Adding Value: Home Additions That Pay Off in Southwest Wisconsin

In Southwest Wisconsin, homeowners often face a familiar question: how can you expand your living space while also increasing your home’s long-term value? Whether it’s a growing family, a need for home office space, or the desire to upgrade before retirement, strategic home additions can deliver big returns — both in daily comfort and resale appeal.

At Martin Construction of Platteville, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties create additions that not only look beautiful, but also make financial sense. Here’s how to build smart this season and beyond.

Sunrooms and Four-Season Additions: Wisconsin’s Year-Round Retreat

A sunroom or four-season room tops the list for value in our region — and for good reason. It connects indoor comfort with Wisconsin’s scenic outdoors, giving you usable space through all four seasons.

• Winter: Enjoy sunlight and warmth without the windchill.
• Spring & Summer: Perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation.
• Fall: A cozy transition space for entertaining guests or watching the colors change.

Modern four-season additions use energy-efficient windows, insulated flooring, and high-performance HVAC tie-ins, making them a practical upgrade that often recoups much of its cost in resale value.

Expanding the Kitchen or Dining Area

Kitchens sell homes — and a smart kitchen addition creates both function and “wow” factor. If your home was built before open layouts were common, expanding your kitchen or connecting it to a new dining space can dramatically change how you live.

Design trends for 2025 include:

• Large center islands for cooking and socializing
• Pantry expansions with custom built-ins
• Natural light integration using skylights or full-glass patio doors

When done right, kitchen additions in Southwest Wisconsin often return 60–80% of their investment at resale, according to regional remodeling data.

Main-Level Owner’s Suites: A Future-Proof Addition

More homeowners are thinking long-term — and a main-level bedroom suite delivers both immediate comfort and aging-in-place flexibility.

Adding a first-floor owner’s suite or converting existing space with an accessible bath can increase your home’s value to a wider range of buyers. Pair modern finishes with low-maintenance materials and curbless showers for a space that feels both luxurious and practical.

Garage and Workshop Additions: Functional Space That Sells

In rural and semi-rural Wisconsin, buyers look for storage and utility space just as much as interior upgrades. A garage addition, workshop, or detached outbuilding is a high-ROI project when designed with durability and curb appeal in mind.

• Heated workshops for year-round use
• Upper-level bonus rooms above the garage
• Matching siding and rooflines to blend seamlessly with the home

These additions increase property value while appealing to a wide range of future buyers — from hobbyists to growing families.

Seasonal Curb Appeal Matters

Whatever addition you choose, think seasonally. In Southwest Wisconsin, homes that look inviting year-round stand out. Martin Construction recommends:

• Using complementary exterior materials that harmonize with your existing siding and roofing.
• Integrating covered entries or porches that add visual balance and protect from winter snow.
• Choosing energy-efficient windows and insulation packages to maximize comfort and lower heating costs.

A well-designed addition doesn’t just add square footage — it adds cohesion, efficiency, and lasting value.

Build Smart. Build Beautiful. Build with Martin Construction.

Your home addition should enhance your lifestyle now and pay off later. Whether you’re adding a sunroom, expanding a kitchen, or building a new suite, Martin Construction of Platteville delivers the craftsmanship and experience to get it done right.