Why Your Northshore Home Needs a Custom Addition (and How to Plan It Right)
When Expanding Makes More Sense Than Moving
For many Northshore families, there comes a point when your home no longer fits your life. Maybe you’ve outgrown the layout, need a quiet home office, or want room for aging parents to stay nearby. Moving might sound tempting, but in Louisiana’s tight housing market—where location, schools, and neighborhood charm matter—selling and relocating can create more stress than it solves.
That’s where home addition construction comes in. Instead of leaving behind the home and community you love, a well-planned addition lets you expand your space, increase property value, and create the home you always wanted—without changing your address.
At RS Builders & Remodeling, LLC, we help homeowners in Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, and Slidell design and build seamless additions that look like they’ve always been part of the original structure.
What Is a Home Addition?
A home addition can take many forms—from a single-room extension to a second story or attached apartment. It’s more than extra square footage; it’s a chance to reimagine how your home supports your lifestyle.
Common addition types we build across the Northshore include:
- Primary suite additions for more comfort and privacy
- Kitchen or living room extensions for open-concept living
- Garage conversions turned into offices, gyms, or guest suites
- In-law suites and accessory dwellings for multi-generational families
- Sunrooms and screened patios that bring the outdoors in
- Second-story additions for growing families or added value
Every addition RS Builders designs is fully engineered for Louisiana’s unique climate, soil, and building codes.
Benefits of Adding On Instead of Moving
- Stay in the Neighborhood You Love - Whether you’re near the Mandeville lakefront, tucked into historic Covington, or settled in Hammond’s quiet suburbs, your home is part of your identity. A home addition lets you stay rooted while still upgrading your daily comfort.
- Increase Your Property’s Value - A well-built addition doesn’t just improve your space—it boosts resale value. Master suites, updated kitchens, and functional living areas are among the top features buyers want. Our projects are designed to look cohesive and appraise as part of the original home, not an afterthought.
- Design for the Way You Live - An addition gives you the freedom to create spaces that actually work for your family. Whether it’s a craft studio, media room, or climate-controlled storage area, the design possibilities are wide open.
- Avoid the Hassle of Relocating -
Selling your home, finding a new one, moving schools, and restarting routines—it’s exhausting. With a home addition, you skip the disruption and invest in a property you already know and love.
The RS Builders Approach to Home Additions
When you choose RS Builders, you’re choosing a true design-build partner—not just a contractor. We guide you from the earliest concept through permitting, construction, and finishing details.
- Consultation and Site Assessment - We start by walking your property to understand your existing layout, structure, and potential expansion zones. This helps us see what’s possible within your lot lines and budget.
- Design & Engineering - Our design team works closely with you to create floor plans that flow naturally from the current structure. We handle all engineering, elevation, and code requirements specific to St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes—including flood zone considerations.
- Budget Transparency - No vague estimates or hidden costs. You’ll receive a detailed scope outlining materials, labor, and timeline. We believe in clear communication so you can make confident decisions.
- Construction with Care - Our crews treat every project as if we were building our own homes. We protect your existing property, minimize disruption, and coordinate each phase efficiently to keep your project on schedule.
- Finishing Touches -
From trim and paint to flooring and fixtures, we ensure every element of your new space aligns with your vision and blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.
Popular Home Addition Ideas for Northshore Homes
Primary Suite Additions
Create a private retreat at the rear of your home with a spacious bedroom, walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bathroom. Ideal for growing families or homeowners who want to age in place comfortably.
Kitchen & Living Room Expansions
Open layouts are in high demand across Louisiana. Expanding your kitchen or family room gives you a space that’s bright, social, and ready for entertaining—especially during those Sunday Saints games or crawfish boils.
Garage Conversions
Turn underused garage space into a fully functional guest suite, home gym, or office. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to add living area without expanding your foundation.
Sunrooms & Screened Porches
Perfect for Mandeville and Slidell’s mild winters, these additions let you enjoy the outdoors without the bugs or humidity. They also enhance natural light and add a relaxed Louisiana charm to your home.
Second-Story Additions
When your lot size limits outward growth, go up. Adding a second level gives you flexibility for extra bedrooms, an office, or rental space—while preserving your yard and footprint.
Building on the Northshore
Building an addition in Louisiana isn’t the same as in other regions. Between flood zones, soil conditions, and storm-ready building codes, you need a builder who understands local requirements.
RS Builders manages every technical detail, including:
- Foundation design for raised homes or slab matching
- Structural tie-ins to handle humidity and shifting soils
- Wind and flood zone compliance for coastal resilience
- Parish permitting and inspections so your project stays legal and safe
We’ve worked extensively across St. Tammany Parish, navigating these processes smoothly so you don’t have to.
How Much Does a Home Addition Cost on the Northshore?
While every project is unique, most home additions in Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, and Slidell fall between $150 and $300 per square foot, depending on the type of addition and level of finish.
| Type of Addition | Typical Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom or Office | $30K – $60K | Simple layout, matches existing home design |
| Kitchen / Living Expansion | $60K – $120K | Includes structural wall removal, finishes, and HVAC integration |
| Primary Suite Addition | $80K – $150K+ | Custom bathroom, closet systems, high-end finishes |
| Second Story Add-On | $150K – $250K+ | Engineering, new staircase, full structural tie-in |
| Garage Conversion | $25K – $50K | Cost-effective, quick turnaround |
| Screened Porch / Sunroom | $20K – $45K | Great ROI and lifestyle value |
RS Builders provides detailed estimates upfront so you’ll always know what to expect—no vague quotes or hidden extras.
What to Expect During the Process
Home addition projects take careful planning and clear communication. Here’s a general timeline:
- Consultation & Design (2–4 weeks) – We’ll develop budgets, and permit documents.
- Permitting & Prep (4–8 weeks) – Parish approvals, engineering reviews, and material ordering.
- Construction (8–20 weeks) – Framing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and finishing.
- Final Touches & Walkthrough – We inspect every detail with you before completion.
Every project is customized, so RS Builders adjusts timelines based on your home’s size, foundation, and location.
Tips for a Seamless Home Addition Project
- Match your materials: We help you select brick, siding, and roofing that match your existing home for a seamless look.
- Plan HVAC and electrical early: Integrating systems from the start prevents costly changes later.
- Think ahead for resale: Add space in a way that appeals broadly—like flexible rooms or open layouts.
- Prepare your household: Dust and noise are temporary; we’ll communicate daily so you know what’s happening on-site.
Why Northshore Homeowners Choose RS Builders
- Local experience: We know the parishes, codes, and weather conditions that impact construction in South Louisiana.
- Full-service team: From concept sketches to punch-list, you’ll work with one consistent crew.
- Attention to detail: Every corner and finish reflects craftsmanship we stand behind.
- Trust & transparency: Our reputation in the Northshore community is built on clear communication and dependable results.
RS Builders & Remodeling, LLC isn’t just expanding homes—we’re helping Louisiana families expand the way they live.
FAQs About Home Addition Construction
How long does a typical home addition take?
Most projects run between 3 and 6 months depending on scope and permitting.
Do I need to move out during construction?
In most cases, no. We plan the build to minimize disruption and maintain safe access.
Can I add a second story to my home?
Yes, if your foundation and structure allow. RS Builders will assess your home to ensure proper engineering and support.
Will the new addition match my existing home?
Absolutely. Our goal is for guests to never tell where the original structure ends and the new space begins.
Start Your Northshore Home Addition Project
A thoughtful home addition can transform your daily comfort, increase your property’s value, and give you space to grow for years to come.
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact RS Builders & Remodeling, LLC for a free in-home consultation.
Whether you’re in
Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, or Slidell, our team is here to design and build an addition that feels like it was always meant to be part of your home.
