Dormers

By Mike McClintock

Every stage of construction or remodeling presents choices, often about dozens of different products and materials. On top of that information overload, there are fundamental design decisions -- sometimes stumpers that have no absolutely right or wrong answer

Building up or out

This complicated decision depends on many potentially limiting factors. On a small site, for instance, building out with a new foundation can conflict with zoning restrictions that control minimum yard sizes and the maximum footprint of buildings on the overall lot size.

Unless you fancy a skyscraping turret, you're not likely to run into height restrictions in the course of building up, adding dormers or an additional story.

Cost-wise, it's most economical to use undeveloped space you already own, which usually means the attic, cellar or garage. They are already closed in and typically require no excavation or foundation work.

When the choice is between building up or out, it is almost always cheaper to build up, assuming the existing foundation can take the extra load, as most can. You save the substantial cost of excavation and preserve existing landscaping (earthmovers can really carve up a yard), at the expense of a larger basement.