What Is a Kitchen Bump-Out Addition, and Should I Add One?

A kitchen bump-out addition can add valuable space to the most important room of your house for less than the cost of a full home addition. A bump-out kitchen addition is simply a smaller version of a kitchen addition. If you're planning a home addition and need to meet a budget, are up against property space issues, or would like to minimize the hassle of installing a full addition, a kitchen bump-out is worth considering.  

What Is a Kitchen Bump-Out Addition?

A kitchen bump-out addition is really just what it sounds like it would be. Where a full home addition may include adding on entire rooms or more, a bump-out addition typically focuses on extending the square footage of an individual room. 

A kitchen bump-out could consist of a cantilever design for adding just a couple of feet of floor and wall space or a single-room expansion that includes the addition of footings or a foundation.

A kitchen bump-out usually means adding space to a single story of the house or slightly expanding the home's footprint instead of building vertically. Homeowners often use bump-out additions to add space to a dining area in the kitchen, increase storage or cabinet space, or accommodate larger appliances or a kitchen island.  

Kitchen Bump-Out Addition Cost

While installing a kitchen bump-out addition is less costly than putting in a full-sized room addition, it's certainly not free. Bump-out addition costs vary widely depending on their size, complexity, and which room you're extending. Your kitchen bump-out cost will depend on size as well as the project's scope or how you're going to use the new space. 

The average price range for a kitchen bump-out is between $100 and $300 per square foot of additional space. If that sounds high to you compared to full-on room addition costs that average $80 to $200 per square foot, you're not wrong. While a bump-out costs less overall because of its smaller size, much of the same tasks apply, which reduces labor cost efficiency. 

The other main cost factor involves mechanical installations. Moving or adding plumbing, electrical, or HVAC components to accommodate a bump-out addition with a sink and appliances will cost significantly more than installing a bump-out to add dining or storage space, which requires less time and effort. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY kitchen bump-out installation eliminates the cost of labor, so experienced handyworkers can save hundreds to thousands of dollars by doing the installation yourself. However, we recommend that most homeowners hire a general contractor or kitchen remodeling company. Even if the bump-out only adds a couple of feet of space, it’s a challenging project that often involves wiring and plumbing and may affect your house’s roof and foundation. 

Kitchen Bump-Out Addition Pros and Cons

As with any significant home-remodeling project, looking at the big picture to decide how to proceed is essential. 

Pros

• Costs less overall than a full addition remodel

• Construction only disrupts the involved part of the house

• You can minimize costs with careful planning of mechanical systems

• Mechanicals are generally less expensive and may not require added circuits

• May fit on properties not large enough for a full home addition

Cons

• Costs more per square foot than other types of additions, and some remodels

• Your kitchen will likely be unusable during construction

• It may require adding footings or a foundation

• You'll likely need to extend the home's roof

• Interior and exterior finishes can be challenging to match

Kitchen Bump-Out Addition Ideas

Kitchen bump-outs come in a variety of styles and functions. Consulting a local kitchen remodeling company can spark new kitchen bump-out ideas, provide cost specifics, and help determine if a bump-out addition is right for your home and needs. Here are some common kitchen bump-out possibilities. 

Create Extra Work Space

Simply adding floor space and an additional countertop area can increase the comfort and functionality of your kitchen by making it easier to move around and by creating more room for small appliances or work areas. 

Add Light

Bay window kitchen bump-outs are a common home upgrade that provides more natural light and may fit without extending the existing roof. Floor-to-ceiling bays can even add a few feet of floor space. 

Create Storage

Pantry, closet, and cabinet area additions are excellent bump-out candidates. The rest of the kitchen can become more useful and spacious by extending the kitchen to create more storage space. 

Carve Out a Dining Area

Whether your kitchen bump-out addition will add just a couple of feet or several, making a dining space in the kitchen creates a whole world of design options and could free up your existing dining room for other uses.  

Add a Kitchen Island

Adding a kitchen bump-out can simply be a way of enlarging the kitchen, potentially allowing you to install more or larger appliances or add a kitchen island to the layout and boost the room's productivity and function.

When to Choose a Kitchen Bump-Out Addition

Installing a kitchen bump-out addition represents a significant investment in your home. You'll want to be sure you're getting your money's worth and that the project will meet your expectations. 

If you're considering a kitchen remodel or addition, a bump-out is another option to think about. Bump-outs generally cost less, but you'll get a smaller addition in return. Choose a kitchen bump-out addition over a full-room addition when it fits your remodeling budget and adds enough space and function to meet your needs.