Micro Additions: When You Just Want a Little More Room

Bump-outs give you more space where you need it in kitchen, family room, bath and more

Bud Dietrich, AIA 15 January 2012

Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I am licensed to practice architecture in Illinois, Florida, New Jersey & Wisconsin. Since 1996 I have worked from my home office and provide full architectural services exclusively to the single family residential market. My passion is to transform my clients' houses into their homes. I strive to have the "new" home accommodate my clients' lives without fighting them at every junction. I look to add curb appeal to encourage a beautiful streetscape. And I design any addition to look and feel like it has always been there. Our projects have won numerous design awards as well as having been featured on television (CBS News Sunday Morning, HGTV, CLTV, etc.), in magazines (Better Homes...

Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa... More

Comment38

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Sometimes your existing house is just a little too small for what you want to do there. If only there were just another foot or two in that one room. You've talked it over, but you're hesitant to add on as the cost and inconvenience is too great, and you really don't want an "addition" per se. What can you do?

Try a cantilevered micro-addition. Essentially, this is a small "bump-out" located where you need the space and where the existing structure allows. In some ways, it's like a bay window that spans wall to wall and floor to ceiling. And because the addition is cantilevered from the existing structure, it needs no foundation work, saving time and money — and possibly also a mature tree nearby.

From kitchens to bathrooms to family rooms, these kinds of additions can be used just about for anything where just a little more space is needed.

Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

What is a bump-out? A bump-out is a cantilevered micro-addition, much like a bay window floating above the earth and expanding the footprint of the room.

When adding a bump-out, just remember to insulate a floor exposed to the elements.

Bud Dietrich, AIA

A micro-addition can house an entertainment center, such as this one inside a 30-inch by 11-foot bump-out. The room feels much larger and functions much better with all the electronics, speakers, television and cabinetry out of the way.

Michael Sisti

A bump-out can be used to increase the size of a master bath — so now you have room for that spa tub you’ve always wanted. The important consideration is keeping water pipes out of the cold.

Bud Dietrich, AIA

Using a cantilevered micro-addition is a great way to add just right amount of space to a kitchen. In this project, a 5’ x 25’ bump-out provided the room needed for this kitchen to have an island.

Talk to a kitchen remodeler about expanding your space

Bud Dietrich, AIA

By cantilevering this kitchen addition, the need for a foundation was eliminated. So the earth and tree roots weren't disturbed, saving the mature oak tree directly outside the kitchen window.

A bump-out works especially well on all those wood framed neo-Colonials built in the last half of the 20th century.

Tips for Adding Bump-Out to Your House

Though each condition will be unique and you should consult with a qualified professional before undertaking any project such as this, here are some general tips and tricks for building a bump-out.

1. The simplest approach is to “sister” new floor joists along side the existing joists. This can be done with minimal damage to the room below.

2. Depending on the roof condition and how the bump-out is designed, you could end up with a lower ceiling in the added area. This could be a good thing, especially if the added area will be used for a featured element like a spa tub.

3. In this generalized sketch, the existing roof slope is continued to the new outside wall. This doesn’t have to be the case. There as many ways to design this roof extension as there are types of roofs.

4. Using a cantilevered micro-addition to expand a kitchen or bathroom can be a great way to get that extra space to have that spa tub. However, make sure that no water pipes or plumbing lines are installed in an unheated space.

5. A cantilevered micro-addition on an existing second floor also can be used to add space to the room below. Rather than supporting such a niche from below, it can be hung from above.

Again, and this can’t be stressed too much, make sure to engage a qualified professional before undertaking any project like this, and make sure you adhere to local codes, ordinances and regulations.

Next: Bay Window Expands a Small Kitchen

More ideas for creating extra living space
Garage Conversions
Converting Attics and Basements
Stunning Garage Makeover in Bordeaux

Comment38

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Geiger-Phillips, inc.

Since it is a beach cottage, it is probably a summer residence requiring a roof, screens and electrical. I suggest you start with a structurally sound deck, maybe elevated to some degree for the view. Walls can be posts to support the roof with infills of screens or windows. On a recent remodel job we used the old windows removed from the house to enclose the new porch room.