When you're talking about the best room additions in Phoenix or the "best" anything for that matter, there are at least two perspectives for any question. Just like the classic 1991 romantic comedy "He Said, She Said," men and women often have two completely different opinions.
Working in the home remodeling industry, we've experienced hundreds of these unique conversations with clients where each side knows exactly what they'd do with a home expansion, and the answer is rarely the same!
The fact of the matter is that home additions have a lot of potential for fun hobbies, relaxation space, and room for more family. The question is: Whose priorities are explored in each project, His or Hers?
Join us for a fun yet realistic exploration of the differing opinions on the best room addition ideas, presented from the men's and women's perspectives.
Men tend to see a house addition as an opportunity to "make an awesome space." They've been craving extra square footage with space dedicated to their hobbies and interests, such as watching sports, working on project, or personal fitness.
If there's one thing that men dream of when they think about home addition ideas, it's the den: The ultimate man cave with a kick-ass home theater system. Big-screen TV mounted to the wall, built-in surround sound speakers, and layered theater lights for the perfect cinematic experience.
Whether they're watching sports or the latest blockbuster, there's nothing like kicking back in comfortable recliners with a media system that blows your mind. Building a home addition makes room for the ultimate man cave and home theater without overtaking the family room.
For men who love cars, extra garage space is an easy choice. After all, garages are a more straightforward space that often can add value to your home. While they do require a new foundation (which adds to the cost), they don't need a lot of features (unless you want them), and you can fit so many more classic cars, sports cars, or utility vehicles in an extended garage. It can also double as a great spot for your hobbies (see below).
Many homeowners long for a personal workshop, perhaps even one that can go with building a second garage (the room addition idea from above). Maybe it's your goal to have a place just for your carpentry and metalworking tools. One thing is for sure: A home addition will make it possible to finally build the ultimate workshop and get enough space for those large-scale projects that he's been dreaming of for years.
When it comes to the best room additions, women tend to imagine what they will do with all that new space from a home addition. They long for more room for the family and extra rooms that create household harmony, plus a little luxury and hobby space for personal enjoyment.
Few will pass up the chance to completely remodel their kitchen to be bigger, better, and with the latest technology. Often, in our area, we see that a few square feet (sometimes called a micro addition) with a fresh floor plan can make a huge difference. A kitchen bump remodel makes it possible to expand your kitchen while including a beautifully ergonomic design with a lovely kitchen island, gourmet kitchen appliances, and elements of an open plan to entertain while creating the perfect home cooking experience.
Master bedroom upgrades and bathroom additions are among the top home additions in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Phoenix for more square footage, and most women would love a home addition that includes a luxurious master suite. A home addition that includes more a larger master bath, in particular, is popular right now. They desire more natural light, soaker tubs, tiled showers, and walk-in closets, which are also the trend. She's dreaming of more personal space for a little bit of quiet from the day, and beautiful bathroom cabinetry and long bubble baths are on her mind.
To maintain family harmony and keep the house more organized, women often prioritize a playroom (or teen hangout room) for the kids. Providing the kids a place to play and hang out is not just about where to store the toys. It also frees up the rest of the house for more peaceful adult activities. Additionally, the new room can serve as an extra bedroom when family visits 1-2 times a year.
Love or hate it, one chore rarely "finished" is the laundry, and having the additional room (that is well organized) for this task is often quite desired. Laundry room additions are usually not stand-alone projects. Instead, they are part of a larger remodeling project, such as a kitchen or bathroom addition or a garage build.
Of course, men aren't the only crafters. What men call "workshop," women call craft room. Many women have a hobby that could take up an entire room., and with additional space gained from a new room, it could! Whether you're a quilter or have always wanted a place for your paint and easels, designing the ultimate craft room is always a temptation and could be considered the best option for a home addition.
While we had fun separating men from women in the He Said, She Said style, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that for most of our clients, the best home addition project is a room that both men and women want. They just say it in different ways.
The pandemic revealed how effective and efficient working from home can be. Many professionals in our area, even after COVID, have been able to maintain at least a hybrid working environment. Home offices have become a must-have, and the guest room just won't do. A home addition is the perfect way to create a well-insulated, elegant space with plenty of outlets for all your electronic needs.
How long would it take to gain the return on investment of building (and equipping) a home gym rather than paying club prices? This question rings true for so many of our clients, who enjoy the benefits of working out but dread the commute to the gym.
Men who seek this type of addition want a space big enough for lifting heavy weights, from the power cage to the Bowflex. That stuff takes up a lot of room; the best home addition ideally makes some room for a private personal gym where you can sweat to your favorite power metal in perfect endorphin-fuelled bliss.
Just like men, women also dream of home gyms but tend to gravitate toward different types of home gym equipment, such as the treadmill or Peloton bike. Women also like to have more floor space to stretch, meditate, and do Yoga in a beautiful, Zen-like, and inspiring space. With more square footage and thoughtfully designed space, all needs can be accomplished.
Both men and women have a special appreciation for outdoor living but can have a different vision of what it looks like. Men usually focus on the gadgets that go with outdoor living: the outdoor bar (with mini-fridge and kegerator), the various outdoor cooking options, like grills and pizza ovens, and a TV mounted at the right angle to watch the game. Women tend to want those things, too, but they consider their yard space an extension of the living space. And if you have a pool, building a pool house with an outdoor bathroom and shower (as a design idea) would take the cake!
While not a home addition, it's worth mentioning that both men and women are also acutely interested in integrating technology into the home. Smart home technology is not only convenient, but it has also been proven to be an energy saver. High-tech gadgets, like automated window shades, smart lights, and the thermostat that controls the HVAC system, keep all areas of the house cool and comfortable (which is so important in our area).
If you are in the Phoenix, Scottsdale or Paradise Valley area and looking for an addition contractor to help you explore the best home additions for your household. Contact us today!