Architecture

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

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 and I am a certificate holder from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). 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...

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

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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.

by Bosworth Hoedemaker

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A cantilevered micro-addition is much like a bay window floating above the earth and expanding the footprint of the room. Just remember to insulate a floor exposed to the elements.

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by Bud Dietrich, AIA

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A small, cantilevered 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.

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by Michael Sisti

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A cantilevered micro-addition 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 are out of the cold.

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by Bud Dietrich, AIA

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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' cantilevered addition provided the room needed for this kitchen to have an island.

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by Bud Dietrich, AIA

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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.

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

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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 cantilevered micro-addition.

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 micro-addition 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
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Converting Attics and Basements
Stunning Garage Makeover in Bordeaux

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Comments

mmsalg says:

I like that you talk about 'just a little more room'. It doesn't have to be a big job to make a huge difference. Great ideas here. Check out this http://www.custommade.com/maple-wall-bed/by/PhilipCulbertson

4 months ago · Like

Becky Harris says:

Really interesting Bud, this makes a lot of sense!

4 months ago · Like

Bud Dietrich, AIA says:

Nice work at the Culbertson Design site - thanks for sharing it mmsalg. Small moves that pay big dividends are the way to go.

4 months ago · Like

textileaholic says:

Great ideabook! I have been trying to figure out how to get an extra few feet in our kitchen, and this may be the answer.

4 months ago · Like

jmitchel says:

Master bathroom cantilevered addition at my home. Before we had separate vanity and wet areas. New area includes 6' soaking tub, double vanity and 4" tile shower

4 months ago · Like

marmarmish says:

Very good to know!

4 months ago · Like

tbjcn says:

can I do this off brick house?

4 months ago · Like

Sabrina Silvernale says:

Oh, you've given be a great idea! My dining room is small, so if we made a bump-out for built-in seating it would overhang directly over the walkout sliding door below. That would protect the rear entrance and add some dimension to the exterior back wall. It's on my list now.

4 months ago · Like

Bud Dietrich, AIA says:

Yes, it can be done on a brick house. Just make sure to engage a professional to help you design it. And a micro addition that shelters the door below sounds like a terrific plan. Good luck!

4 months ago · Like

scarbowcow says:

In a rental property we had (Vvictorian divided into three flats, two up, one down), bathrooms at the back of the house were so 'tight' you had to turn sideways to get between the tub and the sink and reach the toilet. My dad bumpted out the back of the house by 24" and was able to put the tub along the narrow wall at the side of the house with a built-in towel/linen cabinet at the end of it. Amazing how spacious the room became, with a lot of wall space to hang towels, put a hamper in the corner, etc. Astonishing the difference 24 inches made in those baths.

4 months ago · Like

sephillips says:

I have had great results with doing additions supported on posts if the structure does not allow a cantilever or if the addition is just a bit oversized for a true cantilever. Remember to not only insulate the floor exposed to the outside air but to also add an air/wind barrier.

4 months ago · Like

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