Before adding onto a home, decide whether to move upward or outward

Homeowners who are planning to expand an existing home are faced with a number of choices.

One of the first choices that must be made is which direction to take the expansion — outward or upward. Homeowners can choose to expand either horizontally, increasing the footprint of the home, or vertically.

Professionals urge prospective remodelers to consider the pros and cons of each expansion option, including which direction to build.

• Land space One of the first considerations is land space. Building horizontally will cut into yard space that the homeowners may have already earmarked for a swimming pool, deck, shed or other outdoor feature. Proximity to neighbors and the dimensions of the property will also help homeowners determine whether expanding horizontally is a good idea.

• Building codes Building codes and neighborhood requirements also must be considered before making any renovations to a home — some municipalities have rules in place that govern renovations. Home additions may not be allowed to exceed certain height limits, and structures may need to be a certain number of feet from the property line. • Amount of work required Homeowners who choose to build upward will have to contend with work crews and other staff being inside their homes, and raising the roof may require that the homeowners temporarily vacate the premises at a certain point.

Also, extensive renovation work will be needed on the lower level of the home, whether it’s to shore up the structure, clean up after the renovation or repair ceilings, drywall and other components at junctures where levels meet.

It may seem easier to expand outward, but this requires laying additional foundation for the new building structure. Bringing in digging equipment and hiring masons can be costly. When you build vertically, such foundation work may not be necessary if your home is structurally sound and can bear the weight of the addition.

Building outward typically involves the least disruption to the lives of the home’s residents and the existing space.

Homeowners should keep in mind that any renovation will require permits or variances. In addition, if an addition project increases the value of the structure, home-insurance costs and property taxes may rise. Only after all considerations have been weighed should a project begin. — Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection