Lower Level Remodel versus Building a Room Addition

When needing more living space homeowners frequently ponder the question on whether or not they should build and attached room addition onto their home or finish their basement. So what is the right answer? It really depends on a number of factors.

Remodeling a lower level to create a finished basement living space is typically less expensive to do than building a room addition onto the side or back of your home. However, if you have major water issues around your home's foundation then it could become quite costly to have to excavate and install a perimeter drain around the entire house foundation. All this work is necessary to ensure the basement stays dry. The last thing you want to do is finish a basement and then have it flood after the first heavy downpour.

If your basement is truly dry then a lower level remodel is the way to go for creating more finished living space, albeit there are some disadvantages such as having to deal with stairs, lighting issues, plumbing and electrical pipes and wires in the basement ceiling and mechanical equipment such as furnaces that need to be addressed.

With a room addition, on the other hand, you typically can achieve more natural lighting and it's on the same level as the rest of the main living area. In addition, adding living spaces that include plumbing is also traditionally easier with building a room addition than finishing a lower level. Putting a bathroom in a basement for example is a major undertaking as the concrete slab has to be ripped up.

Remodeling a lower level is also easier to do from an inconvenience standpoint. Finishing a basement can be a diy project that can done at a comfortable pace without disturbing the home and family that much. Building a room addition, however, is like building a new home with the exception the construction is going on right in your home. Consequently when building a room addition expect many inconveniences such as people constantly walking around, and even in your home during the construction.

Room additions are also typically much more expensive simply due to the fact that you're effectively building a new home and attaching it to your existing one. Part of the reason for the additional cost in building a room addition is the tying in of the addition into the existing home. To do it aesthetically and functionally correct often an architect is required. In addition, the existing home has to be impacted which translates into higher building costs. Room additions also require roofs, excavation, and floors to be constructed whereas with a basement finishing project none of these items are required. 

So if you're looking for more finished living space in your home, consider these trade-offs before deciding upon either a lower level remodel or a room addition.

Whatever your home building plans are see my Home Addition Bid Sheets on HomeAdditionPlus.com to help find a reliable remodeling contractor and to manage your home construction project.