Creating more space inside your home is almost always a good idea, but how do you achieve that? Building a bump-out addition could be the exact thing you need to do.

Bump-out additions are typically considered minor construction projects. That said, they still offer considerable benefits to all homeowners.

Would it be wise for you to pour resources into building your own bump-out? Come up with your own answer to that question by continuing with the rest of this article.

What You Need to Know about Bump-Out Additions

Homeowners can build different types of additions to create more living space inside their properties. For example, you can convert certain underutilized parts of your home or build new rooms to obtain the space you need. If you want to free up a considerable amount of space, you can add a new story to your Long Island property.

But what if you only need a bit more space inside your home? Building a new room, let alone an additional story would be excessive in that context. In that scenario, your best option involves building a bump-out.

A bump-out addition is a budget-friendly way for homeowners to free up valuable space. Typically, bump-outs are not supposed to be big additions.

You can ask your contractor to build a bump-out that extends no further than two feet from the rest of your home. If you are building one that small, you can opt to give it a cantilevered design. Its durability will not be compromised even if you build it that way.

Alternatively, you can add more to your property. For example, build one as big as a room to do more with the available space.

Consult with a general contractor if you are having a tough time figuring out exactly what type of bump-out your home needs. Tell them about what you have in mind so they can provide useful feedback.

Why You Should Consider Building a Bump-Out

What can a bump-out do for your home? We will detail the different benefits they provide in the section below.

Bump-Outs Can Be in Various Spots

One of the main reasons why building a bump-out appeals to many homeowners is because they are adaptable home additions. They are especially adaptable because you can build them in various spots.

You can add bump-outs to a kitchen or a bathroom, and you can even build them upstairs if you like. As long as the space has an exterior wall you can open, a bump out can go there.

The adaptable nature of a bump-out addition comes in handy. So, before you conclude that there is no solution to your spacing problem, consider building a bump-out first.

Building a Bump-Out Is a Good Alternative to Remodeling

Once it becomes clear that the amount of space available inside a home is inadequate, it is not unusual for a homeowner to conclude that remodeling is the answer. You may already be evaluating your home and checking which walls you can remove.

There is certainly nothing wrong with pursuing a remodeling project. However, it is probably not the best course of action in your situation if you are only looking for a few square feet of extra space.

Instead of completely remodeling your home interior, you should look into building a bump-out.

A bump-out gives you the space you are seeking without necessitating any significant changes to the rest of your property. It is a great option to pursue if the issue you are dealing with is purely related to a lack of space.

Bump-Outs Will Not  Disrupt Your Home Design

Administering repairs to an older home may sometimes necessitate the introduction of a new design scheme. Otherwise, the repairs may disrupt the existing design and create something unsightly. Refreshing your home design will also likely be necessary if you plan to introduce some additions.

Or at least that would be the case for most types of home additions. Of course, you do not need to worry about that if you have decided to build a bump-out.

Bump-outs are small enough to easily integrate into your home’s design. From the outside, your home may appear slightly bigger, but that may be the most noticeable difference.

Building a bump-out is the right idea if you mostly maintain the current condition of your home while opening up a bit more room; they offer convenience that way.

Bump-Outs Do Not Require Utilities

Building a new addition can also become more complicated if you need to worry about utilities. You will likely need to run ductwork and wiring to properly integrate the new room into your home. If the new addition is going to be a bathroom, then you will need to add plumbing as well.

Those utilities also must work with your already established systems. A lot of work must ensure that your new addition fits into your new home.

You do not need to harbor those same concerns if you have decided on building a bump-out.

Bump-outs almost always do not need additional utilities. After you have added the bump-out, you can move things around so your appliances can go elsewhere. That way, you will not need to add wiring. You can do the same thing to eliminate the need for additional plumbing.

Adding ductwork is unnecessary since you can treat it as part of the room it connects with. It is a more convenient addition to build from that perspective as well.

Bump-Outs Provide Versatile Spaces

You are probably not getting a ton of space from a bump-out. Even so, you can use that extra space in numerous ways.

Turn that bump-out into a comfortable reading nook by adding a window and a platform for seating. You can also keep the space open to accommodate some of your kitchen appliances. Also, you can use the added space for storage if you are sorely lacking that inside your Long Island home.

You can continue tweaking the bump-out even after it is built if you have a different purpose in mind for it.

How Much Will It Cost to Build a Bump-Out Addition?

There is one more benefit to building a bump-out that we have not mentioned. Again, the benefit is related to cost.

Compared to other types of additions, bump-outs are significantly cheaper to build because they are usually smaller in size.

Per this article from HGTV, bump-outs can be up to 30% cheaper than a conventional home addition because they require no new foundation work and be positioned under existing roofing.

So, how much are they likely to cost?

The cost of building a bump-out addition ranges from $4,500 to $30,000. Several factors will play a role in the final price tag of your home’s bump-out. Let’s talk more about those cost factors below.

Bump-Out Size

First, we need to discuss the size of your bump-out as it will likely be one of the main cost factors in your project. Unsurprisingly, bump-outs become more expensive the bigger they get.

If you keep it to around 20 square feet, you can keep the cost to a minimum. At around 40 square feet, you are probably looking at a bill closer to $9,000. Building a bump-out that provides 90 square feet of space will cost about $20,000.

Consider how big you need the bump-out to be so you can keep your costs under control.

Structural Element

Although you do not need to add structural elements to support a small bump-out, you can still include them in the final design to create a more functional space.

In addition, you can add windows, so choose whichever style you like and use it to enhance the appearance. You can also add doors to make them more accessible.

Additional Flooring

The external appearance of your bump-out will likely combine seamlessly with the rest of your home. However, the same may not hold true for the bump-out flooring.

You will still need to work on that flooring if you want it to mix in with the rest of your design scheme. The cost of improving the bump-out flooring will depend on what you already have.

Design Elements

The cost of building your bump-out addition will also depend on how you want to decorate it.

At a minimum, you should paint the bump-out to match its surroundings. All the other design elements you can add are optional.

Examples of decorative elements you can add to the bump-out include molding and siding. You can explore other decorative options by talking to your contractor.

Additional Utilities

We mentioned earlier that bump-outs do not require utilities to serve their purpose. Unfortunately, that is the case, but you can still add those utilities if you desire.

You may be planning to rearrange your kitchen, but you can only realize your plan if you move the sink. You will need to add some new plumbing to complete your desired changes. Rearranging your outlets may also be necessary if you are planning a major remodel.

Bump-outs do not need utilities, but you can still install them if you wish. Doing so may finally allow you to build the home you have always wanted.

Building Permits

Lastly, you must account for the cost of acquiring a building permit while setting the budget for your new bump-out.

New York State requires residents to secure building permits before they begin work on their construction projects. You must submit different documents, including this form, to successfully obtain that permit.

If you do not have time to get the building permit, you can entrust this job to your contractor. They can also get the permit faster since they have more experience dealing with the relevant departments.

What Are the Ideal Spots for a Bump-Out?

Where should you build your bump-out addition? The current layout of your home and the look you want to achieve will determine that.

If you are still looking for ideas, we have detailed some suggestions below that should prove useful.

Along the Corner of Your Kitchen

A bump-out can be a perfect addition to your kitchen. Open up one corner of your kitchen and instantly turn that into a more useful part of your home.

You can also place a kitchen island in the bump-out. You can use the bump-out as a workstation or storage area by placing the kitchen island there.

An Unused Area in Your Bathroom

Having your own bathtub or sauna in your bathroom can vastly improve your quality of life. You can enjoy those features of your bathroom whenever you need to relax.

Unfortunately, most bathrooms are too small to accommodate those features. You can resolve that problem with the help of a bump-out. Add the bump-out to your bathroom and create the extra space you need.

Next to Your Closet

Do you want more closet space? If so, building a bump-out addition is well worth your time.

Even a small one can provide a considerable amount of closet space. You can create a more organized closet by opening it up.

Your Preferred Working Spot inside Your Garage

The garage often doubles as a workshop for many homeowners, even if it tends to be cramped. You can make your working area more comfortable by placing a bump-out there. Then, turn the bump-out into your workstation so you can take on more projects.

Are you planning to build your own bump-out addition? We at Long Island Home Advisors can help with that. Reach out to us today, so we can start drawing up plans for your new home addition!

The cost of replacing a roof is something all homeowners and home buyers should know. A roof wearing down over time is inevitable. If the roof covering your New York home is already on the older side, you should start preparing for replacement by knowing more about the potential costs involved.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the factors that affect roof replacement costs. Then, we will examine all essential factors and give you an idea of the cost impact they may have on your project.

By the end of this article, you should have a clear idea of how much you will need to pay if you want to replace your roof.

What Is the Average Cost of Roof Replacement?

If you are looking for a solid number you can sink your teeth into as you try to gauge the cost of roof replacement, we can provide that. Prices for that kind of home improvement project typically range from $5,500 to $31,000.

You will likely have to pay a pretty penny for roof replacement, but doing so becomes easier to digest when you remember what you are getting.

Remember that new roofs last for a long time. So you are paying for something that will likely be a fixture on your home for several decades.

Replacing your roof also makes your home more comfortable. You can effectively address an issue such as excessive heat transfer by replacing your roof. If you are thinking of making your New York home bigger by adding a second story, you will probably need to replace your roof as well.

Second-guessing your decision after learning about the costs involved is understandable. Even so, given its benefits, you should feel comfortable making that investment.

What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Roof Replacement?

Several factors determine the cost of replacing a roof. You need to know more about those factors to understand how much your specific project will ultimately cost.

Let’s discuss those factors in greater detail in this section of the article.

Roof Removal

Before you worry about installing a new roof over your New York home, let’s talk about getting your old roof out of the way first.

In some cases, removing an old roof before installing a new one may not be necessary. If your original roof is still in fairly good condition, that could be the case. You can install your new roof over the old one and make things work.

Layering is no longer an option if you have already done it previously. It is also off the table if your original roof is in bad shape.

All you are paying for if you need a roof removed is labor cost. Labor costs for roof removal are generally cheaper than roof installation.

Expect to pay around $5 per square foot for roof removal.

Note that some contractors may bundle the cost of roof removal into roof replacement. If you notice that your quote for roof replacement is a bit on the high side, you should ask your contractor if they are already accounting for roof removal.

Labor Costs

Labor expenses play a big role in determining how much roof replacement costs. Most of the time, it is the biggest expense related to the project.

After discussing the cost of roof removal, we already have a baseline for labor costs. The average labor cost for a new roof is slightly higher. To be more specific, homeowners can expect to pay about $5 per square foot if they want a new roof installed.

Contractors charge more to replace a roof because it takes longer. This job is also more complicated, and it requires careful planning. When the job’s done, the contractors will also remove the debris from the construction site.

Installing the new roof may be their primary focus, but the project involves more work than that.

Consider hiring a general contractor to take on this project.

A general contractor can manage the project in your stead. They can lead the workers, ensure that the project remains on schedule, and give you regular updates.

The general contractor you hired could also save you money. Many general contractors have connections to laborers and suppliers in their respective locations. They can use their connections to lower the cost of your building project.

Roof Size

Next up, we need to discuss the impact of roof size on the replacement cost.

If your roof measures close to 1,000 square feet, the cost of replacing it will be around $8,000. Replacing a larger roof measuring 1,200 square feet will cost about $9,000.

The cost of replacing a roof that measures 1,500 square feet will be close to $11,500. You can expect to pay $15,000 to replace a roof in the neighborhood of 2,000 square feet.

Roof Pitch

One factor not discussed enough when determining roof replacement costs is roof pitch. You may know it better as roof slope or the angle of your roof.

Roof pitches can make replacement projects more complicated. Workers must be more careful when the roof has a more pronounced slope. They may need to work slower and install more safety measures to account for that.

Does this mean the cost of replacing your roof will increase if it has a greater pitch? Well, that is not always the case. A flat roof could also be expensive to install due to its required reinforcements.

The role that roof slope plays in determining the cost of a new installation is quite complicated. Work closely with your contractor so you can gauge the kind of impact it is having.

Roofing Materials

The material you choose for your new roof will heavily influence the overall cost of replacement. You have numerous options to consider here. Let’s go over some of the more popular options below.

Asphalt Shingles

First off, we have asphalt shingles. For many homeowners, the main draw of using asphalt shingles is their price. The cost per square foot if you opt for asphalt shingles is around $2.50.

Notably, that price tag only applies to the lighter and less durable 3-tab shingles. If you are interested in architectural shingles made from asphalt, the average cost per square foot is closer to $5.70.

Asphalt shingles combine to create a classic look that many homeowners adore. The understated color of the asphalt is also easier to work with if you are planning to go bold with your design scheme elsewhere.

Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake roofing is arguably the best choice if you want a spectacular addition to your New York home. This roofing type is also energy-efficient, saving you money in the long term.

Remember, wooden roofs require plenty of maintenance. So make sure you are ready for that upkeep before moving forward with this installation.

The average cost of cedar shake roofing comes to $7.70 per square foot.

Clay Tiles

Individuals love clay roof tiles for their durability. Count on these tiles to stay on your roof for over fifty years. Homeowners can also add flair to their design scheme by installing hand-finished clay tiles.

You should know that clay tiles do not come cheap. On average, clay roof tiles cost $11 per square foot. However, if you are getting hand-finished tiles, the price may climb up to $15 per square foot.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete roof tiles are similar to clay tiles in terms of durability. You can also bank on your concrete tiles staying in good condition for the next five decades or so.

These roof tiles also provide good fire resistance. So if fires approach your home from above, your concrete roof may keep the rest of your property intact.

Unfortunately, you may need to alter the structure of your home to support concrete tiles. In addition, you will likely need to construct some reinforcing structures to adequately carry the weight of your concrete roof.

Concrete tiles are relatively cheap at $6 per square foot compared to the other materials we are discussing. However, you may cancel out those savings due to the support structures you need to build.

Metal Shingles

The price range for metal shingles is the widest for any material options. Some metal shingles may be as cheap as $4 per square foot, while others cost closer to $30. The wide price range is due to the varied metals you can use for your roof, including aluminum, copper, and zinc.

A metal roof can be a great choice for your home because of its remarkable durability and energy-efficient nature. Metal roofs also hold up well to weathering. Therefore, you can expect them to maintain their appearance for a long time.

On the other hand, metal roofs can be noisy. They are also prone to denting, so consider that before making your choice.

Slate Shingles

If durability is the factor you are weighing the most while trying to choose a new material for the roof of your New York home, then you should go with slate. According to Lowe’s, roofs made from soft slate can last up to a hundred years. Meanwhile, hard slate roofs can protect your home for close to two centuries.

Slate also features a distinctive look that appeals to many homeowners.

If you plan to get slate tiles, you can expect to pay $9.80 per square foot. You may also need to reinforce your roof if you want to use slate tiles.

Building Permits

You must have building permits for different kinds of construction projects in New York State. Most roofing-related projects will require them.

There are only a few notable exceptions.

You may not need a building permit if you are replacing the roof above the sheathing without altering the layers underneath. You may also not need a permit if you are installing a green roof system that goes no deeper than 4 inches into your roof.

The cost of your permit will change based on the project and the size of your home. Ask your contractor about the building permit to get a better idea of how much it will cost.

Also, you can leave the task of securing the building permit up to your contractor. They can obtain that permit faster because they are already familiar with the acquisition process.

Special Roof Features

Certain home elements can make a roof replacement project more complex.

For example, you may have fixtures on top of your home that penetrate your roof. Those fixtures may include chimneys, vents, and pipes.

The workers must account for those fixtures during roof removal and installation. They will likely charge more because those elements make the project more complex.

The project’s cost may also increase due to skylights or specially designed windows. Once again, the workers will need to consider those features while replacing your roof. You can expect them to charge extra for that.

The Timing of Roof Replacement

Lastly, we should talk about the impact that the time of the year can have on the cost of your roof replacement project.

Generally speaking, roofers offer more customer-friendly rates during the winter months. They do not get as many projects during those months, so they may present you with a more affordable rate to get you to commit.

Not everyone can get work done on their home during the winter because that is typically a busy season for gatherings. However, if you can free up some time during those months, you may secure a good deal.

Contact us at Long Island Home Advisors if you are looking for expert roofers. Count on us to install the roof you have always wanted to see on top of your New York home.