A home addition is any project that adds new livable square footage or changes your home’s footprint. That can mean building a new room, expanding a kitchen, adding a primary suite, enclosing a space into a conditioned living area, or adding a second story.
Additions also require careful “tie-ins,” which is how the new space connects to what you already have. That includes the foundation, framing, roof, windows and doors, plus practical items like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (heating and cooling).
Florida planning matters because our homes take a beating. Heat and strong sun can stress roofing and materials, moisture can create rot or mold if details are missed, and storms can test every seam and fastener.
Local building code requirements, permitting, and inspections are a bigger part of the process here, and they can affect design choices like window and door types, roof connections, and water management.
Florida insurance is also worth thinking about early. An addition changes what you own and what needs to be covered, and some design decisions can impact how straightforward that is. A good plan reduces surprises, protects your investment, and helps you decide whether adding space makes more sense for your family than moving.