Buying a new home tends to be costly, especially in today’s real estate landscape, and moving to a new neighborhood or place can disrupt the family routine and way of life. Whether it’s lifestyle changes, welcoming a new family member, or simply taking the opportunity to increase the home’s square footage to boost its value, a room addition makes a lot of sense for many homeowners. The role of a room addition is not only to enhance the livability in the home, but the existing structure as well, thereby adding value to the home.

The layout of older homes can sometimes make adding an addition challenging. Balancing the old with the new, and retaining the house’s characteristics with contemporary multi-functional design can be tricky, but the Art of Blend is an important factor to consider. While a room addition specialist in San Diego can walk you through the intricacies of adding a room onto your property, planning the project and getting to know the basics is key to a successful modern home addition. 

What to know about adding a modern extension to an old house?

The last thing you want is for your house to stand out, but not for the right reasons. From the misuse of material, sloppy design to an incorrect size of the room addition, there are plenty of things that can cause your project to take a wrong turn. An expert contractor will understand that the art of blending the old with the new is paramount when it comes to a successful home addition. Here are some general suggestions on how to make your addition mesh seamlessly with your existing home.

1. Add the room in the back

A room addition shouldn’t pop out visually and distort the layout of the home. The symmetry can stay intact if extending the house from the back is possible. This way, you’ll be able to maintain the overall look of the home.

2. Be mindful of proportions and details

Whether it is the width of the house, window dimensions, or wall material, making sure the design stays in line with the original proportions of the home is crucial to preserving the characteristics of the home. 

The materials you use will surely differ from those used when the house was built. Still, there are so many more material options available today that can emulate the home’s original look so the extension doesn’t look out of place. Study the proportions and floor plans of the house to get a better understanding of where your addition is best suited to be built. Ignoring the proportions and dimensions of the home can result in an extension that not only looks out of place for the house, but for the entire neighborhood as well. 

3. Size matters

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is taking the “go big” route. Unless it’s a home of larger proportions, huge additions are rarely the answer. While homeowners understandably put their focus on getting more space on the interior, they tend to overlook what the room addition will look like from the outside. The original structure should always be the focal point of the home. However, this doesn’t mean an extension can’t be complementary. 

Which company does great room addition projects across San Diego?

Are you looking to expand your old home with a high-quality, room addition with experts who are masters at The Art of Blend? You can count on Lars Architecture for premium design and first-class construction. Whether your home is located in the beautiful seaside neighborhood of La Jolla or another part of San Diego, our experts have got you covered for all things room addition. Get your family ready for more room and a better home life with an exquisite new home addition. Get in touch with our pros, and let’s get to work!