A home addition is an ambitious home remodeling project. But with a clear idea of what you want and an experienced contractor providing expert guidance, you can be successful.

At LaBonte Construction, home additions are among our specialties.

Adding an addition to your home can be a game-changer, giving you the opportunity to create new functional areas and enhance your living space. But where do you start? That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular uses for the added space and guide you through the process of transforming your home.

Popular Uses for a Home Addition

When it comes to adding an addition to your home, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the most popular uses for the added space that can transform your home into a more functional and enjoyable space.

Home Office or Study

Having a dedicated workspace within your home offers numerous benefits. It provides a designated area where you can focus and be productive. And it helps separate work from the rest of your living space.

When designing your home office or study, consider factors like adequate lighting, comfortable furniture, and organization solutions.

Guest Suite or In-Law Apartment

If you frequently have guests or family members visiting, a guest suite or in-law apartment can provide them with a comfortable and private space. They’ll have their own area while still being connected to the main house.

When planning this addition, consider options such as a separate entrance, a bedroom, bathroom, and even a small kitchenette. This will ensure convenience and privacy for your guests.

Entertainment or Recreation Room

An entertainment or recreation room is a fantastic addition for families or individuals who love to entertain and have fun. This space can be customized to suit your specific interests.

Maybe you want a home theater for movie nights or a game room with a pool table and arcade games. Or a space for hosting parties and gatherings.

Think about incorporating specialized features and equipment that align with your entertainment preferences.

LaBonte Construction has consistently earned high reviews on Houzz, the home design and remodeling website:

“Dave (LaBonte) took on a very unique renovation and addition that other contractors weren’t able to wrap their heads around. He worked with us to bring our vision to life, which exceeded our expectations.

“He was very honest about the challenges and cost to our project and managed a tight timeline very well. We lived in the house for part of the renovation and Dave’s team were on time, respectful of our space, and effectively communicated each step of the way.”

View other exterior and interior photos of this remodel on Houzz: First Floor Remodel. Exterior + Addition. Basketball Court. Glam Bathroom.

Expanded Living Room or Family Room

If you want more space for family gatherings or quality time with loved ones, consider expanding your living or family room. By adding square footage, you create a more spacious and comfortable area where everyone can come together.

Consider versatile design elements such as modular furniture, ample seating, and storage solutions to accommodate various activities and ensure a cozy atmosphere.

Master Suite or Personal Retreat

Transform your bedroom into a luxurious master suite or personal retreat by adding an addition.

This space can be designed to offer relaxation and tranquility, complete with a spacious bedroom, a private bathroom with a spa-like ambiance, and even walk-in closets for ample storage.

Consider incorporating features like soft lighting, comfortable seating, and calming colors to create a soothing sanctuary within your home.

Hobby or Craft Room

If you have a passion for hobbies or crafts, having a dedicated space to pursue them can be a game-changer. Whether it’s painting, sewing, woodworking, or any other creative pursuit, a hobby or craft room allows you to keep your supplies organized, spread out your projects, and dive into your passions without interruptions.

Focus on storage solutions, ample workspace, and good lighting to create a functional and inspiring environment.

Exercise or Fitness Room

If you prioritize fitness and well-being, a dedicated exercise or fitness room can save you time and money. Set up your home gym with the equipment and tools that suit your workout routine.

Consider proper ventilation, durable flooring that can withstand impact, and mirrors to create a motivating and safe exercise environment.

Sunroom or Conservatory

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside by adding a sunroom or conservatory to your home. This space allows you to enjoy natural light, scenic views, and a connection with nature throughout the year.

When designing your sunroom, consider choosing suitable materials that provide insulation and maximize sunlight. Add comfortable seating, plants, and even a small dining area to create a cozy and refreshing space.

Considerations for Adding a Home Addition

Expanding your home with an addition is an exciting endeavor, but it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure a successful and smooth process. Here are key aspects to keep in mind:

Budget and Financing Options

Before embarking on any home addition project, establish a realistic budget. Determine how much you can afford to invest in the addition, including construction costs, materials, permits, and any additional expenses.

It’s also crucial to explore financing options such as personal loans, home equity loans, or lines of credit to help fund your project.

Consult with financial advisors or lenders to assess the best approach for your specific situation.

Permits and Regulations

Adding an addition to your home often requires obtaining permits and complying with local building regulations. Research and understand the specific permits and approvals necessary for your project. These can vary based on the location and the scope of the addition.

It’s important to ensure that your project adheres to zoning restrictions, building codes, and any other relevant regulations. Consulting with a professional home remodeling company can be invaluable in navigating this process.

Architectural and Structural Considerations

When planning an addition, architectural and structural factors must be carefully considered. Assess how the new addition will integrate with the existing structure, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.

Engage an architect or structural engineer to evaluate the feasibility of the project, assess load-bearing requirements, and ensure that the addition aligns with the overall integrity of your home.

Their expertise will help guarantee that the construction is safe, structurally sound, and harmonious with the existing property.

Home Addition: Conclusion

Adding an addition to your home presents an incredible opportunity to enhance your living space and create new functional areas that align with your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re in search of a home office, guest suite, entertainment room, or any other purpose, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

When you’re ready to discuss adding on to your home, contact us at LaBonte Construction.

We were voted Best of Milwaukee 2024 by Shepherd Express readers in the Home Remodeling, Basement/Rec Room Remodeler, Bathroom Remodeler, and Kitchen Remodeler categories.

Gardeners looking to extend their season, start seeds or those who want to create an indoor oasis may consider a greenhouse as their next home remodeling project. Greenhouses provide a great place to grow your plants, and can offer some other surprising uses as well. Whether you’re an avid gardener, or just a lover of nature, greenhouses can add life, warmth and comfort to your home.

A Brief History of Greenhouses

The idea of growing plants in a controlled environment has existed since Roman times. Roman emperor Tiberius ate a cucumber-like vegetable every day. Needing to make sure their emperor was kept happy, Roman gardeners constructed an artificial garden in order to ensure the emperor had his preferred meal. This garden was certainly not a modern greenhouse, but it is one of the first examples in history of temperature controlled gardening.

The first known description of a heated greenhouse comes from Sanga Yorok, a Korean cookbook from 1459 compiled by a royal physician of the Joseon dynasty. It contains detailed instructions on constructing a greenhouse to grow vegetables, flowers and fruit within an artificially heated environment. They used ondol, a traditional Korean underfloor heating system, to help heat the greenhouse. Cob walls were used to retain heat, and semi-transparent oiled hanji windows were used to allow light into the greenhouse whilst providing protection from the outside environment.

The “Golden Age” of greenhouses took place in Victorian England. Members of the wealthy upper class constructed large and lavish greenhouses. They did this to compete with each other and flaunt their wealth. Those greenhouses followed the same models used by the Koreans, but on a much grander scale.

Modern, at-home greenhouses first proliferated in the 1960s, in large part due to the introduction of wider sheets of polyethylene film, which offered greater protection to greenhouse windows. This wider film allowed small greenhouse owners to create a better and more consistent climate at home.

Freestanding vs. Attached

When deciding what kind of greenhouse you want for your home consider usage, lighting and available space. If you are an avid gardener, you may want to consider a freestanding greenhouse. They can be any size, shape or style and you are only limited by your imagination. They can also be expanded if you find that your initial greenhouse was not big enough. Freestanding greenhouses should be located facing east or west to maximize the light, and given Wisconsin’s winters, be sure the location you choose avoids harsh winter winds.

Attached greenhouses are easily accessible as they are attached to your home, or another structure. This makes connecting water and power to your greenhouse easier. Attached greenhouses retain more heat than freestanding greenhouses because there is less exposure to the outside elements. Attached greenhouses can provide health benefits because they naturally add humidity to your home during the winter, helping alleviate dry skin and other ailments related to dry air.

Starting From The Bottom

Once you have picked a style of greenhouse, then construction can begin. Choosing the right foundation for your greenhouse is very important. The foundation contributes to the greenhouse’s ability to retain heat and humidity. There are many different types of foundation to choose from, however, we recommend concrete. This is an ideal choice as concrete provides a permanent and level surface for your greenhouse.

The DIY method for building a greenhouse is generally anchoring a metal frame into the soil, but this can create problems. It is harder to clean a greenhouse that doesn’t have a solid foundation, and framed or hoop greenhouses are not permanent structures and are therefore susceptible to numerous structural problems. The concrete foundations we install provide structural integrity, and can be clad in stone, stucco and many other materials to achieve the desired look. At LaBonte Construction, the greenhouses we install are of heirloom quality and built to last a lifetime.

Heating

Maintaining the proper heating for your greenhouse is a must. There are several ways this can be done:

1. Hotbeds – Hotbeds are raised beds that you can install in your greenhouse. Fill the beds with layers of decomposing straw and manure (or other organic material) and top that with a thin layer of growing soil. You can then plant your seeds in the growing soil, and the natural warmth from the layers will give your plants a safe space to grow.

2. Hot Water Heating – If manure isn’t your thing, a hot water heating system may be the way to go. It is a little trickier to install so this should be left to the professionals. For this option, you will need hot water plumbing that is attached to the plant beds in your greenhouse. If you want an eco-friendly option, you can install solar panels to heat the water.

3. Radiant Heating – Radiant heating systems work by radiating heat from a hot surface to cooler surroundings. This piping is installed under the greenhouses foundation and connects with your home’s boiler to heat your greenhouse from the ground-up.

4. Rustic Heater – This one is probably the easiest to do yourself. If you have a small greenhouse, simply place a candle (or candles) below a ceramic plant pot. This essentially creates a tiny space heater for your greenhouse.

5. Heating With Livestock – Keeping chickens in a part of your greenhouse, or in an attached coup, can naturally warm the greenhouse. The body heat the chickens produce, as well as the heat from their manure, can be quite effective in keeping your greenhouse warm during the colder months.

Humidity

Humidity is another key component of a well-maintained greenhouse. Ideally, the humidity in a greenhouse should be above fifty percent.  While this number can be easily achieved and maintained during spring and summer, Wisconsin’s winters provide a tricky challenge. Thankfully, there are a few ways to keep your greenhouse humid during harsh Wisconsin winters.

The simplest way to add humidity is by placing buckets of water in your greenhouse. When the greenhouse warms, the water evaporates, increasing humidity. You can also use your mister to keep the plants moist. Although these are simple, DIY methods, they can be time consuming. We recommend avoiding this problem by having an automatic window and temperature control system included upon installation of your greenhouse. It is just one of the many accessories that can help your greenhouse flourish.

Greenhouse Accessories

Greenhouses can take a lot of time and energy to operate. There are many different accessories and products you can use to keep your greenhouse running smoothly with less physical effort. One of our favorite options for a greenhouse is the self-cleaning glass from Hartley Botanic. This self-cleaning glass has a special coating that reacts with the UV rays from the sun to break down organic matter. Then water, or rainwater, runs down the glass to wash away the loosened dirt. Self-cleaning glass can save you a lot of time and energy when it comes to cleaning your greenhouse.

Another beneficial accessory that you can opt for in your greenhouse is a partition. This is an internal glass wall that separates your greenhouse into different areas, allowing for different climates in separate areas.

Victorian roller blinds can help regulate the internal temperature of your greenhouse. Roller blinds protect your plants from sunlight damage and can provide an attractive environment while working in your greenhouse.

Shelving is another key component of a greenhouse. We prefer aluminum, staged shelving as it provides strength and allows for more space within the greenhouse.

By including some, or all of the aforementioned accessories, you can ensure that your greenhouse is of the highest quality for you and your plants.

Other Uses For Your Greenhouse

If your greenhouse has year-round heating and plumbing, it can be used as an “outdoor” dining area. Granted you will still be inside, but the combination of warmth and greenery can give you the feeling of being outside in nature. Additionally, greenhouses can be used as a lively studio space for those who enjoy painting, playing music, or doing any other hobby in an outdoor environment. If you miss being outdoors during Wisconsin winters, your greenhouse can provide a small oasis.

Final Thoughts

Adding or remodeling a greenhouse can be a great way to add warmth, and a touch of the outdoors to your home. Whether you’re looking to attach a greenhouse to your home, or add a detached greenhouse, LaBonte Construction can help. Please contact our home remodeling team with any questions regarding adding a greenhouse as your next home remodeling project.