Home Additions

Custom Home Additions

A home addition can be a better option than buying a bigger home if you require more space. It is a smart investment that will increase livable square footage and boost a home's worth. Remodeling's 2020 Cost Vs. Val Report shows that even if you plan to sell your home soon, you will likely recover around 60% of your renovation expenses.


Although adding on to your home can seem like a large project, such as constructing second additions or multi-story spaces, they don't have to be. There are many smaller ways to improve your home's comfort and optimize your floor plan, including bump-outs and micro-additions.


These are just a few of the many home additions that you might consider.


  • Second-Story Addition to a Ground Structure
  • Second Floor Bathroom Addition
  • Kitchen Bump-Out
  • New Mudroom
  • New enclosed porch
  • Place a Room Above the Garage
  • Make an attached garage into an extra room
  • Finish a Basement
  • Finish your Attic
  • Add on to your Kitchen
  • Expand the Bathroom


As you can see, there are many options for home additions depending on your needs. Let's take a closer look at each.

Options abound for home additions on almost any budget

Home additions to increase your home's sq footage

Add a second story


The most popular addition to a home is a second-story addition. 


 floor addition to your home can increase the square footage and double your house's worth. ELS can assist you with all aspects of your project, including architectural drawings and design as well as construction.

Second story home addition
Build out your basement for a home addition

Finish your basement


A basement can increase living space and allow you to build a small apartment or home theater. The average basement has a 70% return on investment.


Basements are an alternative to traditional home extensions and can be more profitable.


The basement can be used as an apartment, or as an entertainment area. Remember that basements typically must be fireproof with emergency windows,  and a walkout.

Finish the Attic


A great place to begin home additions is the attic. At least half of the ceiling must be at least 7 feet high. The attic should also connect with a staircase.


Once these conditions have been met, you can use the additional square footage to make a guest bedroom, home gym, art studio, office, or into any space you like, but a bedroom is most popular.


An attic can be converted into living space, and typically up to 56% of its original value can be recovered.

Finish the attic as a home addition
Consider a bump out for a home addition

It might be worth looking into a Bump-Out option


Bump-outs can be used as a form of home extension.


These are small additions that are incorporated into walls to increase its size. Although they might not appear large from the outside, these home additions can be used to increase the size of your living space inside.


These additions don't require a foundation or roof, which means they won't add to the cost of your home. This area can be enlarged with windows for more natural light.


Bump outs can be used to add a closet or pantry to a bedroom. Bump outs can be used to create the ideal space for a small table and/or bar in your kitchen. A bump out can be used to create enough space in your kitchen to install laundry facilities.


One of the most popular types of bump outs is one with bay windows. Bay windows add natural light and seating to a bedroom, living area or bedroom. Bump outs are a great option if you've always dreamed of having a fireplace in your bedroom or living room.


Cantilevered bump outs, also known as micro-additions to rooms or extensions to rooms, are considered an extension and can be added to the area. Bump-outs come in sizes from 2-10 feet. Bump-outs don't require a roof or foundation. Bump-outs can be 15%-30% cheaper than traditional additions. Bump-outs work well in small spaces. You can use them to make windows in living spaces, increase counter space, or add space for a bathtub or shower.

Incorporate a mudroom


A mudroom can be a great place to store shoes, coats and backpacks. For additional storage and visual appeal, you can add wall hooks, lockers or cubbies to your remodel.


You can also use a mudroom to connect the outdoor and indoor worlds.

Incorporate a mudroom - home additions
Construct a dormer - home addition

Construct a Dormer


Dormers not only can increase your attic space, add light and curb appeal to your home, but they also make it appear larger.


Homeowners who wish to increase their attic ceiling space are embracing dormers.



Place a room above the garage


Garages can be equipped with a bonus room or an apartment. This is a great way to add extra square footage to your home without making it messy. You only need to add walls and roof to the garage foundation. You can rent it out or use it as a guest bedroom.


You may be able to add a second floor to a garage that does not have a second level. Before you begin your home addition plans, consult a professional builder, like ELS Home Builders. Check that the garage structure and foundation are able to support the extra weight.


When you build a garage, it is possible to add vapor barriers between floors or fireproof drywall.


You can add bedrooms or bathrooms to guest bedrooms and overnight guests who frequent your garage. You can allow them privacy while still allowing them to live on your property.


Freestanding garages can be used for in-law and teenage rooms. You can create a studio apartment with a kitchenette, bathroom and other amenities. To make a steady income, you can rent it out.


Many garages can be transformed into a playroom.

Room above the garage as a home addition
Use an attached garage for a home addition

Make an attached garage into an extra room


You don't have to build an addition to your garage. Converting your garage can increase your living space and save you the cost of building an extension.


The space can be used for any room you like, or it can even be converted into an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) that is self-contained.

Add to your kitchen


Even though your kitchen remodel may be small, it can yield great returns. A bump-out or flexible space, a walk-in pantry or a breakfast nook can all increase your kitchen's square footage.


When it's sold, you'll be able to recoup almost 93% of the cost.


A larger kitchen will not only increase your home's value, but it is also more in-demand. Even small kitchen extensions can make your kitchen appear larger and more open.


To create more kitchen space, you can remove an exterior wall. To expand your cooking area, you can build an outdoor kitchen on your deck or patio.

Add to your kitchen - home additions
expand the bathroom - home addition

Expand the Bathroom


Remodeling or expanding a bathroom in a house can be expensive. Due to higher plumbing costs, bathroom home additions can be more costly than kitchens.


You can make a small master bathroom larger to accommodate a soaking tub or two sinks. A larger main bathroom may be more practical for large families.


You can add a small half-bathroom to your space below the stairs. You can convert a closet into a half bathroom if it isn't in use. This is great for hosting overnight guests or entertaining guests.

Benefits of home additions

A home addition can make your home more valuable. If you plan to live there for the long-term, it is worth making changes to your home. To increase your property's value and increase its space, you may be able to add another room.


Home additions can be tailored to your budget and lifestyle. For different life events such as a baby, or an invitation to your in-laws, you may need more space.


In-law suites are becoming more popular as people age. Many people allow their parents to use the spare bedroom. Some people want their parents to be independent for longer periods. In-law suites let you be there for your parents when needed and allow you to keep them private when they don't.


Why Choose Us?

Because we take care of everything - from design to build

 Our team has a quick collaborative team setting. We have the ability to meet in-person or online.



In the design process our designer/architect has 20 years of experience in the Bay Area. This allows us to navigate the regulations and city /county requirements to get an approved set of prints through the planning and building departments.


Once we have a full set of plans and the design is finalized, the next step is to bid out all of the finished material s with approved vendors. In parallel, ELS will be able to provide estimates for the material and labor. This way we can obtain a comprehensive bid scope.

ELS Home Builder - home additions contractor company

Our expert team has the skills and experience to ensure you get exactly what you want

Once the craftsman are ready to start work and material have been chosen, ELS and team will begin to execute the plan. 

We have a large network of many different skill sets and professionals in the building trades to pull from any time an. unexpected situation arises.

We lean heavily on experience.

Looking to add space to your home?

Let's get started on your Home Addition!


Whatever your reason for wanting to increase your living space or the type of home addition you want to be built - we are here to help you.

Our architects, engineers, and designers are professionals with years of experience and are ready to help you create the home addition of your dreams. 


We can also save you money by purchasing materials at direct cost. We pass these savings on directly to our customers, which is what sets us apart from our competitors.

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