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Creative Home Addition Ideas

Because who really wants to pick up and move?

You love where you live, but your house feels a little… tight. You don’t want to move, and you can’t find any other houses that you like in your area (because you already looked!). We feel you. Fortunately, savvy designers and architects exist (including yours truly) who can add a creative addition to your home.

We believe additions should look timeless, as though they were always part of your whole home design. Today we are sharing three types of additions to consider. Not all will be applicable to your situation, but they should get you pointed in the right direction. The best way to make this a reality is to book your initial design consultation with Jodie so we can start exploring your options. We will conduct our usual onsite Trade Day, draw up a plan, and execute it. The only downside is that you’ll never want to leave your house.

1. The Second Story

Unsurprisingly, this is a great option for homeowners with limited land. If you can’t build out, build up! Not only does this increase the appeal of a single story home, it also greatly enhances resale value and usability. A second story can double your bedroom count, provide space for a home office with a view, or allow room for that perfect master suite you’ve been dreaming of.

Is your home a good fit for a second story addition? Our team of experts will determine this by evaluating your home’s existing structure and outlining the extra measures that will need to be taken for load-bearing and code requirements.

JCD The Second Story

2. The Glorified Garage Loft

From becoming a glorified home office to a noisy game room, the space above your garage was meant for more. You could even go wild and make it a mother-in-law suite or a rentable listing on AirBnb. (All the opportunists reading this just perked up.) Whether you choose to fulfill your tiny house fantasies in regal style or create the craftroom of your dreams, you can be certain that our team will help design the perfect solution.

Is your home a good fit for an above-garage addition? You know the drill: Our designers have the answers. Contact us with your budget, timeline, and a description of what you’d like. Or, let us help you pick a plan.

JCD The Glorified Garage Loft
Image via Pinterest: https://gentlemanmotorslifesty…

3. The Guest House or Studio

Affectionately referred to as “granny flats,” the guest house is fast gaining popularity. If you want more living space but would rather not change the footprint of your main house, adding a micro-house elsewhere on your property is a real option. This allows for the privacy and comfort of your guests, aging family members, or short term rental guests such as AirBnB. Under our current pandemic conditions the studio is more likely to be used as the home office. Which makes perfect sense, you can have that feeling of going to work, have staff and host a meeting and then lock it up for the weekend and enjoy time with the family.

Is your current property a good fit for a studio? You’ll need to have a reasonable amount of land. Our team can address all your queries and assess what is possible based on your local council regulations.  We can design and draw your plans, manage the building consent approval and complete your build. If you’re serious about revamping your property, creating rental income, or just increasing your family’s comfort, we are too.

JCD The backyard studio
image via Pinterest: 5280.com

DESIGN TREND

The backyard studio / tiny House

“The studio housing approach is a fast and creative way to address affordable housing. Tiny homes, which have been around for years, go by a variety of names: cabanas, pool homes, in-law suites, granny flats, guesthouses and secondary dwelling units, among them.” –Forbes

DESIGN TIP

Hire the professionals…

Why? Because additions involve structural components, design documentation, floor plans, and the same sourcing/scheduling protocols that a renovation or new build requires. It is always best to work with licensed builders, architects and designers. Our trusted network of professionals work alongside us to serve our clients well, from home additions to whole house renovations and beyond.

JCD Hire the professionals
JCD Jodie Carter

Hi, I’m Jodie,

Welcome to Jodie Carter Design.

This is my passion project, serving clients, designing and guiding through complex renovations to achieve amazing results. My mission is always to delight and make coming home the best part of your day.

Clients come to me when family needs change & their home doesn’t work in its current configuration. Décor is dated & maintenance is a problem. Perhaps your plans are approved but you don’t know where to start. Or you didn’t use a designer in a prior renovation & experienced the stress of decision making, mistakes & unreliable trades whilst blowing budgets & timelines vowing ‘never again’.

If your busy with work, staff, family & juggling a multitude of other responsibilities & want the job done right, then I’m your designer. I partner exclusively with a talented team of trades & suppliers. They are incredibly important to the success of your project. Their passion, professionalism and dedication guarantees we can design & implement your picture perfect home with every detail covered, decision made & costed.

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