Depending on the home’s location and property limitations, sometimes it is better to add an additional story to the home and go up versus enlarging the footprint. This is sometimes dictated by local zoning codes and necessary setbacks to adjacent properties. Additionally, the home’s mechanicals such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems need to be looked at to see if they can handle the additional square footage that you are planning to add. In many cases, these critical home systems need to be upgraded or modified.