When a growing family outgrows a home, the choice often comes down to adding on or moving to a bigger house. Here’s how to think through the decision.

The Case for Adding On

An addition lets you stay in a neighborhood and school district you already love, avoids the transaction costs of buying and selling, and can be tailored exactly to your needs.

The Case for Moving

If your lot can’t accommodate the addition you want, or if a move gets you meaningfully closer to work or family, moving may be more practical — and sometimes more cost-effective — than a major addition.

Comparing True Costs

Additions typically run higher per square foot than the home’s original construction cost, since they involve tie-ins to existing structure, roofing, and systems. Get a detailed estimate before comparing it to the cost of moving.

Permitting and Timeline

Additions require permits, engineering review in some cases, and typically take several months from design to completion — factor this timeline into your decision.

Getting an Estimate

Browse our Remodeling directory and General Contractors directory to get a realistic addition estimate before deciding.