New Family Room

In a completely unscientific review of past and current projects, I find that six types of additions are requested more than all the others combined.  The reason may be that homeowners value these seven additions the most, or that most homes lack or only have poor examples of these spaces. While I never try to predict real estate trends or future markets, it stands to reason that a home, which includes fine examples of one or more of these additions, will retain a greater value.

1. Family Room

The ultimate multipurpose space may include game tables, a television, a fireplace, a wet bar, etc., or simply a place to sit and chat. This space is where family and friends gather to relax, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company.

New Family Room

Porch with Fireplace

2. Porch

Of course, I had to include a porch (or porches) since we at Crisp Architects love porches.  As I always say, ‘there is no addition which has more bang for the buck than a porch’.  Every Spring I can’t wait to dust off the porch furniture and every Fall I sit on our porch until my lips turn blue.  There is no feeling closer to a daily vacation than sitting on a porch. Almost any home would benefit from one or more porches.

Simple Porch

New Kitchen

3. Kitchen

One of the most basic spaces that every home requires, but more often than not is either poorly laid out, poorly proportioned, or undersized for modern lifestyles.  A kitchen addition allows for the maximization of light, views, a greater efficiency, and a layout that matches it’s owner’s lifestyle.

New Kitchen

New Primary Suite

4. Primary Bedroom Suite

The name speaks for itself, but the space allows unlimited design and layout possibilities.  The addition of a primary suite can be a second-floor bedroom that puts parents near small children or a flexible first-floor suite, no matter the age of parents or children.

Primary Suite

Finished Basement

5. Finished basements

Finished basements can include almost any kind of room imaginable.  We are often asked to finish a basement with a home theater, gym, playroom, or recreation rooms, including golf simulators or home pubs.  The good news is that, for the most part, basement renovations are done without having to expand the home.

Home Pub

Sunroom in Winter

6. Sun Room

We all need the sun for our physical and mental health.  In the North, the best way to stay warm and enjoy a sunny winter’s day is to relax and read the paper while sitting in a Sun Room.  These rooms also come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is plenty of windows to let in light.  Radiant heated floors are a plus and a fireplace a wonderful luxury.

Sunroom in Winter

Photos by Rob Karosis     Curated Brochure by Crisp Architects: Portfolio

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