When it comes to home renovations, every decision counts, especially if resale is on your radar. As homeowners, we often dream of custom spaces that reflect our lifestyles, but smart design can offer more than beauty—it can build long-term value. At Hellings Builders, we’ve helped clients throughout the Philadelphia Main Line, Tri-County area and Delaware make strategic additions that not only improve daily life but also enhance a home’s market appeal. If you’re considering expanding or updating your space, these are the home additions that increase resale value while making your home a better place to live right now.
Expanding with Purpose: Additions That Earn Their Keep
When we think of additions, it’s tempting to equate more square footage with higher value. But the truth is, how that space functions is just as important as its size. Thoughtful expansions—like a light-filled family room, an open-concept kitchen or a spacious primary suite—can dramatically boost livability and return on investment.
In older homes common to the Main Line, layouts can feel segmented. A modest bump-out that reimagines the flow between kitchen and dining areas or adds closet space to a cramped bedroom can transform the way a home feels. These types of home additions tend to yield some of the highest resale returns when designed to align with the home’s architectural character and modern lifestyle needs.
A 2023 Cost vs. Value report by Remodeling Magazine notes that midrange primary suite additions recoup nearly 30–50% of their cost at resale, depending on region. With smart planning and experienced execution, the payoff can be even higher—both emotionally and financially.
Detached Spaces with High Impact
Since the pandemic reshaped how we live and work, flexible detached spaces have surged in popularity. A well-crafted garage, carriage house or home office isn’t just an accessory—it’s a multifunctional asset.
We’ve seen firsthand how a detached garage with a finished loft adds valuable storage and guest accommodations, while a purpose-built office or studio offers separation and focus for work-from-home professionals. These structures create privacy and versatility—two features that buyers increasingly seek.
In fact, Zillow’s 2023 housing trends report highlights that listings mentioning detached home offices or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) sold faster and at higher prices than comparable homes without them. For growing families, remote workers or multigenerational households, these additions bring flexibility and function—and they’re among the home additions that increase resale value over time.
Finished Basements that Go Beyond Storage
The basement often holds hidden potential. In many homes throughout our region, it’s an underutilized space that, with vision and expertise, can become a showpiece.
A finished basement tailored to your lifestyle—whether that’s a home gym, theater, wine room or in-law suite—adds both usable square footage and wow-factor. Importantly, it also expands the way the home can be lived in, often without the need to expand the home’s footprint.
Key to success here is treating the lower level with the same design care as above-grade spaces. Proper insulation, layered lighting and elevated finishes can turn a dark basement into a seamless extension of the main home. Appraisers often consider the quality and functionality of basement renovations when assessing resale value, especially in neighborhoods where livable space is at a premium.
Outdoor Living That Extends the Home
Today’s buyers aren’t just looking inside the home—they’re evaluating how the property supports outdoor living. Additions like covered patios, expansive decks, screened porches and pool houses allow your home to embrace all four seasons.
In a region where summers are warm and fall is crisp, a thoughtfully designed outdoor space can serve as an extension of the home for entertaining, dining and relaxation. These additions are particularly appealing when they offer seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor, such as French doors off the kitchen or a walkout basement that opens to a landscaped backyard.
According to the National Association of Realtors, outdoor living upgrades consistently rank among the top renovations for buyer appeal. For homes in luxury markets like the Main Line, a well-executed outdoor addition doesn’t just complete the property—it defines it.
Kitchen Expansions Still Lead the Way
It’s no surprise that kitchens continue to top the list of desirable home features. But not just any renovation will do. Buyers—and homeowners—are drawn to kitchens that feel open, spacious and equipped for both everyday life and entertaining.
We often work with clients building a custom home or tackling home renovations to reconfigure tight layouts by removing walls, adding prep areas or incorporating walk-in pantries. Even without a full addition, smart spatial planning can dramatically increase functionality and visual appeal.
For those with the room to grow, a modest kitchen expansion can yield significant returns. The Cost vs. Value report also shows that even minor kitchen remodels recoup an average of 71% of their cost nationally—proof that targeted improvements in this space resonate with future buyers.
In our experience, kitchens that balance beauty with practicality—custom cabinetry, energy-efficient appliances and durable countertops—become the heart of the home and key selling points down the road. It’s no wonder kitchen projects remain some of the most effective home additions that increase resale value.
Design with Tomorrow in Mind
The best additions serve dual purposes: they enhance how you live today and contribute to how your home will be perceived tomorrow. At Hellings, we believe in creating spaces that feel both personal and purposeful—whether that’s a sunroom retreat or a multifunctional basement that meets your evolving needs.
Over the decades, we’ve guided homeowners through additions that elevate their daily lives while strengthening the long-term value of their homes. If you’re considering a home addition, we’d be honored to bring your vision to life with the care, creativity, and craftsmanship that have defined our work since 1998. Let’s build something that pays off—now and in the years to come.