As families expand, so do their spatial needs. Suddenly a house that seemed adequately sized for two or three may feel tight when the family increases in size. If a home already has enough bedrooms, a family room addition is often a useful addition to increase the amount of space in a home and increase the functionality.

Where an addition is placed on a house will vary depending on the layout of the home and actual site conditions. If there is space on the site that allows for a family room addition on the main level, I often look for a location near the kitchen. If there is no space on the site, we’ll either look at a location such as in an unfinished basement, or consider adding onto a second story. One recent trend is locating a family space adjacent to bedrooms, especially if the space is located adjacent to kid’s bedrooms. This family room space often becomes the kid’s ‘hang out space’.

Often a family room plays many roles, so it’s important to design the room to allow for the functions you need. Here are some things to consider: More >