A simple addition is the most basic and affordable way to expand your home’s living space. It typically consists of a rectangular room with standard construction – four walls and a roof – added to your existing house. Common examples include a bedroom, office, or family room.
This type of addition works best on level ground with minimal excavation needed. The straightforward design keeps engineering and construction costs low. A side bedroom with a crawl space foundation is a typical example.
Common features of a Simple Addition include:
- Single level on the ground floor
- Slab or crawl space foundation
- Bedroom, living room, or office
- No major excavation
- Minimal plumbing & electrical
- Basic structural design
A standard addition is more complex than a simple room addition because it typically includes utilities like plumbing and electrical work. Examples include bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.
These projects require more extensive engineering and design work. For instance, a kitchen addition needs detailed planning for cabinet layouts and appliance placement. These extra complexities increase both design time and overall cost.
Common features of a Standard Addition include:
- Basic shape with some variation
- Slab or crawl space foundation
- Bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room
- Requires some excavation
- Lighting fixtures
- New flooring
A complex addition involves extensive engineering and specialized construction due to its scope or unique challenges. These projects typically:
- Significantly alter the existing home’s structure
- Require comprehensive utility systems (plumbing, electrical, and HVAC)
- Feature specialized architectural or design elements
Examples include historic home renovations, multi-level additions, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
- 2nd story, basement, or multi-level
- Complex, custom shape
- Multiple rooms & functions
- New flooring
- Updated backsplash
- New lighting fixtures
- Custom features
