Home additions are popular projects, especially among homeowners that have older homes or mid-sized homes with plenty of utilitarian spaces but not a lot in the way of places to relax. Across the Midwest, there are a few additions that are more popular than others. You’re going to want to know what these most popular additions are so that you are ready to go for your clients!
Older Homes Need More Green Spaces
The outdoor living trend is a relatively new one, to the point that older homes, particularly those that are 50 or more years old, have very little in the way of outdoor living space. Many of these homes have a front porch, but homeowners nowadays like a little more privacy. That’s why the outdoor living space has become such a popular house addition.
Outdoor living spaces can take many forms. Raised decks are a popular, simplistic option that looks great with a variety of home styles. Homeowners that love to entertain, however, may want a massive patio attached to the rear of the home. Depending on their use of this space, they may like a mixture of shady covered areas and sunny spots or they may want amenities such as a built-in barbecue or outdoor fireplace.
Another common pain point in older homes is that there aren’t always a lot of windows, at least not compared to today’s contemporary homes that so often feature massive window walls. Many homeowners are adding sunrooms to their homes so that they’ve got a sunny indoor spot all their own.
Home Additions Add More Living Space to Midsize Homes
In mid-sized homes, space is at a premium. Depending on available ground space, there are two ways homeowners are getting around this problem. If there is plenty of room to expand, then popular additions include kitchen add-ons or a brand-new family room built on the side or rear of the home. Master suite additions are also becoming increasingly popular because these home additions free up a bedroom for the kids while adding more closet space and an extra bathroom to the home.
When there isn’t a lot of ground space to work with, homeowners are choosing to build upwards. Sometimes this means an attic remodel — convert the space into a bedroom, office or studio. In homes where the attic simply isn’t well suited to this, the common solution is to add another story to the home. This project might seem intimidating to homeowners, but in actuality, as long as there is enough structural support (or ways to beef up the structural support) to support the attic, then this is a great way to get much needed space.
Homeowners of All Stripes Love Detached Additions
Whether the home is large or small, old or new, a detached house addition can come in handy for lots of homeowners. These days, more and more people are working from home. Detached workshops, offices or studios are becoming more common because home-based workers love having a quiet space to work — and to keep any mess out of the house.
For hobbyists, the detached addition might look a little different. Backyard sheds are popular for gardeners or people who would like to raise a few chickens. Additionally, some homes don’t come with much in the way of garage or storage space, so detached garages are popular projects for people that need the extra space.
The coming summer is likely to be a busy one across the Midwest as homeowners think about ways to make their homes more useful or more comfortable places to be. As a builder, you’ll likely be completing one home addition after another!
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