Outgrowing your home is a common problem. If you bought a “starter home” or are starting a family, you’ve probably said to yourself more than once that some extra space would be nice. 

In Seattle, WA the real estate market is competitive. With prices rising and inventory shrinking, moving may not be an option, especially if you love where you live, you just need to expand your space. 

Learn more about additions and decide if expanding your existing Seattle home is the right choice. 

Addition, Remodel, or Buy New?

When looking to add more space, you are faced with three options: hit the market and shop for a new home, remodel your house, or add on to your house. There are pros and cons to each, and what works to expand living space for one person may not be the right choice for another. 

Buying (or Building) a New House

This option is best if you aren’t in love with your property or neighborhood, and have requirements that are much different than your current living space can support. While additions and remodels can customize your space, if you want to expand up or out beyond what your property can support, buying or building is the better option.

Whole Home Remodel 

A whole home remodel will revitalize your existing space and can change the configuration without altering the footprint. A whole home remodel can help you make more efficient use of your space, but won’t expand the area you have. This is a great choice for someone who has a very closed-off home or small, unused space that a remodel would take care of. 

Additions

Additions make a huge difference in how your space feels. By adding more space, you’ll gain new options for how your space is laid out. Adding a bump out, additional rooms, or a second story can help you make space for another bathroom, expand your kitchen to include a breakfast nook, or create a spacious primary suite. 

Types of Home Additions 

Additions come in all shapes and sizes. The most common are bump-outs, room additions, and add-a-levels.  

Bump-out additions are exactly what they sound like — an addition that “bumps out” or expands the first story of your home, typically by up to 15 feet. This can allow for the reconfiguration of existing rooms, make space for new elements, or expand the available living space. 

Room additions are additions that are designed to add a complete new room to your home, like adding a den or guest suite off the back of your home. These additions are typically planned just for one room, but can encompass multiple rooms. However, if you are planning to add more than one room, a conventional addition may be more aligned with your vision. 

Conventional additions are larger additions that are added to the back or sides (rarely the front) of a home. These add multiple rooms and are designed to blend seamlessly with the existing home, so the style matches your home’s curb appeal and is maintained, and even improved! 

Add-a-level or second story additions include building on top of your home — whether it’s over a garage or adding a second story to your entire home. These are great if you need to expand your living space significantly. 

Many additions encompass multiple of these types — like a multi-room addition and a second story addition. This can really transform your existing home into something entirely new!

Home Additions in Seattle 

To ensure you make the most of your Seattle home addition, put some thought into these factors before getting started: 

Climate & Weather Considerations

Weather in Seattle is generally pleasant and mild, with summers cooler and winters warmer than average. However, it does get above average rainfall — which doesn’t just affect the timing of your home addition project. You may want to include a mudroom or other functional spaces while you add on if you are frequently outdoors, whether it’s tending to your garden, chasing kids, or coming back from a muddy hike. 

Local Trends 

Your home should reflect your personality and style, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get inspired by local trends! Seattle is a bustling city also known for its beautiful scenery along the Puget Sound and proximity to nature. Energy efficiency and sustainable design are always popular, along with finding ways to connect your space nature — like with live edge shelving or custom woodwork.  

Local Remodeling Contractors

Working with a local pro has many benefits: you can ask for examples of work in neighborhoods like yours, they are familiar with local building codes and regulations, and have a strong network of nearby subcontractors and vendors.

Benefits of a Home Addition 

 A home addition is a great way to add more space and make your current home work better for you. A home addition contractor can guide you to make the best choices based on your budget and requirement. 

When you want to add more space to your home, consider a remodel and addition with Arbor Construction. We specialize in high-end, quality construction in Seattle neighborhoods. With decades of hands-on experience across the construction industry, we know how to get jobs done right — with results you’ll love for years to come. 

To learn more about our addition and renovation contracting services, get in touch.