Home additions come in variety of shapes, sizes

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by Donald G. Briggs|ret||ret||tab|

for the Business Journal|ret||ret||tab|

Many people are choosing to improve their existing homes because of the high cost of new home construction. An established neighborhood, good location and the opportunity to customize a house to meet changing needs are reasons to keep one's existing house. |ret||ret||tab|

A structurally sound house can generally be improved at a lower cost than building new. Any type of remodeling should be carefully considered and planned. It is important to assess needs and wants not only for now, but also for the future. Do you plan on living in the house for life or will you sell? If selling, you may want to remodel to make the home more attractive to prospective buyers, with the possibility of increasing your equity.|ret||ret||tab|

To begin the planning process, it's helpful to document the existing house with "as built" drawings that are used to analyze your spaces, how they can be improved and if adding on is necessary to achieve your objectives. An architect or interior designer can provide advice at this stage to avoid mistakes and, often, save money. |ret||ret||tab|

There are many ways to remodel, but this discussion is devoted to gaining space by adding on. There are two major design approaches to consider when building on; the addition can contrast with or match the original style. Shown here are the more common strategies for adding on when the intention is to blend the architecture.|ret||ret||tab|

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The extension|ret||ret||tab|

An extension may seem simple, but it can be difficult. Matching materials no longer available may be a problem. An extension also can affect the proportions of the house for better or worse. |ret||ret||tab|

Therefore, it is best to make the addition a separate space rather than an extension of an existing room. Attention to circulation, door locations, furniture placement, etc. can prevent existing rooms from becoming dead spaces.|ret||ret||tab|

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The wing|ret||ret||tab|

A wing at right angles to the house can add space inside and define space outside for a terrace or garden. Because it joins one section of the house, a wing usually does not block light or views the way an extension often does. Materials, if they are visually compatible, need not match exactly. A wing is often planned to take advantage of a different orientation than the rest of the house, perhaps for a view or to face south for passive solar heat gain in winter.|ret||ret||tab|

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The satellite|ret||ret||tab|

The satellite, a freestanding structure linked to the house by a narrow corridor, doesn't drastically affect the plan because only the narrow connector touches the house. This kind of addition usually does not block light because it is separated. |ret||ret||tab|

Also, the satellite is a good choice for use as a playroom, home office or a master suite. Matching materials is less of a problem than when the addition is attached directly to the house. The connector can be widened to accommodate seating or dining, and can serve as more than a passageway.|ret||ret||tab|

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The lean-to|ret||ret||tab|

A lean-to can be easy and economical when a small addition is needed. Existing windows or doors can be used to connect to the rest of the house, so other rooms are not disturbed. Small lean-tos can be cantilevered from the house, eliminating the need for a foundation.|ret||ret||tab|

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The attic expansion|ret||ret||tab|

An attic expansion is an economical way to add space by using existing space. Since the roof and floor are in place, an attic expansion involves finishing the interior, adding a staircase and windows. Dormers or skylights can bring in light and views. |ret||ret||tab|

Storage spaces can fit into the low areas under the eaves. However, not all attics have roof pitches steep enough for sufficient head clearance, and the ceiling structure may not be strong enough to support floor loads. For this reason, it is a good idea to consult an architect or engineer.|ret||ret||tab|

The gallery|ret||ret||tab|

A gallery addition extends along the length of the house, but is relatively narrow, to serve as circulation space linking the various parts of the house. It can be widened to accommodate seating, dining or other functions. To prevent the gallery from cutting off light or creating a tunnel-like feeling, many galleries contain glass. |ret||ret||tab|

To ensure privacy, it needs to be screened from the street and from public view. Obviously, solar heat gain can be both an advantage and disadvantage. A west-side orientation will require screening to prevent visual glare and overheating in summer.|ret||ret||tab|

For best results use a design professional. |ret||ret||tab|

(Don Briggs is an architect and the owner of Briggs Architecture + Design.) |ret||ret||tab|

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