Planning resources
Plan Your Addition With Better Information
Plain answers to the questions homeowners ask before an addition: what it costs, what the city requires, whether the house can take it and how construction works.
Costs and decisions
Budget and big decisions
What drives the price, how to pay for it, and whether adding on beats moving.
- Cost guideWhat a home addition costs in UtahThe factors that move the budget and what we need to estimate yours.
- Cost guideRoom addition costWhat shapes the price of a single room built out from the house.
- Cost guideSecond story addition costWhy structure and disruption drive most of the budget.
- Cost guidePrimary suite addition costBedroom, bath and closet: where the money goes.
- Cost guideGarage addition costAttached garages, extra bays and building for space above.
- Cost guideCost per square foot, explainedWhy the number misleads and how to use it carefully.
- Decision guideFinancing an additionCommon ways homeowners pay for the work.
- Decision guideAdding on vs movingA fair way to compare the real costs of each.
- Decision guideBuild up or build outLot, structure, cost and disruption compared.
- Decision guideDoes an addition add value?How to think about resale versus living value.
Permits and feasibility
Can it be built?
Permits, codes, zoning limits and whether your house can take the addition you want.
- PermitsHome addition permits in UtahWho issues them, which codes apply and what gets inspected.
- PermitsBountiful addition permitsThe city's application, bond and inspection steps.
- FeasibilitySetback requirementsHow property line limits shape where you can build.
- FeasibilityCan my house take a second story?Foundations, framing and what an engineer checks.
- FeasibilityCan I build over my garage?Structure, fire separation and access for space above.
- FeasibilityHow big can my addition be?Zoning, coverage and practical limits on size.
- FeasibilityDo I need an architect?Who designs additions and when an architect is worth it.
- FeasibilityDo I need an engineer?Which additions need structural engineering and why.
- CodesUtah building codes for additionsThe code topics that come up most on additions.
- ApprovalsHOA approvalGetting design approval before you finalize drawings.
Design and construction
Getting it right
How additions are designed to match, engineered, drawn and built.
- GuideDesign-build additionsOne team for design and construction, and why it helps.
- GuideHome addition designLayout, light and flow in a space that connects to the old.
- GuideMatching the existing homeRoofline, materials, windows and interior transitions.
- GuideAddition foundationsFootings, crawlspaces, slabs and tying into the old.
- GuideAddition rooflinesRoof forms that tie in cleanly and shed water.
- GuideStructural engineeringWhat the engineer designs and when it happens.
- GuideAddition plansThe drawings you need for permit and construction.
- GuideThe construction processEach phase of building an addition, in order.
- GuideAddition timelineWhat takes time before and during construction.
- GuideLiving at home during the buildNoise, dust, utilities and when to plan time away.
Still have questions?
Our FAQ covers the quick ones. For your house specifically, a conversation is faster.
Reading about additions helps you ask better questions, but the answers that matter depend on your lot, your structure and your city. When you are ready, tell us about the house and what you have in mind. We will talk through what is feasible before you spend money on drawings.