So recently we have had a handful of people inquiring about BUMPING or CANTILEVERING OUT a part of their home for more space. If by chance any of you reading this blog were at our Remodelers Showcase Home you would have a better idea what this means. For those of you who weren’t well this is why I love visuals so much!!
Just to explain a little before pictures, a bump out is just adding more space onto your home. We also do additions but a bump-out is more about adding a few feet out on your home in a specific spot. Using an existing overhang on the roof line is how we try to do it because that way the home owner doesn’t have to mess with the roof at all and this saves a significant amount in cost! 🙂 Doing an addition, requires footings, too, whereas cantilevering out to your roof line does not.
The model home is a perfect example of where a little more space goes a VERY VERY long way!!! We were working with an extremely small master bathroom and by Bumping-Out the outer wall of both the bedroom and the bath, it made a world of difference! What was a tiny shower, a stool and a single sink 24″ small vanity became a double sink vanity, a custom tiled shower and even a separate door for the stool area! All by just adding on 2 feet!!!
It really is amazing how it helps.
OK IT’S VISUAL TIME!!!!!!
BEFORE…
AFTER!!!!!
In this shot you can see where the 2-ft bump-out is in the master bedroom.
Outside view
Here is another example only this is a 3 1/2 foot bump out and you can see the soffit.
Here’s a little more info!
- Cantilevers: On an upper story, a bump out can be cantilevered (unsupported by posts) generally as far as 2 feet. Permits to extend farther may be difficult to obtain. In order to extend farther, you need deeper joists on the main house. Plus, you need to extend the bump out’s joists farther along the existing house’s joists.
Suggested Uses
Because bump outs are not full rooms, they tend to enhance an existing room. They can:
- Provide space for a window seat with book shelves. This is one of those rare instances when the bump out is more about fun than function.
- Allow for installation of a bathtub in a bathroom that currently only has a shower.
- Give you enough room in your kitchen to put a length of counter, stove, and fridge. With the increased floor space in the main area, you can install a kitchen island.
- Provide a kitchen with enough extra space for a dining area or breakfast nook.
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cantelevering an upper level bump-out
Grade-level bump outs have simple functions. They rest on a concrete slab or are elevated over a crawlspace. But upper-level bump outs are often so small that they do not need a foundation. Instead, they can be cantilevered out—essentially hanging out in mid-air.
When you choose to cantilever your bump outs, the dimensions of your house’s joists dictate the size of the bump out. Generally, bump outs can be cantilevered a couple of feet. More than two feet is unusual.
Bump outs are often installed in rooms that are already very small—often unbearably tiny.
A 150 square foot kitchen, when bumped out another 45 square feet receives a 30 percent boost in space.
So my blog today is to remind you to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!!
* Maybe you have a room that just feels too tight and you don’t want to move but just need more space.
* Maybe your bedroom is just a little to tight for that king size bed… etc. Don’t forget to think bigger so to speak. Go run outside and check that overhang right now!!!
Maybe a bump-out will work for you!!!!
DREAM ON!!!
