With any home addition, there are typically two goals. One goal should be to add a functional addition, and the other should be to add value. While it is easier to achieve the first goal, a bit more effort is involved in the latter. Make sure you know how to invest in a home addition that will add value to your home and help produce a return on your investment.  

Function Over Fluff

One way to maximize the return on your investment is to choose function over fluff with your design. Consider a traditional-style home with a small kitchen, for example.

Adding an expanded kitchen would be considered a functional add-on, whereas adding a dressing room might be considered more of a fluff since it does not solve any issues with the home. If you have any intention of selling the home in the future, the more functional the addition is, the more money you are likely to gain from this addition. 

Flexible Design

Another way to increase your investment return is to perform an addition that offers flexibility for any future buyers. One thing that contributes to a home's value is an unrestricted design. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home they can easily make their own, so how you design the addition matters. 

For example, although you should keep your wants at the top of the list, you might want to avoid overly personalized additions, such as engraving your family's name on a wood-paneled wall. These additions could be unattractive to some buyers, making them view the home as less valuable. 

Structural Changes

To help increase the return on your home addition, you should also avoid any add-ons that could potentially impact the structure of the house. In short, avoid any work that does not involve a licensed professional. With any structure, there will be settling over time. 

It is important that the foundation for the addition be built to accommodate the standing of the current home structures' foundation, as well as any potential settling of the new foundation. If these factors are not considered, structural issues will eventually arise. Entrusting this step to a professional ensures you get the renovation you want, maximized value, and a safe home. 

In addition to these tips, your renovation contractor can work with you to help you plan out the addition with a maximum return in mind. 

Contact a local contractor to learn more about home additions.