HI Bill,
I wanted to reach out to you after visiting your website. I typed in 'high ranch additions' into Google and
was directed your site. First of all, thank you for putting so much information on the web for everyone to
read. It's really great that someone with such extensive experience is willing to share knowledge.
My question pertains to a high ranch home in NY that my wife and I are considering purchasing. We are
concerned that it's a small home and that it may not fit our needs in 10 years with a growing family. While
we love the property it's situated on, we know for sure that the home is too small for our needs. Looking on
the internet for additions to high ranch homes are far and few in between. It seems like it's a considerable
undertaking that raises many issues, especially the foundation issues you mention on your site.
Can you please offer some suggestions as to what can be done with a home like this to add more living space?
Sam
Reply:
Sam,
Anything can be built, but Hi Ranches offer few affordable options.
You can add any ground level addition you choose but the added expense is going to be a
deterrent. In your case it will be even worse because the photo seems to show the grading
sloping rapidly away from the house. This going to add even more foundation expense, Because of the
height, building any addition will require some scaffolding also adding to the time & labor
factor.
Adding a second (actually a third level) story addition on a Hi Ranch is frowned upon by
most building departments because of local building height restrictions. It is not likely to be
permitted.
The only addition that seems compatible is the master bedroom addition I mention on my
website. You could also convert the garage at reasonable expense, but then you might want to
build another garage & that is going to be a costly garage.
I am sorry I could not be more positive but that is the way it is. The property is
exceptionally beautiful & I can see why you are interested is this home. If you buy it be
prepared to spend an additional 20-30% or more for the construction.
Regards,
Bill Harbrecht
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