Would you like a bigger home? Since housing prices are way up it might seem like a good time to cash in and sell your home for a high price. Of course, when you go looking for the bigger house, you will find they are also selling for a high price, so you could end up worse off financially. Plus, you don’t know if you will like your new neighborhood as much, or the kids’ schools.

Many people go through this exercise then decide to stay and add on to their existing home. Here’s where that increase in your home’s value could come in handy-refinancing or a home equity loan can provide you with the funds to pay for the new addition.

The most popular way to add on a room is to “bump out” the back of the house. This is the easiest, most inexpensive option with the least impact on your life. Some people push the entire back out, adding a family room or a new bedroom and bathroom. The downside to a rear addition is giving up the yard space. If you have a big yard or don’t utilize it very often, then this may be a good option for you.

Second story additions are popular as well. Many older homes in San Diego are single story. An advantage to adding upstairs instead of in the back is maintaining yard space and, quite often, gaining a view. Adding a master bedroom suite with a bath is perhaps the most common second story project.

This type of project is usually 20% more expensive than adding the same square footage on the ground floor. Depending on the size of the addition, it may be necessary to move out during the construction process. Another challenge with a second story addition is finding a good place for the stairs. You might have to give up some bedroom space on the ground floor for the stairs.

Regardless of where you add, it’s important to make the addition look like it was part of the original structure. The design stage is critical to achieve the right look. I often see additions that look like a box dropped on top of a house, and it never looks good. Adding a bay window in the front of the addition or breaking up the roofline are some easy ways to avoid that “boxy” look. Re-stucco, new roofing, and new windows are all great ways to tie the whole package together. All the details can be discussed when you meet with the contractor.

Some of these details can take people by surprise, like the price. If you have never shopped for an addition, you might have no idea of the cost. Homeowners will initially show me their “wish list”. I often try to give my potential customers a “ballpark” version of the cost on the first visit. This helps them decide whether everything on the wish list is within their budget. If necessary, the list can be scaled back to better fit within the budget.

There are a few ways to proceed after you have interviewed the builder. A design contract can be entered into to boil down the floor plan and other details. After all changes are made, a detailed construction contract can be prepared. Some people prefer just to enter into the construction contract before plans are drawn. This speeds things up a bit and works well for many people.

The key is to feel comfortable through the process. Everyone is different and you know how things work best for you. Don’t let yourself be rushed if you don’t want to be. This is a big step you are taking. Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true…perhaps it is.

After the contracts are signed, detailed construction drawings must be prepared and submitted to the City of San Diego Building Department to obtain the building permit. This process usually takes about 3-6 weeks in most areas. With all of the building going on right now, there can be delays at this point because the plan checkers are so backed up.

If care is given to the design and you pick a reputable contractor, your project should last 3-6 months from the time you break ground. When it is done you will have enhanced your property’s value and added living space you will enjoy for many years to come.

Tags: House Addition San Diego, La Jolla Builder, Room Addition Builder, Room Addition Clairemont, Room Addition San Diego