There are a lot of reasons to consider expanding the space in which you live or run a business. Homeowners might love their neighborhood but want more space. You may want that new kitchen, a more spacious bath, or that extra bedroom because you’re expecting an addition to the family. Business owners may be looking for additional storage space, extra office area, or that add-on to improve the customer experience.
If you’re considering expanding, you’ll have essentially two choices, to build up or to build out. Each type of construction has its pros and cons, and you may be limited by the codes in your area. Some neighborhoods, for example, will have height limitations that prevent building up, while some property owners may encounter setback limitations that prohibit building out. As you consider your choice, there are some things to think about that might help you make your decision:
Cost: Most builders agree that the most cost effective method is to build out. While building up requires less new materials, it necessitates tearing out existing roof structures, going into existing walls to run wiring and plumbing, and creating foundational supports that can bear the weight of the addition. That means that repair costs must be factored into the cost of labor and materials. In addition, building up usually takes longer than building out, and because you can’t run heating or air and because of hazards, you may either have to close a business for a significant amount of time or pay to live in a hotel if you’re renovating your home. Building out doesn’t require shutting down or moving. Usually construction can be done with minimal intrusion into the existing structure. The general cost of building out runs around $140-$180 per square foot while building up costs $180-$250 per square foot.
Type of renovation: Homeowners may want to consider the type of expansion they want. Common build outs include new kitchens, sunrooms, garage extensions, and larger family areas. Build ups often involve new bedrooms, hobby rooms, and bathroom enlargements. For company owners, the type of renovation may depend on the business. A retail space, for example, may need more storage, which is often a build up, while a restaurant requiring a bigger kitchen will probably want to build out. Do consider, if you’re building up that you will use up some of your existing space to accommodate stairs.
Location: One deciding factor may be the space you have or the location of your building. If your lot size is limited, you will have to build up. And local codes such as set backs, may also necessitate building up. On the other hand, your location may prohibit buildings above a certain height so that you’ll need to build out.
Ultimately, you’ll have to weigh your options and choose the type of expansion that meets your needs. Whatever you choose, know that whether you build up or out, your property values will almost certainly increase
Written by Ivan Young in partnership with maintenance supplies and equipment distributor, IMS Bolt.
