If you've had enough of your small, outdated kitchen, then a kitchen remodeling and room addition might be the answer. Weigh all your options carefully, however, as a room addition will take a remodeling project to a whole new level.
Space is a valuable commodity when planning a kitchen. If your kitchen is 10-feet by 10-feet or smaller, for example, it will be a challenge to find a kitchen design that offers:

• Enough cabinet space.
• Large enough appliances.
• Space for seating.
• Extra frills, such as pantry space or an island.

Room Additions Add Value, Space

A room addition can greatly enhance your kitchen design options and the functionality of the space. With an extra 150 to 300 square feet or so, you can add plenty of cabinet space, an island, a desk area for the kids and a breakfast nook.

Examine Kitchen Remodeling Options

The first step is to look around your kitchen and determine how to add space. Here are a few options:

• Open a wall between the kitchen and adjacent family room or dining room.
• Build a room addition that connects with the kitchen.
• Build a room addition and reconfigure rooms to get the kitchen layout you want.

Room Addition Costs

Cost is an important factor when debating whether to add a room. When adding space by knocking down a wall and combining rooms, the costs can range from $2,000 for creating a basic new opening to $10,000 or more for a more extensive kitchen design. Among the extra costs are:

• Demolition.
• Reframing the opening and repairing areas.
• Extending heating, electrical and plumbing, if appropriate.

If a full room addition is the best option, then consider the cost of:

• Architectural drawings.
• Extra permitting fees.
• Digging and pouring the foundation.
• Extra months of disruption from additional remodeling.
• The cost to repair yard damage cause during the foundation work.

A room addition can cost $10,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the size and other factors.

Weigh All Kitchen Remodeling Factors

As you weigh all the options, think about your goals. Do you want a large kitchen and family room or a simple breakfast room and pantry space? Also look ahead to how the space will flow when the project is completed. Will the room addition add a wonderful space for family gatherings? If you don?t add on, will the remodeled space fit your needs?

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.