What the footprint will look like is among the first choices you must make when constructing a new home. It is all about maximizing your living space. Will your new house have one or two stories? What about including a basement?

There are various options that will provide your preferred square footage, but the one you choose will depend on your budget, lot size, and lot shape.

For instance, constructing a single-story home in an area measuring 2,000 square feet may exceed your budget, but building a two-story home in such an area is financially practical and attainable. In this article, we will look into the benefits and drawbacks of building your new house up, down, or out. 

Building Out

Going for a wider footprint or building your new home out is an expensive but popular option. 

Pros of Building Out

Options abound for varying ceiling heights and skylights if you prefer a one-story, ranch-style house. You will have zero noise from the traffic upstairs and on the second floor. 

In terms of future upkeep and maintenance, you will have no hassle accessing and cleaning the outside walls, roof, or gutters. Moreover, it is more practical for people with mobility challenges and safer for families with kids. 

Cons of Building Out

One of the cons of building outward is you will need to excavate deeper in your yard as you expand the footprint of your new home. There is also the potential of increasing the costs of navigating sewer and electrical lines. 

Building Up

You can literally take your new house to the next level by building up. Moreover, it is an excellent way to create extra living space above one-story wings, even if adding another level is not in your plan. 

Pros of Building Up

A two-story home is financially practical in increasing the square footage of your house since it requires less labor and materials. For instance, you only need to add more framing labor and wood if you are planning to add 1,000 square feet for the second floor aside from the 1,000 square feet on the main level. 

In contrast, building out will require more concrete, fill rock, footers, excavation, and roofing intricacies. Thus, if you want less spending, you can choose to build up instead of building out. 

Another advantage of choosing a two-story home is you can keep your yard since building up does not require you to expand the home footprint. You will not worry about zoning restrictions with this plan. 

Cons of Building Up

There are certain localities that require homeowners to limit the height of their houses. The stairs are also a consideration since they could affect your floor plan significantly. The requirement for stairs may use up to 80 to 120 square feet of living space. 

Building Down

Planning to build space below ground level can also be a less costly option, especially if you are meticulous about your budget. Here are the pros and cons of building down. 

Pros of Building Down

It is affordable to add space below ground level. You can use this space as a storage room, guest room, or workout room. It can also be a safe space in times of bad weather since you can transfer to the basement for protection. 

Cons of Building Down

You may encounter potential problems when you are building a basement. For instance, there will be issues with sticking to the schedule of your home construction, particularly if the ground is frozen or it is raining. Be sure to know more about the various types of foundations when planning your home build, especially if you are constructing a basement. 

Moreover, keep in mind that some lots are susceptible to flooding, and adding a basement is a risk. There are also parcels of land that have solid rock in the ground. Lastly, you may spend more on excavation when you are building down. 

Considerations When Planning Your New Home Footprint

You must ask yourself a few questions when planning whether you are planning to build up, down, or out. 

• Will stairs ever be a problem for me or my family if this is going to be my permanent home?

• Are there any restrictions or limitations required before building my home?

• Do I have enough area to expand on my lot or yard?

Final Thoughts

A house might not be able to be expanded for various reasons, but they have something to do with location. For instance, some communities have minimum square footage standards for each level of the home, as well as size restrictions on building sizes. 

Moreover, there can be setback restrictions that prevent you from constructing too close to the lot's boundary. In some circumstances, your property guidelines may choose the best way for you to develop.