Living Room Addition

Costs
History
Pictures
Popular Home Additions Topics

Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References
Related Articles

When it comes to adding extra square footage to your home, a living room is the most multifunctional way to go. Not only can a living room addition be used for social gatherings, but it can also be a shared space for lounging, working, arts, hobbies, and more. Here’s some more information to help you decide if this is the best addition for you.

Costs

Converting an existing room into a living room can cost anywhere from $7,500 to $20,000, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the project. However, adding a new space to your existing home ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 or more for a 400-square foot space. You can get a couple price quotes and see which plan is best for your budget.

Pictures

Pros

A living room can be used for a wide array of activities, gatherings, events and anything else your home requires.

Living room additions can increase your home’s value and potential asking price.

Since you’re creating a new space, the living room can be custom-designed to make it truly your own.

Cons

If not planned wisely, this can turn into a costly and time-consuming project.

Adding a living room addition to the ground level of a home can unfortunately eat into the yard space.

Common Questions and Answers

What professionals should be consulted when planning for a living room addition?

In addition to speaking with a professional contractor (especially for projects that involve demolition, etc.), it may also be necessary to hire an architect to determine if the addition will change your home’s original blueprint, and a structural engineer to ensure that your home’s foundation can support an addition.

If a living room is added to the first level of a home, what should be considered before building?

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that there is enough space on the existing lot to build out instead of up. Check up on your local building regulations to see how close you can build to your property line. You will also have to get the proper permits before building.

History

Before the 20th century, the “living room” was actually referred to as the front parlor. In an effort to create a more laid back space (and get rid of the association with the mourning practices common in such a room), architects and builders began using the term “living room.”