Complete Home Addition Guide [Montgomery County, Philadelphia, & Beyond]

Understanding Home Additions: More Than Just Extra Square Footage

Home additions represent a strategic investment in your property, offering multiple benefits beyond mere space expansion. Whether you're accommodating a growing family, creating a home office, or enhancing your property's market value, the right addition can fundamentally transform your living experience.

• Interested in the process involved? Check out: Understanding the Building Process

Step 1. Decide Between a Home Addition or Selling Your Home

Many clients are often weighing their options up to the very last minute. We understand! The pros and the cons for your scenario can be very unique and should be thoughtfully considered in the modern real estate market. Is building a home addition or buying and selling your home the best option for your family and finances? The following information should help make your decision.

Consider the Impact on your daily life.

• Need Help Deciding? 
• • Home Addition or Move? A breakdown of the pros and cons of each choice
  • Living Through Your Home Addition: An honest look at the impact of building an addition on your daily life.
• Ready to Build? Get Started Now
• Ready to Move? Moving & Relocation Services

It's not uncommon to be undecided about what kind of addition or bump out you might want. Just knowing you need more space is a common complaint.

Step 2. Choose a Type of Home Addition

You may have more options than you think when deciding on building extra space for the home. Below are individual break downs that will help in making a decision in your specific situation.

a. Room Additions

• Ideal For: Families needing additional bedrooms, Homeowners requiring dedicated home office spaces, Those wanting to increase overall property value
• Definition: Constructing an entirely new room attached to your existing home

b. Bump-Out Additions

More modest and affordable extensions of existing rooms that can provide additional space with shorter construction times and costs.

• Ideal for: Kitchen expansions, Bathroom enlargements, Small, functional spaces without major structural changes
• Is This Best For Me? Bump-Out vs Home Addition

c. Garage Conversions

• Transformation: Converting unused garage space into functional living areas
• Potential Uses:
  • Guest suites
  • Home gyms
  • Rental units

d. Second or Third Story Additions

• Ideal For: Building up when out is not possible, Significant increase in living space, Potential for substantial property value appreciation
• Is This Best for Me? Adding a Second Story
• Remember: Township must approve and your home's structure must be adequate to support the structure. Call us to find out about your options!

e. Sunrooms and Conservatories

• Design: Glass-enclosed spaces integrating indoor comfort with outdoor aesthetics
• Considerations:
  • Seasonal usability
  • Natural light optimization
  • Energy efficiency requirements

Step 3. Get Rough Estimates

Once you have decided which type of home addition is right for you, the next most important consideration will be the cost. At this point the prices you receive will be "rough estimates" rather than full quotes.

Many contractors will not even bid without a final design and architectural plans in hand, which poses a problem for clients still deciding whether to take the dive.

At Neven & Son, we understand you need some information to go on. To this end we are able to provide you a "rough estimate" based on your description of the potential design, your concept ideas, and the estimated square footage that is planned for the build. 

Remember, this number can fluctuate rather drastically as final plans, details, and timelines are finalized with the Architect and/or Interior Designer. 

Consider that some contractors may give you "hard quotes" before any designs are finalized. Though this may appear to ease your decision making process, be weary. In most cases, the costs will accumulate, materials will change, and your contractor will likely: 1. surprise you by asking for more money mid project, 2. realize he underbid and begin to cut corners with labor or materials,  or 3. extend the timeline as he squeezes in other profitable jobs.

Giving hard numbers early COULD signal a contractor's extremely tight process, but 9 times out of 10 it will actually be overconfidence and inexperience that someone (you) pays for later.

Step 1. Understanding Cost & Payment Terms

With rough estimates in hand you will have a better sense of your ability to undertake the addition of your dreams or make adjustments. But remember, rough estimates can change based on your final design and material choices as well as problems uncovered during the build so make sure to keep a wider Price Range in mind. 

Each builder is unique, so we can only speak for our process. At Neven & Son we want to ensure your confidence. Before ever providing a single dollar, we will have signed contracts that ensure your money is spent the way it was meant to be.

General Payment Terms with Neven & Son

For your confidence in the process, we allow payments in phases. If you are self-financing or tied to a progress loan, we take payment prior to each of the following:

1. Design Approval: Ensuring your design idea meets township requirements (See Design Phase for more)
2. Architectural Plans: Full plans required for building permit approval
3. Permitting & Building: Size and scope will be a factor, but generally payments can be split into:
4. 1. Permitting, Demolition, & Foundation
   2. Framing, Windows, & Doors
   3. Roofing & Siding
   4. Electrical & Plumbing
   5. Insulation & Drywall
   6. Paint, Trim, Flooring
5. Final Inspection Approval: Final payment is made following your township's final approval and occupancy.

Step 2. Home Addition Loan: Financing Your Build

Home addition financing examines the various funding options available to homeowners looking to expand their living space, with many finding that carefully planned additions can be more cost-effective than purchasing a new property in today's rising housing market. 

Traditional payment methods include:

• Home Equity Loans: provide a lump-sum loan with fixed payments
• HELOCs (Home Equity Line of Credit): offer a revolving line of credit with flexible borrowing and repayment terms.
• Government-backed options such as FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle loans: can finance both the purchase and renovation of a property with a single loan.
• Self Financed:  clear outlined payment terms and a schedule makes sure you only pay after results.

Our recommended lender:

• Acorn Finance: for those uncomfortable with or not qualified for equity loans or lines of credit, Acorn Finance may be ideal. Find a lender to get your build done by comparing multiple options. As a bonus, simplify the finance process both before and during the construction process for an even more hands off experience.

Key insights:

• Financing options are diverse, ranging from traditional home equity products to specialized renovation loans, each with specific qualification requirements and benefits for different situations
• The investment in home additions often shows strong returns, with kitchen additions typically yielding the highest ROI, followed by bathroom additions and master suite expansions
• Modern trends in home additions reflect changing lifestyles, with increased demand for home offices, multi-purpose spaces, and energy-efficient improvements
• Project planning should consider not just financing, but also factors like permit requirements, structural considerations, and potential impact on home value
• The rise of energy-efficient home additions has introduced new financing opportunities, including special programs and incentives for sustainable improvements
• Considering costs, return on investment, and important considerations for different types of additions is crucial as home additions have become increasingly popular, driven by trends like remote work, multi-generational living, and the desire for more specialized spaces within existing homes.

Cost Considerations and Financial Planning

Average Costs in Montgomery County

• Room Additions: $80–$200 per square foot
• Second Story Additions: $100,000–$300,000
• Sunrooms: $10,000–$50,000

Factors Influencing Project Costs

• Local labor rates
• Material selection
• Complexity of design
• Permit and zoning requirements

Legal and Zoning Considerations

Montgomery County, Jenkintown, Philadelphia, and surrounding areas have specific regulations governing home additions:

• Zoning law compliance
• Historical district restrictions
• Building code requirements
• Permit acquisition processes

Step 1. Local Design Approval

Many boroughs and townships will require an initial design approval before any permits can be filed. This boils down to a single person or committee reviewing your planned build and granting approval of the visual design. The township wants to ensure that your build fits the aesthetic of your neighborhood, is consistent with your existing structure and surrounding architecture, and will meet other zoning guidelines.

At minimum the approval process requires:

• a lot plan or aerial shot of your property from google maps
• photographs of the existing property and surrounding homes
• property measurements
• a 3d rendering of the proposed addition or bump-out

You MUST receive approval before beginning to work with an architect or interior designer for final plans. The initial design submittal fee is substantially less than full architectural plans; be sure before investing your money.

• Begin the approval process or get a rough estimate: Neven & Son Potential Project Form

Step 2. Home Addition Design Process

Professional home addition design is a comprehensive process that goes beyond simple sketches, encompassing spatial planning, structural integrity, and aesthetic cohesion. It involves creating seamless transitions between existing and new spaces, considering factors like flow, natural light, and architectural harmony. Professional designers bring technical expertise, ensure code compliance, and often incorporate sustainable design principles. Key points to consider:

• Professional designers navigate complex decisions about space, structure, and aesthetics
• The design process covers initial planning to final material selections
• Different professionals (architects, designers, interior designers) serve distinct roles
• Professional design ensures compliance with local building codes and regulations
• Expertise in sustainable design can be integrated into the addition

• Will your addition match? Cohesive Design & Integration

Builder Inspection Process

The builder inspection process is a critical component of any construction or renovation project, ensuring compliance with local codes and safety standards. This process typically involves several key steps, from obtaining necessary permits to conducting various inspections throughout the construction phase.

Key Steps in the Builder Inspection Process:

• Permit Application: Homeowners or contractors must submit a permit application to the local building department, including detailed plans and specifications for the project. This step often requires architectural plans depending on the complexity of the work.
• Plan Review: The submitted plans are reviewed by building officials to ensure they meet local codes and regulations. This review process can take several days to weeks, depending on the project's scope.
• Scheduled Inspections: Once a permit is issued, a schedule of required inspections is provided. These inspections may include:
  • Foundation Inspection: To verify proper footing and foundation placement before pouring concrete.
  • Framing Inspection: To ensure structural integrity and compliance with design specifications.
  • Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Inspections: To check that all systems are installed correctly and safely.
  • Final Inspection: Conducted upon project completion to confirm that all work complies with approved plans and codes.
• Compliance Verification: After each inspection, the inspector will either approve the work or identify issues that need to be addressed before proceeding.
• Permit Closure: Once all inspections are passed, a final inspection is conducted to close out the permit officially.

This structured approach helps ensure that construction projects are safe, compliant, and built to last. Homeowners should always consult their local building department for specific requirements and procedures relevant to their projects.

Coming Soon: This section will discuss the client's move in, decorating, and other post-construction considerations to take. It will also discuss warranty information for the completed work and what to look for next.

Home Additions in Montgomery County, PA

The Father & son owner's of Neven & Son cut their teeth building, renovating, and recreating homes throughout the greater Philadelphia area and within Montgomery County, PA. Living within Jenkintown, Pennsylvania for over 30 years, we know the larger area, community, and the people that make it unique. 

With years experience in Montgomery County and the Greater Philadelphia area, Neven & Son Contractors understands the unique architectural landscape of communities like Jenkintown, Abington, Fort Washington, and More.

Our Stories

Whether it was taking on Lynn's kitchen renovation in Ardmore, PA where we learned about the client's needs, specifics, and desires. One of the most detail oriented projects, with what original seemed like an overbearing client ended up teaching us about listening, understanding, and explaining to clients in a way that takes into account the deep emotions that can go into changing someones home. She ended up becoming a good friend; with invites to family parties, and long talks about our unique life situations.

Or our adjoining neighbors right here in Jenkintown who experienced a fire that required a full internal rebuild and saw the loss of all of their belongings and more. Because of the quick, caring, clean, and brave nature of the Jenkintown firefighters, most of our important keepsakes were sparred from the fire itself. Though the smoke and water damage was severe enough in our home that it required a rebuild from the framing. My Father and I (with a lot of help from my Mother) did it ourselves.

But not totally alone, of course. Our friends in the community came to lend us a hand throughout that process and we are forever grateful to them. "Rebuilding," whether by choice or circumstance is a big part of who we are as people and as a company. We understand what it means to let us into your home and to give us permission to alter it. We respect the opportunity.

Q: Should I move or build an addition?

A: Read about it in Our Article: Home Addition or Move?

Q: How long does a typical home addition take?

A: Depending on complexity, 3-6 months is standard for comprehensive projects in Montgomery County.

Q: Will a home addition increase my property value?

A: Most additions return 50-70% of their cost in increased property value, with well-designed projects potentially yielding even higher returns.

Q: How do I choose the right type of addition?

A: Consider:

• Current and future space needs
• Budget constraints
• Architectural compatibility
• Long-term property goals