Know the Rules - Each city, town, and village has height restrictions, building lines, design covenants, and historic district preservation requirements.

Plan Positively and Expand Efficiently - Consider building materials. Matching existing surfaces and textures could get pricey and may not flow together correctly. Check out reengineered and new release materials for new ideas and ways to save money.

Stay in Scale - When adding square footage, consider the properties around yours. Adding square footage doesn’t always mean adding value to your home. Consult a real estate professional and a market specialist to make sure your investment will have a solid return.

Considering adding square footage by purchasing a bigger home? Keep these thoughts in mind when weighing the pros and cons:

What's Your Worth? - Having a real estate professional give you advice on what your property is worth can allow you to make a sound decision on what is best for you and your family.

Interest Rates - Current rates are at an all-time low. It may be worth purchasing a bigger property after a long term cost analysis of interest rates on your current and potentially new mortgage.

Market Condition - Is the neighborhood you want to move to a “Seller’s Market” or a “Buyer’s Market”. Knowing the market conditions can help you make an informed decision.