Looking for more living space without the hassle of moving? Home additions might be the answer you are looking for. But did you know that there are several different kinds of home additions, all with their own advantages and disadvantages? In this blog post, we’ll break down the most common types in Ottawa, what you should know about each one, and how NeighborBuild can help.
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If you love your home and your neighbourhood but have simply outgrown your square footage, a second-storey home addition might be something to consider. This project adds another floor to your home, which can be used for more bedrooms, an extended family room, and more. Second-storey additions are particularly appealing when you want to add a large amount of square footage without giving up yard space or expanding your overall footprint.
That said, building up isn’t always the right choice. Second-storey additions can be extremely expensive, mostly because of all the work that goes into them. For this project, you’ll need structural assessments, engineering services, architectural drawings, roof removal, and more. As a result, second-storey additions are best suited for homeowners who are committed to their property long-term and have the budget to do it properly.
If you still have questions about whether a second-storey addition is the right choice for you, read our guide where we break down how to think about this decision: “Should You Build Up or Build Out?”
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Looking to add more space in a way that is cost-effective? Consider a bump-out addition, which can add between 2 and 8 feet of living space to an existing room. While it might not sound like much, adding an extra few feet can be transformative. Think: extra seating for a breakfast nook, a walk-in closet for your master bedroom, or a little bit of extra space for an upgraded bathroom.
Crucially, there are two types of bump-out home additions: cantilevered bump-outs and full foundation bump-outs. Cantilevered bump-outs extend the floor structure of your home without needing additional foundation work, making them a faster and more affordable option for smaller extensions of around 2 to 3 feet. On the other hand, full foundation bump-outs require a proper footing and foundation, which allows for larger extensions of up to 8 feet or more.
Not sure which type is right for your home? That’s exactly the kind of thing we can sort out together. The right answer depends on your existing structure, how much space you’re after, and what you want to use it for.
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Want more square footage than a bump-out can offer, but not quite ready for the scope of a full second-storey addition? A sunroom might be the perfect middle ground. Seasonal rooms extend your home into the outdoors without fully exposing you to the elements, giving you a bright, comfortable space to enjoy well beyond patio season. Three-season rooms are one of the more accessible addition options in terms of cost, and they work beautifully as a dining space, a reading room, or a casual lounge from spring through fall. If you want year-round use, a four-season sunroom is the answer. Fully insulated and integrated with your home’s heating and cooling system, a four-season sunroom functions as a true additional room rather than just a seasonal bonus.
If you are still weighing the pros and cons of this home addition, read our complete guide where we get into the details: “Should I Add a 3-Season Room? (Pros and Cons)”
While second-storey additions, bump-out additions, and sunrooms/seasonal room additions are generally the most common home additions in Ottawa, they aren’t the only options. Most home renovation companies often offer a variety of other services, including:
At NeighborBuild, we often surprise homeowners with how much space we can add to existing homes. Simply call our office to set up your first meeting and start exploring your options today.
Ready to add valuable square footage to your Ottawa home? Our team can help. With over 10 years of experience serving Ottawa homeowners and a fully in-house team, NeighborBuild is your trusted home renovation and remodelling company. Explore our services, take a look at our completed projects, or get started on your free quote today. Let us help turn your home renovation dream into a reality.
