Why Ranch Homes Are Ideal for Remodeling or Room Additions
Classic American ranch style homes are common in suburbs from coast to coast. Ranch homes are prized for their spaciousness and for the fact most sit on relatively large lots and boast conveniences like attached garages. Times have changed since many ranch homes were built in the immediate post-war era, however. Many owners of ranch homes crave more living space and are interested in making aesthetic improvements to their ranch homes’ exteriors. If you’re one of those owners interested in revamping your ranch home, you’ll be glad to know home improvement contractors in Wellesley and the surrounding areas will confirm ranch homes are ideally suited for remodeling.
Reasons to Remodel Your Ranch Home
If you’re trying to decide whether to sell your ranch home and purchase a home that better suits your lifestyle or to remodel your existing home, here are a few arguments in favor of remodeling.
- Many ranch homes can easily be renovated to achieve a more open floor plan simply by removing non-load bearing walls.
- Ranch homes are known for their solid construction. If the “bones” of your home are strong, why risk moving into a newer construction home that may not be as reliable?
- Ranch homes are historic homes! You can retain your home’s retro rootsand remodel it to meet your changing needs.
Up or Out? That Is the Main Question
If you’re considering embarking on a ranch home remodel in Wellesley or the surrounding areas and your primary goal is to add more living space, you have two options. You can build up (contractors often call this a “pop-top” addition) by adding a second story or you can build out by expanding at the back or side of your home. Building up can literally double your home’s square footage without changing its footprint. You’ll have the ability to design whatever bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and family room configuration you wish. Building up will also significantly transform the exterior of your home.
Build outs, also known as bump outs, are usually less expensive by about 25 percent than build ups. This remodel usually involves constructing a “U-” or “L”- shaped addition or enclosing a carport. Build outs are only feasible if your home’s lot is large enough. Additionally, for larger build-out projects, you’ll usually lose a sizable portion of your yard. Either option will deliver more square footage and a dramatic change to the exterior aesthetics of your home.
There May Be a Third Option
If you are contemplating a ranch home remodel and your home has a basement, you could pursue southeastern MA home improvement plans that call for a basement remodel. Large basements have immense potential. A skilled contractor can transform your home’s basement into a warm, inviting living space or add bedrooms and bathrooms. Don’t overlook this valuable square footage if you’re considering a remodel.
Whether you are interested in extensive second-story additions or simple room additions in Wellesley, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We can transform your run-of-the-mill ranch home into a true showpiece you’ll be proud to call home.