Getting another bedroom is an unfulfilled fantasy for so many homeowners. If you’re doing your own custom Cape Cod bedroom addition, you’re probably impatient to see your new bedroom ideas come to life. But there are so many decisions to make before you even get started.
After all, you want to make sure it is seamlessly incorporated into your home’s existing design. You’re likely doing it for the added functionality, but you certainly want to also boost the value of your home. This brings us to one of the most important decisions you need to make: should you build up or out?
How do you add a room to a Cape Cod house?
When adding a room to your home on the Cape, there are important steps and considerations to bear in mind. For many homeowners, adding another room is a once-in-a-lifetime project, and you want to make absolutely sure that you think it through.
One of the most important considerations has to do with foundation and structure. You can decide whether to build up or out based on that:
- Building up requires you to add a second story on your home or expand your attic. If your yard is not big enough, this option is more cost-effective. You will also need to consult with a structural engineer on whether your existing foundation can support the addition.
- Building out is a horizontal expansion and you’re adding a ground-level bedroom. This is more convenient if you are envisioning single-level living, and if you have sufficient land to accommodate the additional structure.
Here are some other action points to help you make an informed decision about your bedroom addition:
- Get a professional assessment of your property to help you determine if there’s enough space for a bedroom addition and if you can move onto the planning stage.
- Inquire about local zoning laws, building codes, and permits that apply to home additions on Cape Cod.
- Discuss the project scope with a professional contractor and go over things like size, layout, special features and amenities.
- Get an estimate of the project cost, including materials, labor, permits and other possible costs that may come up.
- Explore financing and payment options.
- Have an architect or designer create a detailed bedroom addition plan that aligns with your vision and blends with your existing aesthetics.
- Obtain any necessary permits and check other local regulations and requirements that may apply.
- Hire a licensed and experienced contractor for your bedroom addition. Discuss getting energy-efficient features such as HVAC, insulation, and doors and windows prior to any plumbing and electrical work.
- Choose interior finishes, including wall finishes, flooring and fixtures.
Can you build up on a Cape Cod house?
Many homeowners struggle with chronic lack of space for years or even decades. For many of them, the only way to change their living situation and quality of living for the better is to expand their existing property.
If you’ve decided to get a room addition, you have two options: build up or build out. This mainly depends on your specific property, preferences and last but not least, budget. Building up is typically more economical, especially if you have limited land. On the other hand, building out provides single-level convenience.
Whether it is on Cape Cod or in another location in the US, you will need to inquire with local authorities when looking to upgrade your home in any way. Professional contractors can usually provide you with the necessary guidance ahead of time to ensure you stay compliant with local regulations and building codes, and help you obtain permits.
Who do I reach out to for a custom Cape Cod bedroom addition?
When undertaking seriously life-changing home improvement projects like adding a bedroom to your home, the safest option is to reach out to experienced contractors who can handle the whole process seamlessly from start to finish. With CPP Builders, your bedroom addition will be fully customized based on your requirements and preferences. Reach out to us for consultation and let’s take it from there.