I love my ~700 sqft house, but I'm struggling with limited space, particularly in my tiny bathroom and bedroom. I live on a rocky hill, and I'm considering ways to add more usable space. My thought is that building up might be the best approach because of the location, but I'm unsure about the costs involved. Expanding horizontally seems complicated since I would likely need to build retaining walls and fill in land. Given that I live in a high cost of living area, moving is not a practical option for me, as even selling would mean relocating to a pricier area. What do you think is more economical?
3 Answers
You've got some interesting options! If your climate allows for it, building a deck can really maximize your living space. A friend of mine with a smaller house on a hill did just that, and it effectively doubled his usable area. Plus, it gives you a way to set up storage underneath. You could also think about reconfiguring some existing rooms to make better use of your space. Even with your small footprint, it’s not impossible to make it feel roomier!
Generally speaking, building up is the more cost-effective route. Earthwork and new foundations can really chew up your budget, so expanding vertically saves on both. Plus, who doesn't love the idea of a new roof? It's a smart way to create space without getting too deep into the ground.
Why not cantilever the new space on opposite ends? It could look really cool and save you some stair issues. Just something to consider as you brainstorm ideas!
Totally agree! A deck is great if the weather is right for it. I have a screened porch that I can use most of the year, and it makes such a difference. Just keep in mind that if your area has a lot of rain or cold, it might not be as convenient.