More space that fits your home
An addition is a bigger decision than a kitchen or bath remodel, so the planning matters. The new space has to work with the existing floor plan, match the house on the outside, and meet zoning, setback and building requirements. Decor Kitchen & Bath handles that planning along with the construction.
Types of additions we build
- Room additions. A new bedroom, family room, primary suite, office or in-law space attached to your home.
- Sunrooms. Bright, window-filled rooms for year-round use.
- Porches and covered patios. Screened porches and covered outdoor living areas.
- Kitchen and bath expansions. Extending a kitchen or primary bathroom into new footprint.
- Outdoor living. Patios, pergolas and outdoor kitchens that connect to the house.
What to know before you add on
- Zoning and setbacks. Your lot determines how far an addition can extend. We check this before design goes far.
- Septic, well and utilities. In areas of western Howard County many homes use well and septic systems, and a larger home can trigger septic review. Public utilities have their own considerations.
- Structure. The foundation, framing and roof tie-in have to be engineered correctly.
- Historic or community rules. Some neighborhoods and districts have design review for exterior changes.
- Matching the house. Rooflines, siding, windows and trim should look like they belong.
- Heating and cooling. A larger home needs the systems to keep up.
How our addition process works
- Consultation. We walk the property, talk through your goals and discuss what is realistic.
- Design and plans. We develop the layout and the drawings needed for permitting.
- Selections. Windows, doors, siding, roofing, flooring, finishes and fixtures.
- Written estimate and contract. A detailed scope and price in writing, with our MHIC license number, #162278.
- Permits. We handle permit applications and coordinate required inspections.
- Construction. Foundation, framing, roofing, mechanical systems, finishes and final walkthrough.
What changes the price of an addition
- Size and complexity. Square footage, the roofline and the number of rooms.
- Foundation type. Slab, crawl space or full basement beneath the addition.
- Site conditions. Grade, drainage and access for equipment.
- Bathrooms and kitchens. Plumbing-heavy spaces cost more per square foot.
- Exterior matching. Siding, brick, windows and trim that match the existing home.
- Mechanical systems. Extending heating and cooling, or adding new systems.
Your estimate itemizes each of these. See financing options if you want monthly payments.
How long an addition takes
Additions take longer than interior remodels because of design, permitting and weather-dependent exterior work. Most projects take about 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the size of the project. We provide a schedule in your written estimate.
Maryland protections. Home improvement contractors in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission and must provide a written contract. State law also limits a contractor’s deposit to one-third of the contract price. Our license number is MHIC #162278.
Home addition questions
How much does a home addition cost?
It depends on size, foundation, finishes and site conditions. We provide a free consultation and a detailed written estimate after seeing the property.
Do I need a permit for an addition?
Yes. Additions require building permits and inspections. We prepare the plans and handle the permit process.
Can I add a sunroom or porch instead of a full room?
Yes. Sunrooms, screened porches and covered patios are common projects that add usable space.
Will an addition work with my septic system?
If your home is on septic, a larger home or added bedrooms may require review by the health department. We check this early in planning.
Can you finish my basement instead?
Often a finished basement is the more affordable way to gain space. See our basement finishing page.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, through Synchrony Bank, subject to credit approval. See our financing page.
See more on our additions and more projects page, or read about remodeling in Ellicott City.