Most homeowners dream of adding more to their property, believing it will boost its appraised value—a worthwhile investment. While this is true in many cases, expanding a home can reduce its value in others. Each situation is unique, but specific home addition ideas are considered safe, while others carry more risk.
Safe Home Addition Ideas: Utility Structures
Building a garage, storage shed, barn, or other functional external structure is a safer investment for homeowners. Due to their low maintenance requirements, these additions tend to have broad appeal to future buyers.
Another reason these utility structures add value is their affordability compared to other home improvements. Prefabricated metal options, for instance, cost significantly less than traditional builds. Custom designs also allow homeowners to create practical structures that are both cost-effective and visually appealing.
Risky Home Addition Ideas: Inground Pools
Few home additions are as timeless and iconic as an inground pool. If you own a home in a suitable climate with space and resources, you’ve likely considered it. After all, who wouldn’t want to be just steps away from a refreshing swim or a relaxing poolside nap? Plus, a pool-enhanced property is appealing if you consider selling.
However, pools can be a tricky investment. Not only are they notoriously expensive to build and maintain, but they can also be surprisingly unappealing to many potential buyers. Depending on the location, families with young children often view pools as safety hazards, which can reduce the property’s overall value.
Safe Home Addition Ideas: Decks and Sunrooms
A sun-soaked, spacious deck is an affordable way to enhance a home. It offers outdoor enjoyment with minimal upkeep. Occasional washing and waterproofing are simple enough that even less motivated buyers aren’t discouraged. The appeal of barbecuing, picnicking, or just relaxing right outside the living room attracts almost everyone.
Sunrooms are another great option, though they cost slightly more. If the budget allows, many homeowners opt to combine a sunroom with a deck in an L-shape at the back of the house. Factors like the landscape, existing structure, and neighborhood ultimately influence the final design plan.
Risky Home Addition Ideas: Second Floors and Wings
Adding expansive space to a home is undoubtedly one of the most expensive decisions a homeowner can make. The high cost often seems justified by the assumption that more space equals more value. With the suitable materials and design, what could go wrong?
In the right neighborhood or region, lavish additions can be smart. However, they often come with the risk of pricing the home out of the local market. Potential buyers attracted to the area may be unable or unwilling to pay for a property with more space or luxury than they need, making it difficult to sell at a profitable price.
When expanding your home, following your vision and budget is essential. However, if selling soon is possible, consider how these additions might impact buyer interest and the final selling price. Some additions will undoubtedly increase property value, while others may not offer the return on investment homeowners expect. A bit of due diligence can help guide your decisions—something any responsible homeowner can manage.
We wanted a in ground pool for our home, but opted out for an above ground pool, that way once the kids are grown and no longer living at home, or we just decide it has no more use, we can always decide to take it down. Awesome tips here, picturing a sun room in my house now, as we don’t have one, but i wish we did.