Ahead, we’ll discuss all the ways additions can make your home more beautiful, practical, and customized to your lifestyle while answering the questions we hear most often from homeowners like you. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents:

• Making an Addition Look Original
• Primary-Level vs. Secondary-Level Additions
• How Long Do Additions Take?
• Where Do I Go When Additions Are Being Built?
• Will I Need Permits?
• How Much Do Additions Cost?
• Which Addition Type Should I Choose?

How Do You Make a New Addition Look Like it Belongs to the Original House?

Additions are popular home improvement projects because they blend the old with the new while maximizing your home’s flow and design.

When you team up with Casali, you get the skilled services of our expert carpenter and project manager, Chris Casali, in-house interior designer, Alexa Casali, and our team of builders who work together on your home additions project.

So, how do we ensure the new addition matches your home? Here’s what Chris shared about his experience matching existing home features with additions:

“We take exterior architectural features into account as much as interior ones by matching siding, rooflines, and foundational elements. This attention to detail ensures the new addition blends seamlessly with your existing space and looks original to the house.”

The decorative touches are equally important, and we always incorporate mindful design integration. For example, pushing out a wall a few feet can completely transform a cramped kitchen into a functional gathering space, while adding windows increases natural light and can make a room feel larger. 

Our experts will always let you know what will or won’t work in your space so that your additions fit the existing build while improving its style and functionality.

What are the Differences Between Primary-level and Secondary-level Additions?

Home additions fall into one of two categories: primary-level and secondary-level. Here are the main differences so you know which category your room additions belong to:

Primary-Level	Secondary-Level
Building out Additions to extend the floor plan Requires a new foundation slab Takes up outdoor space	Building up Additions to add a second/ third story Reinforce existing foundation Preserves existing yard space

While primary-level additions increase your home’s footprint by adding horizontal space, such as a master suite, a larger kitchen, or a sunroom, secondary-level additions involve adding a new floor to the existing structure.

How Long Does it Take to Build a Room Addition From Start to Finish?

The time it takes to complete your home additions project depends on several factors, including the scope of the work and permit approvals. Once we have the chosen materials in hand and any necessary permits sorted out, we can start your addition right away.

We’ll discuss permits ahead, but for now, we’ll say that most home improvement projects take about nine months to one year to complete.

Can I Stay in My House While an Addition is Being Built?

Home residents typically move out while their additions are being built. 

Sometimes, with the case of some primary-level buildouts, residents can remain on the property. With secondary-level additions, residents must relocate during construction since the roof is removed to accommodate the new floor. No one should have to spend a single minute in a roofless home in the PNW!

Because construction is always noisy and disruptive, we typically recommend clients relocate so they can maintain their lifestyle with minimal interference, whether they’re building up or out. We respect your home and maintain a clean, organized space throughout the project. We’ll also provide constant updates so that you never feel too far from home, even when you are.

Do I Need a Building Permit to Add a Room to My House?

A permit is almost always required when you’re adding to the square footage of a home or changing its structure. This is because additions are more than just extra space; they merge new structural loads, electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC considerations.

While obtaining permits can be lengthy and complex, depending on the project, keep in mind that they serve as a form of consumer protection. With permits in place, you know that your home addition contractors have cut no corners and obtained the clearance to start creating your structurally sound dream space without interruption.

At Casali Construction & Remodeling, we handle the permitting process to ease your burden. We also stay in constant communication and inform you of permit costs, timelines, and any rare, unforeseen issues.

How Much are Home Additions per Square Foot?

The exact price we quote you will depend on the precise project, of course. The most common factors that affect the cost are: 

• The addition’s location
• The complexity of the work
• The selected materials
• The labor
• Any necessary permits

Forbes estimates that the average cost for home additions is about $80-$200 per square foot, and that is generally how we price them out, too. 

We can provide you with a personalized estimate after we discuss the details of your project and draw up plans for your approval. Reach out now to get the ball rolling!

What Type of Home Addition Should I Choose?

Maybe you want to maximize your living space, but you’re not sure where to start. Rely on our expertise to offer you some tips and tricks for choosing the best home addition options for your needs.

First, let’s point out the most popular home addition requests we get:

• Kitchen bump-outs that expand space in a specific area of the kitchen
• Second-story accessory dwelling units (ADU) that serve as an in-law suite or guest house
• Primary suite additions that turn your existing bedroom into a palatial retreat
• Bathroom additions that make life easier for growing families

When deciding the type of room addition best for your home, consider your lifestyle, budget, and how much time you’re willing to commit.

Let’s say your family is expanding and you need extra rooms to accommodate it. You have been saving for a possible home remodeling project, and have somewhere to relocate should you choose to undergo a serious remodeling.

In cases like this, we recommend designing and constructing a secondary-level build-up, complete with a primary bedroom suite, a bathroom suite, and any other spaces you want to put the finishing touches on your family nest.

What if you love spending time in the kitchen, but it’s too cluttered and inefficient? We can help you there, too, with a kitchen bump-out. According to Alexa:

“We design and build stunning kitchen bump-outs when clients need kitchen expansion ideas for small houses. We create more functional space by building breakfast nooks, walk-in pantries, island clearance paths, and counter extensions that seamlessly blend into the existing space. It completely revamps the space like a full kitchen addition, but without the added costs and time.”

Home Additions: The End of the Story

Home additions can be major projects, but when they turn your home into the spacious, well-designed abode you’ve always fantasized about, they are worth the effort.

If you want to expand your living space in Bellingham and are looking to hire the area’s best home additions contractors, look no further than Casali Construction & Remodeling.

We use our combined expertise and dedication to craft, design, and build home additions that suit your practical needs and aesthetic style. Reach out today and let us bring your home renovation dreams to life.