Residential Planning

What to Know Before Starting a Home Addition

An addition affects more than the new square footage. Early decisions about goals, site conditions, budget, structure, and approvals can shape the entire project.

Start with the reason for the addition

Define what the new space needs to accomplish. More bedrooms, a larger kitchen, a home office, improved circulation, and indoor-outdoor living can lead to very different design solutions.

Understand the existing house

Existing dimensions, structure, roof geometry, utilities, openings, site conditions, and the relationship between old and new construction all influence what is possible.

Establish a realistic project framework

Before design decisions become commitments, consider the desired scope, available budget, schedule, permitting path, and the level of documentation the project will require.

Design the addition as part of the whole

A successful addition should address the new program while considering the proportions, materials, circulation, daylight, exterior character, and long-term function of the existing home.

Planning an addition?

ATECT Architecture can help evaluate the existing conditions, develop design options, and prepare the documentation needed to move the project forward.

Start a Conversation