Building Up vs. Building Out

If you need more space for your family but do not want to go through the hassle of moving, a large-scale home renovation may be the perfect solution for your wants and needs. When adding more space to your home, it is important to understand the differences between building up vs. building out to ensure that you are getting the best solution for your home. As leading providers of custom homes, tenant improvement projects, and large-scale renovations, the team at Northwest Construction knows how beneficial both processes can be for certain homes. That is why we have provided some information on each to help you determine which option is best for you.

Learn about the benefits of tenant improvements.

Building Up

Building up refers to renovations that create more vertical space. This can include adding another floor to a one-storey house or adding living space above a garage. Building up is a great choice for properties with limited horizontal space, small yards, or boundary restrictions.

Although building up can create more space than building out, it is often more disruptive and can require residents to temporarily leave their home during the project. In some instances, building up may require the removal of walls or the ceiling to replace wiring, plumbing, and other systems, making it more expensive than building out. Some jurisdictions may also have restrictions on the height of homes in an area, so it is crucial to ensure that you understand all relevant codes and bylaws before attempting to perform any work. A professional will be able to determine eligibility for you, so it is always worth contacting one for an estimate.

Building Out

If you are renovating to add horizontal space to your property, this is known as building out. This process typically increases the footprint/surface area of the ground floor of a home, though some layouts may allow for building out on upper levels. Examples of building out can include kitchen expansions, adding a garage, or expanding your living room. Building out is less disruptive than building up as it allows you to utilize most of your other rooms like normal during construction. It also typically costs less than building up, allowing you to add more space for less.

One potential downside to building out is that it will take away from your yard space. For some homeowners, this can be seen as an advantage due to the reduced lawn care and maintenance requirements, but it is important to determine how much yard you will lose in the process. Though adding on is a suitable choice for most properties, it may not suit homes with little to no yard space. To determine which option is best for your property, it is best to contact a professional.

To learn more about building up, building out, and other types of renovations, get in touch with the experts at Northwest Construction. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or your project.