Home Additions
As families outgrow their surroundings, they may consider moving into a larger house or simply adding an addition to their existing home. Additions are more and more popular for families who have room on their residential property and love their neighborhood.
Below you will see the addition of a first floor primary suite built for a couple who wants to age in place as long as possible. You can see the details here.
Custom Additions and Ensuites in Richmond
A. Leigh Construction has made it part of our company’s mission to improve family life by adding square footage and value to your home. It is important to start with a budget for your project. This helps us guide you in finalizing the plans making sure that your finished project is exactly what you envisioned. Remodeling magazine publishes a Cost vs Value report every year that will give you a general starting point for determining your budget.
A “bump-out” that enlarges an existing room can be a value-conscious remodeling project. One of our favorite projects was turning a small, dated kitchen into a chef’s dream by expanding into an existing screened porch. The original kitchen was too small, cramped and just didn’t function well for the family. By capturing the screened porch, the kitchen doubled in size and they were able to get the large island they always wanted.
In the photo above, you can see the porch after its transformation. We created a large area for dining as well as additional seating. Below you can see the new seating area and updated exterior of the old porch. French doors create an inviting entrance to the newly renovated kitchen.
Look around your home for cramped, dark areas that could be improved with a minimum-sized addition. Have you considered adding a walk-in bay window to your dining room? You’ll be amazed at how this small change will open up and brighten the room. How about a deep window seat in your favorite room for a cozy reading nook? This can be designed to include hidden storage. Have you been dreaming of a spacious spa-like shower? A bump-out could give you room for the new bath with windows to add light and spaciousness.
With the cost of assisted living facilities rising, they may not be an ideal option. In hopes of keeping your loved one independent for as long as possible, consider adding a private suite to your home. From attached to detached, there are so many options. You can add separated living areas or have one open concept living space. Bathrooms and kitchens can be handicap accessible to meet any future needs that may arise.
If you have space on your property to incorporate a larger addition, the possibilities are endless. Our additions flow seamlessly from the existing home into the new space. Clients are always amazed when they see how well we transition the original structure into the new addition. Below is a photo of a family room addition onto an existing home.
The following is a large Sunroom & Garage Addition with Finished Basement project that we completed in Powhatan. There is so much to share between the planning stages, construction and finished project.
We offer attached and detached additions for Family Rooms, Master Suites, Mother-in-law Suites, Bathrooms, Guest Houses, Pool Houses, and Carriage Houses.
Increasing the value of your home seems inconsequential compared to the improvements that will be made to your family’s lifestyle. Little is more satisfying than living in a house that’s been beautifully remodeled with a new addition. Now is the time to capture the extra space you need!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home addition cost?
A standard room addition typically ranges from $40,000 to $125,000, averaging roughly $150 to $250+ per square foot. A full two-story addition or a primary suite with a luxury bathroom can easily surpass $200,000 to $350,000+.
What are the hidden costs of an addition?
Upgrading or adding to the existing HVAC system is usually more expensive than homeowners expect. A foundation built on a sloped lot requires more labor and materials affecting the foundation costs.
Do I need an architect or just a contractor?
Because additions alter the structural integrity, rooflines, and foundation of your home, architectural drawings are required before we can begin estimating your project. These plans are also necessary to obtain a building permit.
How long does it take to build an addition?
The active construction phase typically takes 3 to 6 months to complete. The pre-construction phase including architectural design, engineering approvals, estimating, and permit acquisition can add an extra 2 to 4 months depending on locality. As construction begins, weather will have a direct impact on the timeline.
Can I live in the house during the addition build?
Yes, in most cases. The foundation, wall and roof are built from the outside first. Breaking through the old exterior wall to connect the spaces doesn’t occur until the last phase of construction. Just like in other remodeling projects, a zipwall system will be installed to minimize the amount of dust that infiltrates the rest of your home.
How do you make an addition look seamless?
The goal is to make the addition look like it was always a part of the home. This is accomplished by matching the existing roofline and sourcing identical or complementary siding. When extending hardwood flooring, the new flooring can be laced into the existing floor to avoid a harsh transition line. Sanding the old hardwood and applying a fresh coat of stain to both floors will give a cohesive look.
Which type of addition adds the most resale value?
Adding a primary bedroom with an ensuite bathroom or adding a second-story full bathroom yields the highest financial return and attracts the most buyers.
Other Services Provided Around Richmond
Some Areas We Serve
- Richmond
- Bon Air
- Brandermill
- Chesterfield
- Chester
- Fan District
- Glen Allen
- Goochland
- Hampton Park
- Henrico
- Lake Chesdin
- Manakin-Sabot
- Midlothian
- Moseley
- Museum District
- Powhatan
- Scott's Addition
- Short Pump
- Tuckahoe
- Woodlake
- Wyndham
To see what even more clients have to say about their experience with A. Leigh Construction, read our remodeling contractor reviews or contact us to learn more about how we can help you with your remodeling project.
