Let’s be right up front about it: with the possible exception of a whole house remodel, a home addition is the single most expensive home remodeling project you’ll ever take on. One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether it’s worth it both financially and emotionally.
When a client comes to us about adding on to their house, we like to get straight to the point:
- How long have you been in your home?
- What are your plans moving forward? Do you plan to stay in it for the next five to 10 years?
- What don’t you like about the deck you don’t use and want to convert to a sitting room, or the kitchen that just doesn’t work.
- What is your family’s lifestyle?
Because an addition represents a substantial financial investment, we encourage people to seriously think about location and ratio to home value. We also discuss the associated costs – somewhere between $250 to $350 per square foot, or $80,000 to $100,00 for a typical St. Louis area addition. That figure may make a lot of sense if you’re going to be there long enough. Otherwise, it might be less expensive to find another house that offers you the space you’re looking for.
We’re Not Moving!
For people who absolutely love where they live, are deeply involved in their community, have no intention of going anywhere else, but they need more room, an addition makes sense. The truth is, no house exists in a bubble. Yes, you might find another house in a different location that has everything you need, but it won’t have the neighbors you love, the easy access to downtown, or the parks where your children love to play. So, if you’ve made up your mind you’re adding on, here are some other important factors to consider.
- What’s the main goal for the space?
- Are you expanding to make it more accessible?
- Do you want additional living space such as a family room, extended kitchen, or master suite?
- Are you hoping to take advantage of a view?
All the above? Figuring out the why will ensure you get the space you’ve dreamed about.
What and How Much Space Do You Want to Add On?
There are dozens of possibilities for adding on to your home and we’re here to help you design and build the one that’s right for you. Our talented design team has hundreds of inspiring ideas for you to consider and will guide you through the entire process, showing you just how easy it can be to have a beautiful and functional new addition.
One question we always hear is should I go up or build out? In St. Louis, it’s pretty much always more expensive to go up, so most people who add on eventually decide to build out. Even building up over a garage can be very expensive, since it usually involves ripping off the roof.
The most frequently requested home additions include:
- Second-story or two-story additions
- In-law suites
- Master suites
- Family rooms and libraries
- Expanding small kitchens into gourmet eat-in rooms
- Porches or extensions
- Garages
- Home offices
J.T. McDermott Remodeling has decades of experience in providing people with an enjoyable and stress-free home addition project. We’re well-versed in the myriad of township building codes, impervious ground coverage allowances, foundation requirements, and structural engineering. We know what it takes to make your home addition project a success!
The Bottom Line
Planning a room addition in the Greater St. Louis area that meets your family’s needs is a big undertaking, but if you develop a well-thought-out strategy ahead of time, it will pay for itself many times over. Best of all, your family will have a new space to enjoy for many years to come.
Is there a home addition project in your future? We’ll show you how to get the additional space you want – and ensure the new melds seamlessly with the old. Schedule a conversation with us today to learn more. We look forward to meeting with you!
