Bump-out, full addition, second story or garage conversion: which one?

Bump out vs full addition, what is the difference?

A bump-out pushes one wall out a few feet, usually to give a kitchen or bathroom more room, and it can often be carried on the existing structure or a small foundation. A full addition is a new room or rooms on their own foundation under their own roof.

A bump-out is usually cheaper and quicker but adds little floor area. Whether yours can be carried without a full foundation is decided on site, not on a drawing.

Second story addition vs ground floor addition, which is better?

A ground floor addition is better when the lot has room and anyone in the house struggles with stairs. It takes some of the yard and needs a foundation.

A second story is better on a tight lot, or where setbacks rule out building outward. It keeps the yard, but the existing walls and footings have to be checked for the new load, it needs a staircase, and the roof comes off over part of the house, which can mean moving out for a while.

Garage conversion vs new addition, which gives more space for the money?

A garage conversion, in most houses, because the foundation, walls and roof are already there. The work is insulating, raising or leveling the floor, closing in the door opening, adding windows, heating and cooling, and wiring.

What you give up is the garage, and in some places parking rules or an HOA limit the change. A new addition costs more but adds space without taking any away.

Sunroom vs full four season room addition, what should I know?

A three season sunroom is mostly glass, often without full insulation or heat, and gets used from spring to fall. A four season room is built and insulated like the rest of the house, with heating and cooling, insulated glass and a real foundation, so it counts as living space and gets used in January as well as June.

The four season room costs more and needs the same permit as any addition. If you want a room you will use all year, build that version once instead of upgrading a sunroom later.

Which one usually fits

Short on kitchen or bathroom room only: a bump-out. Room on the lot and no appetite for stairs: a ground floor addition. A tight lot or a house that needs a whole new floor: a second story. A garage you do not park in: a conversion. Our addition cost guide covers what moves the price for each.