Bump-Outs Expansion

Strategic Bump-Outs

A bump-out adds two to fifteen feet of depth to an existing room—enough to transform a cramped Chicago kitchen into a functional workspace or expand a tight bathroom to include a proper shower. These micro-additions require less foundation work and disruption than full room additions, making them cost-effective ways to solve specific space problems. Bay windows, breakfast nooks, walk-in closets, and master bath expansions are common applications.

Though smaller in scope, bump-outs still require proper engineering and permitting. We extend foundations (or add pier supports for cantilevered designs), tie new framing into existing structure, and match rooflines. Mechanical systems often need modification—extending HVAC ductwork, relocating electrical panels, or adding plumbing for bathroom expansions. The work must comply with Chicago building codes and pass all required inspections.

What sets a good bump-out apart is integration. The expanded space should feel like part of the original room, not an obvious afterthought. We match flooring, ceiling heights, trim profiles, and window styles. Exterior materials and proportions align with existing siding and rooflines. Done well, a bump-out looks inevitable—as if the house was always meant to be this size.