How home additions increase property value

by Ann Hayward 03/17/2025

Thinking of selling your home? Perhaps your life is changing, and you need to expand your property. Regardless of the reason, home additions can be an excellent investment in your home. Here are some of the most important things to know:



Are room additions worth the cost? 

Home additions can significantly increase the value of your living space. Resale value increases with extra square footage, especially if you add bedrooms or bathrooms. 

If you’re not selling, consider that room additions also increase personal value to your space. If you and your household enjoy gaming or watching your favorite movies in style, you might add a media room. If you want more natural light at home, a sun room addition might be more your style. 



Building up or out? 

It is usually less expensive to build out versus building up on an existing home. When building up, additional building codes may apply. You may also need to spend more on materials. When you build out, you can use the property space you already have.

For example, you can build out an in-law suite in your existing backyard. If you were to build up instead, it could involve construction of a whole second story. This construction may interrupt your daily flow and cost more than you bargained for.



How much to build on an additional room? 

The price of a room addition varies on room size and cost of material per square foot. The quality of the materials is also a big factor in addition costs. For example, you may decide to add a guest room. If the materials are kept at standard, you may spend less money. 

On average, room additions can be around $80 to $200 per square foot. In addition to the cost of the materials needed, you also have to pay for labor costs, permits and contractor fees. 



Planning for a room addition

When planning for a room addition, consider the end goal. What do you wish to get out of this? Extra space, a new laundry room, more storage? Next, consider your budget. Setting a budget helps you better evaluate the current resources you have, and can also prompt you to seek additional financial assistance if necessary.

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]