The Best Home Extensions Revealed by 40 Real Estate Experts
Home extensions are a great way to increase the value of your home before selling it or renting it. Even if you intend to keep living in your home for the years to come building an additional space will improve the quality of your lifestyle.Â
Depending on your needs and the available resources, you can convert a space into something else more useful or you can build an extra room.
The most popular choices are adding an extra bedroom, building an outdoor kitchen, expanding your current kitchen, converting your garage, building a deck, and others.Â
It’s important to make sure that the work done is top quality to ensure comfortable living and adding value to your property. Using specialists in home renovations is a must, and ensure you don’t cut corners on the quality of building materials, such as insulation, and timber.
If you are researching the benefits and cons of each of those ideas, we got you covered. We reached out to 40 real estate experts, realtors and interior designers and we asked them the following question:
What home extensions could result in the biggest uplift in property value?
We believe all of these ideas are great so it’s up to you to decide which one fits the best to your specific needs and budget.
Brendan Leahy – We Love Rentals
Before undertaking any extension, firstly you must consider whether it will be worth your time and money. A big part of that is seeking council approval, and doing some research behind what extensions are the best bang for your buck! Before you undergo any build, have a look around and see what has worked in your area.
Iâve seen a few extensions over my 20 years in real estate, from DIY disasters to great additions to the family home. In my personal opinion the main factors you need to consider when looking to add value are:
- Adding functional space like an extra bedroom or extending out an existing lounge room
- Street appeal – Adding a front extension to your home can be a chance to give the exterior a facelift as well.
- If you are selling soon, updating a bathroom or kitchen is a great way to add value before the sale of your home
- Outdoor extensions: An alfresco area or a verandah is a great way to increase the value of the property as an additional living/entertaining space.
- Loft extensions: Have unused attic/ceiling space? Why not repurpose it into an extra bedroom or even a master suite?
Allyson Waddell –Â Realty Hop
Homesellers looking to increase their home’s property value should shy away from renovating bedrooms, replacing the floor, or adding costly features like an outdoor deck.
Updating a bathroom can significantly increase the property value as it takes a lower investment on the sellerâs side. Compared to larger and more expensive spaces like the kitchen, sellers can upgrade features like the bathtub, vanity, or even towel racks to elevate the overall design and appearance of the space. Some other items sellers can consider updating in the bathroom include:
- Faucet
- Showerhead
- Toilet
- Toilet handle
- Lighting fixture
Regarding the overall design, sellers can paint the walls white as it never goes out of style. While it may not be the strongest idea to completely redo the bathroom by adding expensive tile to the shower walls, sellers can work with what they have to upgrade their space and make an impression on potential buyers.
Upgrading the bathroom is a cost-effective way to increase the sales price and attract more buyers to the property.
Ken Sisson
The single most valuable add-on to a single-family home that one can make, at this time, is an accessory dwelling unit (or A.D.U.).
An accessory dwelling unit, where I am located in Los Angeles, can be attached as part of the existing footprint of the home as a Junior A.D.U. or can be newly constructed separate structure (or renovated detached garage) as a detached A.D.U.
There are differing requirements with the city, county, and state for each variety. Itâs important that local building codes are adhered to.
By adding an accessory dwelling unit to an existing angle-family home, one can turn their home into an income-producing property by renting out the A.D.U.
Obviously, you simply can not do this with a kitchen or a bathroom remodel. With the increased rents we see these days, the income produced by the A.D.U. can add considerable passive income and thus create extraordinary value.
As going area rents and construction costs vary, based on geographic location, it would be important to contact a local real estate agent, an architect, and a general contractor who all have experience with this type of project.
These service providers should be able to provide you with all of the information needed to analyze the benefit of the potential value of adding an A.D.U. to your property.
Boyd Rudy –Â Dwellings Michigan
A home extension can be a great way to add extra space and value to your property. But with so many different options available, it can be difficult to know which one will give you the biggest return on your investment.
If you’re looking for a home extension that will result in the biggest uplift in property value, there are a few things to consider.
First, think about the needs of potential buyers in your area. Are families looking for extra bedrooms? Empty-nesters downsizing from a larger home? Then, take into account the style of your home and the surrounding neighborhood.
A modern extension on a Victorian terrace might not be as popular as a more traditional addition in a more suburban area. And finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of the extension itself.
The most expensive option isn’t always the best choice if it’s not going to add enough value to justify the cost. With a little research, you should be able to find the home extension that will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Emilio DiSpirito IV – Engel & Volkers
When adding an improvement to your home, it’s best to add with the intention of enjoyment, rather than “return on investment”.
Of course, adding ammenities and additions to your home will cause your home’s value to increase, however, not at the clip that covers the cost, in most cases.
In addition, real estate is hyper local, meaning you won’t get as much bang for your buck with usage and resale value with an inground pool and full-blown outdoor kitchen in Maine as you would in North Carolina. Not every buyer has the same desires and needs.
The only items that I have found to offer a full return on investment or profit are a new roof, new or painted front door, great curb appeal (within reason) and a freshly painted home with colors that today’s buyers want. Neutral colors are always best.
As we move away from disposable income and towards a recession, buyers will be looking for homes with high efficiency heating and cooling systems, updated electrical components with LED lighting, hardwood floors, maintenance free exterior decking and siding, in addition to being within close proximity to everything they need, to save on costly commuting.
Needs and wants change with trends, economy and overall social pressure. Invest money with expectations of the return being your enjoyment.
Bob McCranie – Texas Pride Realty Group
The biggest bang for the buck right now would be in office spaces. This can be accomplished either in your current home by re-purposing rooms or putting an addition to your existing space.
You can also add a She-Shed or Office-Shed. They have a low cost but will require you to have electric run to it.
Zoning and permits will be an issue in either scenario. Adding to your existing home can be problematic when you consider building lines, pouring foundations, and having exterior walls now be interior walls in the new space.
Windows that used to face outside now look in the new space. It can be a problematic fix.
Bronwyn Aldridge – Bronz DC
It depends on what the existing home’s layout looks like, what the home’s ailments are, and what the client actually wants or needs from their home and thus the extension. The value added to the home will differ for these reasons and more.
However, one of the main reasons people extend is to get more space in their main living areas and to create an open plan living area on a home that was perhaps not so open previously.
In relation to adding property value in general terms, anything that can capture views or outlook would be favourable. Renovating upwards, while more costly, would possibly provide a better vantage point, all dependent on surrounding landscape of course.
Another value add would be extending to favour the home’s orientation so that more northern aspect can penetrate the home. This makes for a lighter feeling home, provides an open sense of space, and provides natural warmth in winter months – all things that attract buyers!
Debbie Demarais – Home Staging Santa Fe
There are really two lenses for homeowners to consider when remodeling with an eye toward increasing home value: short-term gain and long-term gain.
If looking to sell in a relatively short time period, say 2-4 years, then focusing on updating a house to have at least three bedrooms, with one of those bedrooms serving as a larger primary bedroom that includes an en suite bath would be my first recommendation.
If a home already has three or more bedrooms then the focus should become on identifying small adjustments to existing spaces to add value: repainting, upgrading to better fixtures, adding a walk-in closet, and/or creating a dedicated space to serve as a small home office or study space.
For those interested in a long-term strategy and who have larger lots, creating an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), essentially a small stand-alone guest house with a separate entrance, is the way to go. It really doesnât have to be bigger than a studio apartment.
Not only does this create much-needed rental housing, but it is also an improvement that can generate income that will pay back the initial expense and elevate the overall property value significantly.
Bella Zinti – The Homey Space
Converting a space into an extra bedroom could result in the most significant uplift in property value by as much as 20% without spending for an extension and simply making the most of existing space in a property. In addition, it is inexpensive to convert an existing space into a bedroom, and as long as the area qualifies as a bedroom, it will likely increase the property value.
Moreover, the number of bedrooms is the figure most buyers pay the most attention to rather than a space for an office or a game room.
However, if you are in a hurry to sell, converting a loft into a main bedroom with dormer windows is your best choice, as it can yield a massive investment return.
Chris Alexakis – Cabinet Select
It is no surprise that home extensions are becoming increasingly popular as they add more living space and uplift the property’s value. As a realtor, I have seen a property uplifted in value even more by 20% just by adding an extra bedroom. It would be a bonus if this extra bedroom was a master with an en-suite.
Well, the icing on the cake would be that this bedroom/master opens up to an outdoor area with great views or just an outdoor space to give that indoor-outdoor feel.
Another major uplift could be brought about by an open kitchen floor plan. It is said that kitchens are the heart of homes.
So renovating your kitchen with an open floor plan is a focal point for a major uplift. So upgrading to a decent size kitchen while adding a modern feel could be a real game changer.
Lastly, it is important to not neglect the small details. For example including elements like opening up the space with sliding doors, an outdoor patio, or installing a pool (if you have the budget for it) really elevates the experience and adds value to the property.
Joshua Haley – Moving Astute
A home extension can be a great way to add value to your property, but choosing the right kind of extension is essential. A common misconception is that any type of extension will automatically increase the value of your home. However, this is not always the case.
Some extensions can end up devaluing your property. So, what kind of extension should you select if youâre looking to boost your homeâs value?
One option is to build an additional bedroom.. This is a popular choice among families looking to add value to their home, as it effectively increases the number of bedrooms on offer. If youâre considering this option, itâs essential to ensure that the new bedroom is of a good size and offers ample storage.
Another popular option is to create an open-plan kitchen/diner. This can be a great way to make your home feel more spacious and modern and could lead to a significant uplift in value.
If youâre considering extending your home, selecting the right option is essential if you want to see a return on your investment. An additional bedroom or an open-plan kitchen/diner could both lead to a significant increase in your propertyâs value.
Melissa Hawkins – Home Arise
Adding one more bedroom is the most straightforward way to add more value to your property. This can increase your asset value by about 18% to 24%. More sleeping space is always preferable over all other extension options because of the highest return on investment (ROI).
Your second more cost-effective way to increase the value of your property is to upgrade and extend the kitchen. Potential buyers can pay between 10% and 18% more for an extended kitchen. In most cases, you can expect a 14-15% increase in the property value.
Zara OâHare – Land of Rugs
Itâs a general consensus that adding an additional bedroom into your home will result in the largest uplift in the propertiesâ value. There are a few reasons for this. The most common and most stated reason for the increase in value following a bedroom addition is the increase in functional space.
Suddenly a home that was fit for a family of three is now fit for a family of four who will generally have a larger budget.
Alongside this, another common reason for the increase in property value following the addition of another bedroom is the fact that it will, generally, stand out more on the street the house is located on.
Most homes on a street are built to the same specification, but adding in a new bedroom and listing the property online will increase the property value.
Beril Yilmaz – BY Design and Viz
There are many factors to consider when planning a home extension, from the potential impact on your property value to the necessary building permissions. But if you’re looking to add value to your home, you’ll need to carefully consider which type of extension will have the biggest impact.
Generally speaking, home extensions that add extra living space are the most valuable, as they increase the function and desirability of your property. Adding an extra bedroom or bathroom can be a great way to add value, as this will make your home more attractive to buyers.
Adding an extra bedroom is always going to be popular with potential buyers due to the fact that many families need an extra bedroom for a growing family or for guests.
If you don’t have the space for an extra bedroom, you could also consider adding an extra bathroom. This is also a popular feature with buyers and can add an average of 4.5% to your home’s value. Adding an extra bathroom is a great way to make your home more functional and can be done even if you don’t have a lot of space.
If you’re planning a major extension, such as a new kitchen or an extra storey, you should consult with a professional to ensure that the work is carried out to a high standard and that the value of your property is not negatively affected.
Martin Carreon – Soco Wine Country Properties
Considering the hot renting market, an extra bedroom can uplift your home value easily. Even in a conventional market, an extra bedroom in your house can add up to 20% to your home value.
For every bedroom added to the property, you can see an increase of $30,000 to $50,000, depending on the location and the existing property value. But, the size of that bedroom matters. Avoid adding tiny bedrooms that may be undesirable for both adults and children.
Make sure, there is adequate space for each room addition. If the square footage of the house canât accommodate extra rooms, it might be best to focus on high ROI renovations that require less space like increasing the size of the master bedroom.
You can start by converting the free space of your loft to another bedroom which may cost from $12,000 and $50,000 depending on the location and project scope.
The average cost of building an extra room from scratch is $57,000. So, compared to the average cost of building an extra room from scratch a loft bedroom would be more cost-effective. You can also do a garage conversion for an extra bedroom if you have additional parking areas.
Saloni Ingle – Nitido Design
The biggest home extension that could result in an uplift in property value is a basement conversion. A basement conversion can add anywhere from 30 to 50 percent to the value of your home, depending on the type of conversion you opt for.
Conservatories are used in place of a traditional garden, and they can be much more useful than just a place to sit and admire plants. Conservatories are great for entertaining in, especially when they’re equipped with an outdoor space. They’re also great for making your home feel more spacious and bright.
Adding a garage conversion can add up to 10 percent to your property’s value because garages are expensive additions that people seek out when buying houses.
A bedroom is the most important room in a house, and adding an extra bedroom can significantly increase the overall value of your home. It also makes it easier for families to live in larger spaces without having to sacrifice privacy, which is ideal for older couples or families with older children.
Extending the kitchen into the garden. The main reason for this is that kitchens are one of the most popular spaces in which to extend a home, and they have also been shown to increase the average value of a property by as much as 15%.
In addition, this type of extension will allow you to create an open-plan living space that is ideal for entertaining guests or just for relaxing at home.
Craig Ricks Jr. – Acadian Windows and Siding
Extending your home can be an effective way to increase its value with a limited budget. The most efficient way of doing so is most often adding an extra bedroom. This should be the first option for anyone looking strictly to increase the value of their home.
Adding a second master suite to your home can allow your listing to sneak into categories that it wouldnât have before.
A secondary (and most likely cheaper) way to add value to your home is by enclosing any standing covers, porches, or patios adjacent to your home.
Enclosing these areas can make for a great dining room addition, foyer, or any other purpose you want that room to serve. Enclosing these rooms can give your home an extra room for various purposes, but it will also add valuable square footage to your listing.
Jamie Penney – The Backyard Pros
There are a lot of extensions that can add value to your home. Space is a crucial factor that buyers consider when looking at homes. So it only makes sense that it would raise the value of homes. An extra bedroom adds the most value amongst all other extensions.
Most families prefer homes with three bedrooms, so that should be your ideal number to go for. But a fourth bedroom can be just as valuable. It can serve as a valuable guest room for visiting family and friends.
A double bedroom with an attached bathroom is also a good idea. Families with twins or children of the same age want their kids’ bedrooms to be together.
Another great idea is to convert your attic or loft into an extra bedroom. So, back to the big question. How much value does an extra bedroom add? The answer depends on your area and your buyer’s preference. But, on average, it can add up to 20% in value to your home.
Ben Wagner – Leave The Key
Home extensions are often associated with an additional bedroom or a bigger kitchen, depending on what adds most value to the property. They are usually very costly and would need the investor to wait a few years to see a return on investment.
When looking to pace up and adding quicker return value to your residence, a loft conversion may just be your best option. The average will cost you around $23,600 to build but eventually adds a 15% increase at $38,000, an excellent $15,000 profit that can go long term.
To maximize profit potential, it helps to use the loft conversion and create a master bedroom that can incorporate dormer windows. It makes your home look spacious and adds to the floor space area. Experts term it as being the most effective option regarding extensions, especially when compared to adding or extending a new basement.
Kimo Quance – The Kimo Quance Group
There are lots of things that a homeowner can do to uplift the property value of a home, but only a few yield cost-effective results.
One of the best home extension techniques to add more value to your home is updating/renovating your dated kitchen. The room in the house that adds the most value is probably the kitchen.
Make sure you receive the best return on your investment while remodeling your kitchen. Just make sure that the design of the kitchen is open and free-flowing. The kitchen seems and feels larger as a result.
Repaint your kitchen using simple, neutral hues like light blue, white, and others. The room appears bigger and cleaner when painted in neutral tones.
Additionally, decorating and furnishing are simpler. In order to make your kitchen more useful and modern, update all of your appliances. Select some appliances with attractive or vibrant colors so they can be both fashionable and practical.
Adam Clark – My Local Toolbox
The three types of extension that result in the biggest uplift in property value are:
1. Adding an extra bedroom – 20%
Building an extra bedroom can add up to 20%. Well-designed loft conversions have the biggest impact if they incorporate a master bedroom, ensuite, and dormer windows to increase headroom.
2. Single-storey kitchen diner extension – 15%
Extending a small kitchen and dining room into a large open-plan kitchen diner can add around 15%.
Outdoor-in living is here to stay so adding bi-fold doors that seamlessly link the kitchen to the garden can help achieve that family-friendly dream space.
3. Garage conversion – 10%
Right now consumers are feeling the squeeze with inflation running so high. One of the cheapest ways to increase living space and your propertyâs value by up to 10% is to convert your garage into extra living space.
If your garage is attached to your house often the structure can easily be modified by opening it up into the house, adding windows, insulation and electrics.
4. Location
In expensive areas such as London space is at a premium. Extensions add more value there when compared to other areas that have lower property prices.
5. Best value-adding eco project
Installing A+ double-glazed windows provides two big financial benefits. Not only can they increase the value of your property by up to 10% but they also help reduce your energy bills.
Jennifer Baptista – Fresh Starts Registry
The bigger the better. When my husband and I bought our first home it was a starter home. It was a sideways cape which was one floor with a finished basement. We loved that home and I would have stayed forever if we could have extended. I think if you are willing to start small and expand you could really get a good return on your investment (ROI).
If you have a split-level, ranch, or cape-style home instead of building back you build up. Even if there is a second floor, usually the bedrooms are smaller sized and oddly shaped.
By expanding up you can put all the bedrooms and possibly multiple bathrooms up there leaving the whole first floor for the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a possible den or office space.
Buying a ranch-style or smaller-sized home leaves more money in your pocket and a way to gain some equity so when you outgrow that home you can always build up instead of having to fight a crazy market and have to move all your stuff. No one likes moving except for maybe movers.
Adding another floor expands the living space, square footage, and most likely quality of life. While this is no easy task, generally requires you to find temporary housing if you truly love where you live this is almost a no-brainer. Remember homes can be changed but your neighborhood canât. You also get to design the home of your dreams so start dreaming!
Sammy Lyon –Â Lyon Ideas
These days everyone is trying to flip a house like they see on TV, so your typical kitchen and bath remodel is not going to go as far on property value as it once did.
I would say right now the biggest gain in property value a homeowner could achieve would be constructing an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit). This is also called a garage conversion, or mother-in-law unit. In many states the barrier to permitting has been lowered, so building one has become much easier than ever before.
That being said, itâs still a construction project with permits, engineering, utility connections and final sign offs from the city. Most homeowners do not want to deal with these steps, leaving a wide open opportunity for those who are willing to take on the challenge.
Due to the increasing costs of construction, an ADU may not give an exact dollar for dollar value increase, especially since appraisers do not have a lot of comparable ADU sales to work with.
However, it does create a very desirable, fully permitted home addition, which can be used as a rental, home office or guest quarters and add considerable value to the home overall.
Kate Diaz – Swanky Den
A home extension that is well-planned and executed can result in a significant increase in a propertyâs value. The most popular extensions are kitchen extensions, followed by bedroom extensions. However, any well-designed extension can add value to a home.
When planning an extension, it is important to consider the style of the house and ensure that the extension complements the existing property. It is also important to ensure that the extension does not overpower the existing house. The size of the extension should be in proportion to the size of the house and the surrounding outdoor space.
Extensions that are well-lit and have a good connection to the outdoors tend to be more popular with buyers. Buyers also tend to prefer extensions that add extra living space rather than simply additional bedrooms.
If you plan to sell your home in the near future, it is important to consult with a real estate agent to get an idea of how much value your extension will likely add to your property.
Jeff Kutas – MB Sentinel
One of the primary concerns of affluent homeowners is the fencing around their property. The addition of a fence with proper columns doesn’t just add prestige and security to a home. It can increase the number of potential buyers by 50%. Roughly 40% of Americans have at least one dog in their home.
A quality fence is a make-or-break situation when those dog owners are looking to relocate. Fencing that adds to your home’s value and, more importantly, expands your buyer universe should be tall enough and strong enough to contain what’s most precious.
In today’s world, proper fencing is also considered to be highly desirable by parents in order to add an additional layer of security between their children and the outside world. Porch pirates, too, are increasingly an added threat, and the right kind of fence can keep these marauders off a property.
In particular, fences with columns can be utilized to house customized package drop boxes, designed to offer virtually impenetrable protection.
This kind of security apparatus, which is available only through the addition of a fence, does more than simply increase the value of your home, it makes it more desirable to potential buyers who wouldn’t have otherwise even considered it.
Linda Haas – The Project Girl
The biggest uplift in property value is likely to come from a kitchen extension. This is because kitchens are the most important room in a home, and they’re also one of the most expensive rooms to upgrade.
The average cost of a new kitchen is ÂŖ5,000, while an extension can cost ÂŖ50,000 or more.
So even if you’re doing something relatively small with your extension, like knocking down a wall to create an open-plan living space, you’ll still be putting yourself way ahead of the game in terms of the potential return on investment you’ll see when trying to sell your house down the line.
Ben Kuhl – Shelf Expression
Kitchen space and property value are directly proportional. Consider changing your layout if you want to introduce a unique selling proposition. An open plan is much more popular, as it goes well with modern aesthetics.
Millennials and Gen Z prefer a bigger kitchen so that they can cook with friends and family. The burden of preparing food for the entire family isnât on one person anymore. This outdated idea is no longer entertained. Thatâs why there is an increase in demand for a kitchen extension as a valuable home improvement. It automatically increases the property value by 15% to 20%.
The money invested is doubled by just opening the layout. However, if you have the budget for a major renovation, then add an outdoor kitchen. It has a jaw-dropping ROI of 200%.
Constructing an outdoor kitchen can range from $5,000 to $17,500. But this home extension could start a bidding war on open houses. Thatâs how you know itâs worth the time and money.
Sarah Gill – Hypedome
Placing a garden bubble pod in your backyard is a great way to extend your living space and build an additional room. Hypedome pods are high-quality, and extremely durable and they look amazing.
You can assemble a bubble pod yourself – no extra skills or tools needed, just an extra pair of helping hands. What’s more, you won’t need building permission for it (if in doubt, consult your local authorities).
The dome can be delivered to you in 2-4 weeks, so it can boost your house’s value in no time. In addition, a hemispherical pod blends well with the surroundings of nature. It doesn’t interfere with the greenery in your garden, yet it adds extra sparkle to your property design.
You, or the future owners of your house, can arrange the dome just as you wish. It can become a garden office, relaxation spot, outdoor gym, kids playground, and many more. One of the most popular purposes of the dome is to use it as a hot tub cover, all year round!
Guy Sharp – Andorra Guides
Despite the fact that an extension for an additional bedroom or a larger kitchen may add the most value, they are not the most cost-effective methods. This route may require a larger investment in terms of expenses and will only see a return on investment in a couple of years down the line.
However, if you need to make cash quickly, a loft conversion is without a doubt one of your best options because it can provide a much higher return on your investment.
For example, the average loft conversion costs 1500 USD to build but adds 2500 USD to the average house value, automatically giving you a profit.
Nadine Samwell – Eco Edition
A sustainable renovation will give you a great uplift in property value.
The benefits of a sustainable home renovation are very attractive to potential buyers and homeowners alike. Homes with sustainable additions and renovations will attract a premium price compared to an average home, and they also attract more buyers and can sell quicker.
A sustainably renovated home can be a lot cheaper to run than an average home as it can save the homeowner money on every heating, water, and electricity bill, and this has great appeal to buyers searching for their next home.
Youâll also find that a sustainable home is more comfortable to live in because the home has been designed to make the most of the north-facing sun, is well insulated, warmed by the winter sun, and is cooled by cross-flow ventilation.
Natural and sustainable materials also help to increase the value of your home with solid timber flooring, woolen carpet, and natural stone being highly sought after by potential buyers. Youâll often see these materials noted as a feature in real estate listings.
Aside from looking great, these materials are also highly durable which means theyâll last for longer and will save you money by not needing to be repaired or replaced as regularly as other materials.
Christie Bell –Â Curated Home Designs
When it comes to expanding your house beyond its current boundaries, you’ll get the best return on investment with an all-season deck addition.
These spaces are indeed an extension of your current living space. Not only do you get the monetary ROI due to the increase of square footage in your home, but you will receive many personal benefits. This space will allow you to enjoy all seasons while soaking up the sun.
Youâll be cool during the summer and toasty warm while you watch the snowflakes coming down. Oftentimes, people will opt-in for a fireplace which is a great feature to add!
These spaces can be used for many different functions such as sunrooms, kids’ play areas, secondary dining rooms, and family rooms.
If youâre wondering how to add value (and function) to your home, this is surely the way to do it!
Laurice Constantine – Casadar
Designated outdoor spaces are a popular item on many buyers’ wish lists. If you want to add a deck to your home, it could be a smart way to increase its value. Composite decking is a popular choice because it requires less upkeep than wood decks. A designated outdoor space will be a definite selling point when you sell your home in the future.
Decks function as an extension of a home’s living space. It gives homeowners a new place to unwind and gather with their loved ones in a tranquil setting. Decks are ideal for gatherings because they provide guests with space that the interior of the house cannot.
A deck allows you to set up a barbecue grill for dinner, sleep on sleeping mats with children, or read the newspaper with coffee in the morning. There are some activities that you cannot do inside due to limited space in your home but can do on the deck.
As a result, a house with decks becomes more appealing to home buyers. When it catches the attention of home buyers, the value of your house will rise when you sell it.
Robin Antill – Leisure Buildings
Adding to the covered area of your property will result in the biggest uplift to its market value. Building a new room in your house, extending an existing room, increasing the square footage of th
Houses and buildings that can accommodate more people brings in more money on the property sales and rental markets. Adding a single room’s worth of living space to your home can increase its market value by up to twenty percent.
It is important to remember the differences between an extension and a facelift. A facelift is more aesthetic and does not include increasing the living area.
A redecoration can boost your property’s price by making it eye-catching. But the impacts of decor are short-term. Decorations lose their sheen and become dull. While an extension has a more lasting impact on the value of your property.
Mike Powell – Red Flag Home Inspection
The highest bang for the buck comes from garage enclosures. These can add much needed living space, without the need to construct 3 of the 4 walls or the roof structure.Â
This provides tremendous savings, but there are some drawbacks. The first is that the garage levels typically step down, making the space seem out of ordinary for the flow of the remaining spaces.Â
Also, exterior concrete slabs are typically not constructed with vapor barriers (due to their intended original use) and can cause condensation issues upon enclosure.
Anton Giuroiu – Homesthetics
One of the best extensions you can make that will increasethe value of your property is a converted garage.
Renovating the garage instantlyturns it into a customizable living and working space that future buyers canuse according to their needs.
For people working at home, a renovated garagecan be turned into a home office.
Alternatively, it can be used as an entertainmentarea, man cave, studio, DIY brewery, or basically anything you can think of.
Marty Ford – Bulletp Roof Roof Systems
When it comes to home extensions, there are many different factors to consider in terms of both cost and potential return on investment. However, one home extension that is almost always sure to result in a significant uplift in property value is roofing.
A well-designed roof not only adds curb appeal and aesthetic value, but it can also help to improve energy efficiency and protect the home from weather damage.
In addition, roofing is often one of the first things that potential buyers will notice about a property, making it a crucial component in maximizing value.
For all these reasons, roofing is typically considered to be one of the best home extension choices for those looking to increase their property value.
Doug Greene – Signature Properties
Being selective with home improvement projects can really have a large impact on the value of your home. In my remodeling business, I have found that prospective homeowners really value comfort.
With that, I focus on really sealing up the building envelope through insulation and other barriers. Having a tight envelope like that creates a comfortable and clean air quality inside the house.
And then on top of that, we also push to install high-efficiency HVAC units that ensure there are no uneven temperatures within the building or old, loud and noisy units creating discomfort. All of this also lowers the homeowner’s utility bills which they will definitely value and pay a premium for when buying the home.
Other things like paint color, floors and finishes – those can always be changed. But it’s a lot harder to go back and re-insulate or seal things up. In my market, these upgrades call for $20K-$30K more in asking prices because many of the other options in the housing inventory don’t go the extra mile to do all of that.
Greg Covell – What’s My House Worth
Kitchen space extension
As open-plan living is getting more popular day by day, kitchen extensions are turning out to be a great way to add value to a home. These days, kitchen extensions are actually considered to be one of the most desired home improvement projects that architects undertake.
Generally, the kitchen of a house is the messiest place in it. You have to keep a lot of things in your kitchen and so the room can get cluttered quite easily. While a messy and cluttered kitchen can disgust people, a big and bright kitchen surely makes a good first impression.
On top of that, bigger kitchens are generally much more functional and convenient to work in.
However, how much a kitchen extension might add to a homeâs value depends mainly on the existing size of the kitchen. If you are going to open up a narrow kitchen, you can add 15%-20% to a homeâs current value.
Sam Sheibani – DC Luxury Properties
As a realtor with development and renovation expertise in the metro Washington DC area, the most significant value add and return on investment in this market is in the expansion of the kitchen/living area.
While ADUs, office spaces, and other spaces such as laundry rooms can be useful spaces for the owners, an expansive kitchen and living room combination are amongst the most universally desired attributes of a home for buyers.
Additionally, if adding square footage to the house is possible as a part of the extension, it is always recommended.
Eyal Pasternak – Liberty House Buying
Extend the living space with a conservatory:
A complete glass conservatory will combine the inside and outside, bringing you closer to nature. To begin, consider your intended usage for the area and if a classic or modern design would work best for your residence and way of life.
Examine your alternatives carefully because the glass will make up most of your conservatory. There are several glazing alternatives available, including solar control glass and self-cleaning glass, while double glazing is the minimum standard allowed by building rules. Once more, consider which will suit your way of life and your house.
Regarding the frame, there are more alternatives to take into account. uPVC, timber, and aluminum frames have distinct properties, so conduct your study and get professional assistance. The material you select will have a direct impact on the functioning of the conservatory.
For instance, if you wish to remove the walls or doors that connect your conservatory to the rest of your house, you’ll need to demonstrate that it is just as energy efficient.
Martin Boonzaayer – The Trusted Home Buyer
When you’re looking for more space in your home, moving isn’t always the answer; instead, you might expand your current home. Additions to your home raise the value of your property and focusing on the kitchen is definitely a plus on the property value.
Removing an interior, non-structural wall and borrowing space from a neighboring room is a frequent method of expanding a galley kitchen. This is a less expensive alternative to constructing an extension, and it has the added benefit of increasing the sense of space throughout your home.
By doing this you can add storage space and even include apart from a pantry a separate storage space for the bulky kitchen electronics. If you’re short on space, this is a great way to expand your kitchen.
Conclusion
We hope that reading this article helps you decide what is the best home extension that you should build.
Thank you to all the experts that have contributed to this expert roundup! Please share this post with your friends and followers on social media.