Garage Conversions

One of the simpler kinds of additions, a garage conversion is a great option because it does not add to the footprint of your home. A garage conversion can transform your existing garage into an additional living area replete with kitchen and bathroom, a comfortable “play-space” for the kids, or an extra finished room that can be used as a bedroom, hobby room or family room.

At minimum, a garage conversion entails replacing the garage door with a solid wall and windows as well as installing a ceiling. A new floor and additional walls and windows can also be constructed as needed. Because the subfloor, electric, and frame are already in place, a garage conversion involves less work than most additions – however, a more extensive garage conversion will require installation of new plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Either way, a garage conversion is a great entry-level addition that is accomplished at the lowest price break.

Enclosed Porch

Like a garage conversion, enclosing your existing porch works within the footprint of your home, and involves less materials, labor and expense than most other additions. At the most basic level, an enclosed porch enables you to have an outdoor screened-in area that you can enjoy 3 seasons of the year – in temperate weather. It makes for a more formal space that you can enjoy to eat a meal, sip lemonade, play cards or relax in whatever way you choose. If you want your porch to be added onto the square footage of your home it has to be habitable year-round – which means it needs to be outfitted with heating, insulation and electric. Doing this is more complex and costly, but can be an effective way of adding value to your home.

Sunroom

A sunroom is similar to an enclosed porch, but usually entails adding to the existing footprint of your home by building out from it. Considered a supplemental living or recreation area, a sunroom is primarily designed to be a seasonal (not year-round) addition to your home. Sunrooms tend to be separated by doors from the main home and are never used as permanent sleeping areas, nor do they feature bathrooms or kitchens. Not being considered part of the main livable home, sunrooms are constructed of alternate materials such as aluminum and over-sized, thermo-resistant glass (known as fenestration) that may comprise the majority of the walls. Therefore, sunrooms provide a unique aesthetic and uplifting ambience that cannot be achieved in the ordinary portions of the home.

Deck

A deck is a boon to any house. Providing an outdoor space to relax and sunbath, grill, enjoy a meal or bird watch, a deck represents a special outdoor zone between the house and the yard. Decks come in a variety of sizes and materials, including pressure treated wood and a variety of composite materials. New Life Crew, LLC can build your deck from scratch or remodel and extend your existing deck into a larger deck. Either way, we consult with homeowners on the best kind of deck for your unique home and situation. Though a deck is not included in the square footage of your home, it is a relatively cheap way to increase the value of your home as it represents a cherished auxiliary space.

Room Addition / Bump Out

A room addition / bump out represents a range of square footage added to your home. A room addition comprises a whole new room of any size added onto the side of your home, while a bump out will add extra space and square footage to an existing room. A room addition may be desirable if you want to add an extra bedroom or bathroom to your existing home. And a bump out can be used to add space onto any existing room, such as a pantry to a kitchen or a large closet to a bedroom. A bump out can be designed for nearly any purpose: to add space for a eating table to your kitchen, or as a bay window to your livingroom to add extra light. Adding a fireplace to your bedroom or a laundry room to your basement are other common bump out ideas.

Second Story Addition

A second story addition is a major endeavor that typically comprises more time, materials and cost than any other home addition. However, a second story addition can also double the square footage of your home, adding significant livable space and value to your investment. A second story addition can completely transform your home – and expand your occupant possibilities – by enabling you to design a whole new livable level. However, before embarking upon a second story addition project you’ll need to make sure your foundation can accommodate the extra load. Often times your foundation can be improved to build a second story addition, but if not an ADU may better fit your needs.

Conventional House Addition

A conventional house addition is a major construction project that involves adding multiple rooms to the side of your existing home – such as a living room, dining room, bathroom, guest or primary bedroom. With a conventional house addition there is no marked separation from the existing home, rather the addition is blended into and becomes part of the home. Therefore, a kitchen is rarely added because it would constitute a potentially separate living space (or an ADU). A conventional house addition typically must adhere to the same building permits and code requirements as your main home – and may involve excavation, foundation work, as well as installation of new wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems. But a major house addition can be well worth the time and energy as it truly adds a whole new dimension of space and possibilities to your home.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) “Granny Flat”

An ADU represents a fully livable space – featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen – that is attached to the main house. An ADU can be used to rent out to a tenant for extra income or, as the name implies, as a place for grandma (or anyone) to stay when she visits or to live full-time. The ADU is a unique home addition because it can be used for many different purposes. In essence an ADU is any kind of addition to a home that enables someone to live there independent of the main home. In this respect, the possibilities for designing, constructing, and using an ADU are nearly limitless.

DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit)

The only difference between an ADU and a DADU is that the former is connected to the main home while the latter is not. Sometimes also known as a Tiny House, the DADU is located on the property of the main home, typically in the backyard. Because the DADA is disconnected from the main home, it represents an entirely new dwelling space and must have its own foundation as well as be outfitted with original plumbing, wiring, and HVAC. Think of a DADU as a mini-house, but one which can be entirely different from the main home and used for its own unique purpose.

New Life Crew, LLC is your go-to construction company for any kind of home addition. We provide outstanding craftmanship alongside commitment to superlative customer service. Contact us today for an initial consultation for your next home addition!