First-time homeowners typically do a good job buying their homes. But even the most satisfied customers may be wound up wishing they purchased a home with two stories or a mudroom down the line. Fortunately, most housing contracts allow additions to the house and its surrounding property—with the right permits, of course. A few starter home additions that can give it a new shine are listed below:
Second Story
The easiest way to expand a home that has a limited lot space is to rip the roof off and add a second story. Adding a second floor is also a great excuse to do a total house revamp. In some cases, second story additions are a lot cheaper than buying a new house. However, before homeowners rip the top off their house, they must check if such additions are permitted in their lease, contracts, or insurance. Once they get the paperwork done, homeowners can consider how they want their second story addition to be constructed. Additions can be built from scratch. You can expand a one-story section like flat-roof garages or opt for modular designs. Modular designs are cost-effective as these additions are created off-site then brought to a home for installation.
Swimming Pool
Adding a swimming pool to a backyard can be a great way to improve the resale value of a home, not to mention a surefire way to improve parties and cool down during hot summer months. A pool is also a great use of space, and it can be the centerpiece of any large backyards. When considering a pool, remember that it will cost a lot, regardless of whether it’s an aboveground or in-ground pool. Additions such as pool warmers, protective covers, lights, filtering and cleaning systems require a ton of research to identify whether they will be required. Practical considerations such as swimming pool cementitious waterproofing, homeowners insurance, and long-term expenses also need to be factored in when budgeting for a pool.
Conservatory or Orangery
A conservatory or an orangery is an extra room that can serve multiple purposes. It can be a reading nook, an extra dining room, a sunny living room, or a combination of the lot. Adding a conservatory or an orangery may also be more affordable than a second story and make use of a big backyard.
There is a stark difference between a conservatory and an orangery. Conservatories have glazed windows for their roofs and windows. For a room to be considered a conservatory, 75% of its roof and 50% of its walls must be glazed. Orangeries have a lot more solid walls and roofing, and they often resemble ordinary rooms with a little extra lighting.
When picking between the two, homeowners have to consider what they’ll use the room for—after they do the minutiae of checking local ordinances and their paperwork. Homeowners should also think about the weather, the views around their new addition, and their privacy. Most conservatory owners use window films that block out harmful UV rays and heat-generating solar rays while letting natural light in.
As stated repeatedly throughout this guide, homeowners must check the building regulations and stipulations attached to their home. Their insurance may cover rebuilding, but the lease they have signed may prohibit any modifications to a home. Local laws may also have regulations that limit expansions to certain measurements. A thorough assessment of the existing home and lot for building limitations can also save homeowners a lot of grief.
