If your home seems too small for your growing family or your expanding hobbies, and you don't want to move, you might want to think about adding more square footage. This can be easier than you might imagine. You can enlarge your living space without building out into your yard.

Add a Second Story

By building a second story to a ranch or a bungalow, you can add more bedrooms, a loft, or a bonus room. Constructing a full second story essentially doubles your square footage. You can also expand an attic by adding a dormer. If a full second story is too much, it's possible to build up over just half of your house.

The process is rather simple, but it can be expensive. As with any addition, you may face challenges in matching windows and siding to the lower half of your home. However, for maximum space without sacrificing your lawn, a second story may be the way to go.

Build a Deck

If you're needing more space for entertainment and relaxation, building a deck might be the solution for you. A deck makes your home feel bigger and gives you outdoor space for warmer months. Enclose the deck with a railing to keep kids and pets safe.

A deck can be custom-designed to conform to your home and yard design. Wood is always popular, or you can choose a composite decking material. For shade, you can add a pergola, awning, or gazebo.

Convert Your Garage

In some cases, you can convert an attached garage into space for a family room or additional bedroom or bath. Your garage is probably already equipped with electricity, but you may need to extend the plumbing. Heating, air conditioning, and sufficient insulation are also concerns.

If you have a two-car garage, you may be able to convert just part of the garage while still leaving room for the car. If you just need an extra bathroom, a laundry room, or a hobby room, this can be a less expensive way to get more living space.

Adding more square footage to your home can make your home life more comfortable and enjoyable. It can also add to the value of your home. Before you decide on the best expansion plan for you, check with your local ordinances about any regulations you may need to follow.

Check out this article on questions to ask yourself before remodeling !