When space is at a premium, homeowners often dream of creating extra square footage with a large home addition. But often, due to budget or zoning concerns, that dream is unrealistic. With a thoughtful design, a bump-out, or micro-addition, can be a cost-effective way of increasing your home’s functionality without dramatically increasing its size. By making every inch count, you may be surprised to find that you can do a whole lot more with just a little bit of space.
Here are a few ideas:
Bathroom
With just a few feet of additional space, we can add a soaking tub to a bathroom that only has a shower, or incorporate a dual-sink vanity. Either – or both! – work beautifully at creating that luxurious spa-like feel we all crave in today’s fast-paced world.
Kitchen
A minor addition can yield a major impact in the kitchen. With built-in banquette seating, a breakfast nook is an incredibly space-efficient way of creating an eat-in kitchen. Extending the kitchen by just three or four feet may be all that’s needed for an expanded cooking area, or adding a center island or home bar with a wine chiller and extra counter space.
Living Room
What would you do with added space in the living room? Install cabinetry to house AV elements in your new home theater? Create a private home office alcove? Or perhaps a reading nook with a window seat flanked by built-in bookshelves? All are great ideas, and easily accomplished with a micro-addition.
Bedroom
Increasing space in your master bedroom can be the perfect way to create a private home office. A small addition can solve the issue of equitable closet space by creating a walk-in closet. While our team is on site, consider having us install a new skylight. Enhancing the natural light in your bedroom – or any room – skylights can work wonders in making a space feel larger.
In the end, cost is usually a major factor in determining any change to your home. The size and specifics of a bump-out must be carefully considered, and you should always factor in costs of permits and whether electrical or plumbing work is required.
If you’re looking to expand without breaking the bank, a bump-out is a great solution. By researching all options for expansion, even including the space under your stairs, you can increase the value of your home while enhancing your daily enjoyment.