Construction questions regarding house expansion

[Tatyana Baytler]

Hello fellow BP pros,

I am looking for advise on how to increase size of the house -build up or down or going wide?

it is small one-level rancher style house with big lot and lots of crawl space...what would be the best way to use money:

1. Build up - build dormers /second floor?

2. Make crawl space into full size basement?

3. Build master suite as an extension to the house?

What are the pros/cons? Any suggestions?

[Maryanne Sweet]

I think this is a really site specifically question. Is there potential for storm or flood? How much engineering is required? I like to go out but have gone up where it made sense to. In going up it was due to the roof line and there being an attic space.

Adding a room on by going out needs to consider existing configuration and aspect to enhance flow and comfort of the layout.

With a big lot then going out seems the most obvious solution but what are other homes like in the area? Where are the prevailing winds, hills, waterways and trees? What else can be done with the land?