Ritco Group, Inc.

When you find that your current home no longer meets your needs, you might be faced with the dilemma of choosing whether to expand your home’s footprint or add a second story. Both options have their pros and cons, and the decision should be based on your specific circumstances and preferences. In today’s post, residential and commercial roofing contractor Ritco Group, Inc. shares insight between these two options.

Enlarging Your Home’s Footprint

Expanding your home’s footprint involves extending the existing structure horizontally and, in most cases, increasing the floor area. This can extend your home’s living space and accommodate your needs without altering the existing structure’s height, and may also help maintain its original aesthetic. A bigger footprint is ideal for household members who have accessibility concerns or just prefer not having stairs, as it keeps all rooms on the same floor. Furthermore, this option tends to have a simpler construction process and a shorter timeline for completion. 

However, it’s important to consider what some may consider as drawbacks. Expanding the footprint will involve additional foundation and excavation work, which will have a correspondingly higher project cost. It can also result in a smaller yard, which may affect landscaping and outdoor activities.

Adding a Second Story

Adding a second story involves a vertical increase of living space, allowing you to keep your home’s original footprint. This is the ideal approach when you want to keep as much yard space as possible. A second story may also let you enjoy a scenic view outside your property, which may not be easily visible at the ground level.

Like changing your home’s footprint, adding a second story is not without what may be considered as drawbacks. Since a second story involves removing the roofing structure, second-story additions typically cost higher because the top half of the structure will have to be removed. If you have a relatively new roof, you might not get the most out of it. You may, however, want to time it to coincide with a roof replacement, or even roof storm repair if it will involve removing a significant portion of the roof. 

If you want to keep your home’s look, seamlessly integrating a second story can make the project more complex. This means you can’t just leave this to any contractor; you have to make sure you pick one that has the skills and know-how in building home additions.

Ultimately, the decision to expand your home’s footprint or add a second story should be based on your unique circumstances, preferences and long-term goals. If you need help choosing between the two, our experts at Ritco Group, Inc. will be happy to help. We are one of the most trusted renovation and roofing companies serving Brentwood and Murfreesboro, TN. Give us call at (931) 381-0175, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.