having the extra space in their home. You might find it easier to get along with family members when you have more space.

Spacious Kitchen

A big family requires a huge kitchen. Not only do you need space to prepare meals, but you also need enough storage space for food, beefy kitchen appliances, and other kitchen overflow items. It’s hard to use your kitchen when there’s too much clutter on the kitchen countertops. This is why many homeowners decide to build pantry or storage rooms off of their kitchens. A knowledgeable general contractor can help you determine the best way to add functional space to your kitchen.

Attic Conversion

What’s comfier than an attic bedroom tucked under the eaves of your home? Not only does converting your attic create more space in your home, but it also makes better use of the room you already have. Your general contractor will make sure that the attic has the necessary support for everyday foot traffic.

Sunroom

Adding a sunroom can make it difficult to sell your home. Most homebuyers aren’t willing to live with a room with glass walls that’s often too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. However, if you plan on staying in your home for years to come, you may be interested in building a sunroom. Sunrooms are excellent for people who want to enjoy the outdoors without having to actually be outside. While sunrooms may not be for everyone, they do help bring more natural light to your home.

Living Room

An added living room may be the perfect space to entertain guests or hang out with family. Depending on the space you have in your yard, a living room may be the perfect way to make better use of space. If you have a gorgeous view from your home, you may benefit greatly by building a room that faces the view and has generous windows. The overall return on investment for room additions depends on how the new space adds to the functionality and beauty of your home.No matter which room additions you choose, let us be the ones to bring new life to your home! Contact us today to get your new rooms added to your home!

Micro-Addition: Definition?

A micro-addition sometimes will be referenced as a bump out, is a way for homeowners to add ample space to the desired room. A micro-addition is functional and can be a beneficial extension to any room in the home. These small expansions add useable living space to a room and existing floor plan or design, the outcome in more comfort and increasing your property’s value. Because there is typically no need to lay the foundation or install heating & air conditioning, a micro-addition tends to be less spendy than a traditional home addition. This usually has an allure many homeowners. But consider this, a micro-addition will not have the same grand results as a complete room addition. It’s not the addition of a new room, but rather an expansion of an existing room by a small number of feet. For those in need of a new room, a micro-addition will not be the solution.

Benefits to micro-room additions?

As we previously mentioned, one of the biggest benefits of a bump-out is the cost. With a conventional room addition, there are many moving parts to create a new room. Because the micro-addition is expanding on a room that is already in place, it’s most likely you won’t need as many new updates, such as HVAC. If you’re looking to include more lighting or a new outlet, you’ll need an electrician and for bathroom bump-outs, an affordable local plumber comes in handy. Often, these bump-outs don’t use your existing roof, but have their own flat roof, eliminating the costs of a roof extension. But, you’re still significantly cutting costs by expanding a room. It also increases living space, which can have value when you decide to sell. Another benefit is that it’s less intrusive on your home. Often, whole room addition can put out an entire family for some time. There’s the concern about dust and debris into other areas, not to mention pros in and out. While an entire room addition can be a great thing, it’s a commitment that your household will have to make for a specified amount of time. Finally, a micro-addition has minimal impact on your home’s exterior. It’s easy to blend in with your existing design and yard space.

Where will a micro- room addition make the most impact?

You may be asking yourself now where you could use a small extension in your house? While there are many rooms you can bump-out, some will make a huge impact here are a few tips.

Bathroom

Many small bathrooms can benefit from a micro-addition. You’d be surprised at what just a difference it can make. Consider this space for a new soaking tub or larger shower.

Kitchen

If there are too many chefs in the kitchen, it might be time to add a little more space. A kitchen bump-out can increase your cooking space. A small addition can become that cozy breakfast nook you’ve always dreamed of!

Living Room

A living room micro-addition can be the perfect amount for your living room. Transform your space into a home theater or use this small nook as a home office.

Bedroom

I’m sure everyone could use more storage space in their bedroom. A micro-addition can be the perfect solution. Turn this new space into his and hers closets that or a new window to brighten up your bedroom.

What are the costs of a room addition?

When all is considered, the cost is a major factor for your new addition. The average cost to build an addition is $46,238. However, with a bump-out, this cost is sure to change as the size and construction needed will be much different. Also consider the additional cost of permits, electrical and plumbing if needed. It’s very important to know if a home addition is right for you, big or small. In most cases, it may be just the right time for a room addition, to avoid a more expensive move to a larger home. Evaluate your needs, wants and investigate the costs associated with each.

In Conclusion

A micro-addition is a great solution for any family looking to expand their home, but not wanting to spend a small fortune. Be sure to research your options and plan accordingly for what home you’ll be adding on to in your home, so you can make the best investment plausible.

But on the other hand, even a small room addition can turn into a major construction project. There are architects, builders, contractors, construction workers, saws running, hammers pounding and remnants of saw dust practically everywhere. Most remodeling projects are a really good investment which can significantly improve the resale value of your home. But the cost per square foot can be as expensive as building a new home, and much more than buying a new larger property.

Quantify your needs and wants

To determine if a room addition makes sense in your particular situation, start by asking the hardest question first… Why and what? By focusing on your core needs you won’t go get carried away with a wish list that will end up extending the limits of your budget. For instance, you want to get super specific and get down to the brass tacks.

If you want more space then you need to have certain dimensions that meet those parameters. For example, writing down I want more space doesn’t express the specifics that need to be conveyed to the contractor. It would be better to have something like this prepared ” I need 200 sq ft of total floor space and at least five feet of countertop space.”

Room Addition Types?

• Bump Out Room Addition: This means bumping out one of the walls from a first-floor room to make it appear slightly larger or make for an open floor concept. This approach seems like a logical one but can be one of your most expensive options in the end.
• 1st Floor Room Addition: Adding a whole new room to the first floor one of the most common ways is by adding a family room, office, or a sunroom.
• Dormer Room Addition: For houses with very steep roof lines adding an upper level can make a cramped space with very limited headroom more appealing and usable.
• Second Story Room Addition: For homes that do not possess an upper floor, adding a second story can just about double the size of your home, without reducing the overall space.
  Garage.
• Office or Exercise Room Addition: Building a garage, office, or exercise room is an ideal space for more privacy to create that second company you be waiting to build or to improve your health and fitness by giving you some space to work on your cardio game.

Permits Required?

Remember you will always need a permit to construct any room addition, which will require professional drafts of blueprints. Your local or county building department will need to know if the master prints adhere to building codes and that the room addition does not infringe on any neighbors property line or view. Some will want to ask your neighbors for input before making a decision.

Costs?

The average national cost of adding a room or building an addition is $42,067, with most homeowners spending between $21,021 and $65,000. This data is based on actual project costs as reported by HomeAdvisor members.

The cost of the project will factor in a lot of variables such as materials used, company performing the work, type of addition, size, the age of the property and its condition. For ballpark purposes, however, you can figure on spending about $200 per square foot if your home is located in a more expensive real estate area or about $100 per foot in a lower-priced market. If you are wondering what the return on investment is on average typically is about 80%.

Less Than $15,000

Depending on the size, of course, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,000 for a project you handle yourself. This is best when you would not need to rearrange the plumbing or make major flooring changes. Fixtures could be replaced, low-end stone replacements to the countertops, and perhaps tiling the shower are the likely choices for this type of budget. Furnishings like cabinets can be refinished if they are still in good condition. You could always get stock materials and make up for it with accessories and finishing. Combining most of these ideas or opting for more expensive materials will obviously bring you to the higher-end of this cost range.

You can most likely hire a single experienced contractor for a job like this as well and still be under budget or attempt to do it yourself. This is a good range to aim for if you are limited on funds or you plan to resell soon.

$15,000 to $35,000

This is the range we consider when you are looking at replacing a combination the toilet, vanity, sink, lighting, windows, countertops, and framed mirrors. If you were considering some layout adjustments, you could stay within this range assuming they were not too major. Maybe increasing the size of your shower or bathtub or redesigning the vanity or sink area. Plumbing changes start to open up as options as long as you don’t plan to move the toilet to another spot. That kind of change can get expensive quickly and even require permits. For those who don’t have layout changes in mind, you can opt for semi-customized cabinetry, higher-grade stone for countertops, and more luxurious fixtures. We would recommend upgrading to porcelain tile if you are in this range. It is more durable, slip-resistant, and has much more color, size, and pattern options than ceramic.

This range will likely require a team possibly including a designer if you need help. Painters, plumbers, tile-setters, and perhaps an electrician will be needed. We would recommend this range if you do not plan to sell anytime soon but want it as an option.

$30,000 And Beyond

If you are here, you are going in for the kill. This is complete remodel territory. This is what you should expect when you plan to essential take everything out and put it back in the way you want. Now it would be easy to say you can have “anything you want” in an unlimited budget situation but on the closer to $30,000 mark will be marble or granite tile, solid wood cabinetry, and high-end plumbing jobs. Closer to $60,000 would be steam showers, heated floors, and custom-built fixtures. With enough room, you could invest in a double-vanity or possibly a separate shower and tub.

Depending on the scope of your work, you may need permits, inspections and more to meet your desires. Expect to speak with a full range of subcontractors and specialists and not to have access to the bathroom for several weeks.

It should be noted that the bulk of your funds will go to the installation fees and purchasing the larger parts like cabinets, plumbing, and fixtures. Everything else will cost you about half of that so you can begin shopping around for what you want and then double it for what you will need.

Where to Add the Room

Sometimes, homeowners simply just want more physical space, especially as their family continues to grow. The initial step is deciding where to put it. Depending on the style of the house and the property, homeowners can build up or out. If you are looking for a great room that the entire family will use, consider an addition to the kitchen area. This is a place where friends and family tend to congregate and will permit you to expand your entertaining options. Depending on the house, you may be able to add a bump out, which saves the cost of adding a full foundation.

If you are building the addition on the back of your home, it could serve as another entry into the backyard. Consider adding a back door, deck, or patio to ease the transition in and out of the house. Rear home additions also allow for risk-taking on the design, such as, modern windows overlooking your pristine backyard.

If the living room feels confined and you want a space where people can lounge, remodeling the layout, adding additional storage, and updating features, such as adding a built-in home theater, could solve the problem without adding to the original blueprints.

Materials

Although you are creating a new space with a room addition, you will want materials inside and outside to match your existing home. Siding, roof shingles, paint, carpeting, and color palette are just a few of the considerations. How will you heat the space? Will it be insulated? How will utilities be wired? These are all questions your general contractor can help you decide.

The Finishing Touches

This is when knowing how you will use the room is the most important. Is this where you’ll spend the family game night? Adding a fireplace is a nice final touch. Are you an avid reader or music lover? Installing built-in shelving or an area to store audio equipment and speakers might be what you’re looking for. When it comes to home theaters, planning ahead helps, as well. Deciding where the TV will be mounted allows the contractor to run wires within the walls, hiding them from plain view.

If entertaining is the sole objective, I would consider whether the room will be for socializing or eating. Or both? Having a floor plan that lets you create different seating arrangements and mingling areas makes for great party feng shui. A wet bar is also a great feature. This includes a counter, sink, and storage for glasses and bottles. No soiree is complete without a mini-fridge, or a small dishwasher can be added to expedite clean-up for the next day.

Important Questions to Ask About an Addition

Before calling a contractor, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Can I build this? Zoning restrictions may prohibit you from adding on to your existing home.
How much can we spend? Knowing your budget largely dictates the design of the project.
Will the room addition add to the property value? Room Additions should include features homebuyers look for.

Does the room addition I envision fit into the existing home? The flow and usability of the home should be improved.

If you have further questions about home renovations or room additions, call Mitchell Construction today.

The Value of Home Additions in Menifee, CA

Renovating a home is a big and daunting task, but a well-planned home addition in Menifee, CA, will pay for itself. It can help boost the home’s value and extend its square footage with an influential room addition. Make the most of the investment by choosing the ideal details and materials to improve the home’s value and character.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Remodeling Contractor

It is always advantageous to take the assistance of a professional remodeling contractor, as renovating the entire house is a difficult and complex task. Following are some of the tips to take into consideration when doing entire house renovation or home additions.

Key Considerations in Planning a Home Renovation

Before deciding how to renovate in the best way possible, one should know about their main purpose. It is also vital to determine the reason for refurbishing the house, whether to increase the resale value of the home or to house the increasing number of family members. One should consider the condition of the area before starting with the project.

Understanding the Cost of Home Additions

Home additions are very much customizable, so it is difficult to nail down an exact cost. Most homeowners choose to do a larger floor addition, while others choose a single-room addition to their home. The cost will depend on the needs of the project.

The Role of an Architect in Home Addition Projects

While a homeowner may not realize it, building a home addition has many diverse parts. For huge home addition projects, it is always better to hire an architect who can assist in designing specifications and exact plans so one can rest assured that they will have a safe addition to the home.

Importance of Regular Check-ins During Home Addition Projects

A home addition is not something that one will set and fail to remember. It is important to check in on a regular basis with the general contractor once the project has begun. One must not hesitate to voice their concerns or opinion about anything they see that may not be what was agreed on. In addition, one should also ask questions so that they can better understand what is taking place in the house.

How to Renovate on a Budget: Tips from Professionals

Professionals say that the answer to renovating a house on a budget yet excellently is primarily to plan the entire process proficiently. But, when planning to remodel the house, it is vital to get in touch with a well-known renovation contractor. A well-known contractor will try their best to offer top-quality services to the customers, and that too at a reasonable price. One of the major challenges homeowners face when selecting to add an addition to their home is lifestyle changes, and by choosing the right contractor, one can rest assured that these things will be taken care of.

 Here Are Four Good Reasons For A Room Addition:

• It’s more cost-effective than moving. Don’t automatically pack your bags if you’ve decided to work from home or welcome a new member to your family. The cost of buying a bigger home is often higher than adding on to the one you already have.
• Stability. Space is just part of the reason you decide on a particular home. The community you choose is often just as important as the square footage. Particularly if you have children at home, it is smarter to stay in one place if you can help it than to pack up your entire life and move to a new neighborhood. A room addition makes staying put possible.

• Increased value. The N.A.R. reports mention that every 1,000 square feet added to your home adds around 3 percent to its overall value. When you choose to list your house later down the road, you will be able to ask for an increased price. Deciding on a room addition is a logical way to pay yourself back on your investment and make your house more spacious while living there.
• Takes less time. A room addition takes less time than buying a new home and moving. Design time to completion can take as little as six weeks—depending on the scope of your addition. With a room addition, you can enjoy your new space in a few short months and have no moving hassle.

A room addition is a smart way to make your home exactly the way you want it while staying in one place. The increase in space will help in practical ways, and your home will also increase in value. Whether you’ll be using it as an office, library, art studio, or bedroom, you’ll have a new functional space that’s always there when you need it.

Some room additions are rudimentary and easy. Others are more complex and time-consuming and complex. The most important part is to work with a licensed, bonded, and insured professional contractor to ensure the job is done correctly. It also means ensuring that the right permits are in order to have legal permission to modify your home.

Options Available For A Home Addition?

• Bump Out – This is probably the least invasive of the home additions. A bump-out is more of an enhancement to an already existing room. This is the option to choose if you would like to transition a powder room into a full bathroom, be able to fit in a kitchen island or convert your standard bedroom to a master bedroom size.
• Two Story  – On the opposite end of the spectrum is the addition of a second story to a single-story home. This is obviously a much more labor-intensive job as the roof must be removed to build upward. However, it is usually still more cost-effective than selling your current home and locating a two-story house in your desirable neighborhood.
• In-Law Suite – Although this doesn’t have to be used for moving your in-laws into your home, it does add enough space in case you wish to do so. Generally, this means adding on to the length or width of the house in order to create a secondary living space. In the best case scenario, this includes a master bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and closets.
• Sun Room – It’s the best way to enjoy the great outdoors all year long while staying in the temperature-controlled comfort of your own home. Unlike an enclosed deck, the beauty of a sunroom is that it is connected to utilities like heating, air conditioning, and water if needed.
• Garage Conversion – If you don’t have the extra space or cannot get the permits for a home addition, you may still have other options. One of these is converting the garage into a living space. With proper insulation, wiring, and plumbing, you can create a secondary living space or room for whatever you want. Depending on the proximity to the house, you may even be able to connect the garage to the main home.

Don’t overlook the potential you may have within your own home, too. One of the most popular remodeling jobs these days is basement finishing. Stop wasting this space for a dark, damp, creepy storage space to do laundry in. A finished basement has the potential to be almost any type of room you could want. Many homeowners make this another bedroom or a guest area for extended visits. Adding or remodeling a bathroom is also popular for basement finishing projects. In addition, your basement can make the perfect family game room, man cave, woman well, fitness room, or bar.

There is also the attic to consider, although the ventilation and temperature control are the main challenges here, in addition to the slanting of your roof. It depends mainly on what you need to use the room for and how much space it requires. But it often pays off to focus on improving your home instead of putting your house on the market and relocating your family to a new home in a new location.

Make sure the remodeling contractor you choose has experience with this type of work because a lot is involved. Ask for references and to be able to see similar work that they have completed. And when searching for a contractor to work with, ask around people you know and trust or who you know have had this type of work done to their house. It is not just about getting the job done; it is about doing it right.

Needs & Wants?

If the room is starting to make, you feel cramped and on the brink of being claustrophobic. I would recommend stretching out the flow or floorplan that connects your living room to your kitchen, perhaps redesigning this specific area to accommodate more traffic flow in and out without congesting your guests in your kitchen. Remodeling this layout by adding ample storage and facelifting features, such as a built-in entertainment center, can solve a problem without adding to the blueprint.

But I Really Still Want and Need the Room Addition 

Most homeowners still want more space, especially as they start adding family members. The first step is to decide where to put it. Depending on the style of your house and the property, homeowners will have the choice to build out or up if you’re looking for a great room that the entire family will use to entertain guests so you can expand your entertaining options. We would, nine times out of ten, want to do what is known as a “bump out,” which saves a lot of money instead of having to add a full foundation. This also opens up a lot of space which is a bonus because it makes it seem a whole lot bigger.  If you are building the room addition on the back of your house, it could serve as another exit into your oasis of a backyard. You could add a back door, patio, or deck. to ease the transition from in and out of your home. Rear home additions allow for more creative design or risk-taking in architecture, such as large modern windows, giving vista views of your backyard.

Finishing Touches 

This is when knowing the functionality of how you intend to use the room is important. Is there will you will throw down a few games of Monopoly on a family game night? Adding a new fireplace is always a nice finishing touch, especially in cold winters. Installing built-in shelving units to store and organize home theater equipment? Deciding where you place your t.v will allow the general contractor to place the wires to hide them from view strategically.

Entertaining seems to be the biggest benefit our clients aim for a room where you can have a few appetizers and a cocktail and engage in a casual conversation. Having more space can create different seating arrangements, giving your party more Feng shui or flow.  A wet bar is another great feature to have, and this includes a countersink and storage for glasses and bottles and even a mini-fridge or a dishwasher.

Materials? 

Although you are creating a new space, you will want the materials to match the interior and exterior of your home concept. Siding, roofing, paint, carpet, and colors will all be elements that have to be taken into consideration. How will I heat the space? How will the electricity be wired? How will it be insulated?  These are all questions your builder or designer will cover with you in your free consultation.

Important Questions to Ask?

• Can I build this? Zoning restrictions may prohibit you from adding to your existing property.
• How much is our budget? Knowing your budget ahead of time will dictate the design of your project.
• Will I increase the value of my home? Additions should have features that homebuyers are looking for.
• Does the addition I envision fit into your existing home?  The flow and usability of the home should be improved.

If you have any other questions on room additions, call Jonathon Mitchell today at (951) 226-6201