If you benefit from your neighborhood's amenities, it can be difficult to move when your house no longer suits your needs. By adding a first- or second-story addition, you can continue to reside in your current community while boosting the usability of your dwelling. When discussing the project with a general contractor, taking the below steps and avoiding common mistakes in the planning stages will ensure a high return on investment.

Do:

Add bathrooms.

Waiting in line to use the bathroom is a common annoyance for many families. To eliminate this inconvenience, create a dedicated bathroom for the kids to use. 

You can outfit the space with low counters, slip-proof flooring, and other child-friendly features. You could also create a washroom for guests to use to give them more privacy. A bathroom addition can reap an 86.4% return on investment.  

Increase kitchen size.

Cooking in a cramped kitchen can be difficult and uncomfortable, so have general contractors increase the square footage of the room. With more space, you'll have to opportunity to create dedicated areas for different tasks. 

An island with seating, for example, can be used for casual dining and other tasks. You can also add more countertops for meal preparation and a walk-in pantry for storage. The return on investment for a major kitchen overhaul is 53.5%. 

Don't:

Overbuild. 

During planning, keep in mind where your property boundaries are located. You can find out the information by scheduling a property line survey or visiting the county assessor or recorder's office. This way, you won't overbuild and risk encroaching on your neighbors' land. 

By sizing the addition appropriately for the lot, you can avoid eating too much into the yard. This means your family and the future home buyer will still have ample outdoor space, which will help increase your home's value.

Get carried away with customization. 

Although you should add features to make the home more comfortable for your family, don't concentrate on adding amenities that don't have universal appeal. This includes flooring in unusual materials and cabinetry with intricate embellishments. 

It could be difficult for potential buyers to envision their families living in the space. This means you could spend a lot on expensive upgrades that don't add much value to the home.

To increase the square footage of your house, contact the general contractors at Santoro Home Improvements in New Haven, CT. With over a decade of experience, the fully licensed home improvement technicians specialize in providing first- and second-story additions, modernized kitchens, finished basements, and other remodeling work to clients in the New Haven County area. See project photos on the company's website and Facebook page and call (203) 287-9787 to arrange a consultation.