Sunroom, Bump-Out, or Full Addition? How to Choose the Right Home Expansion in Clackamas County

 

Thinking about expanding your home but not sure where to begin? Choosing between a sunroom, a small bump-out, or a full-scale home addition depends on your goals, budget, and the layout of your property. For homeowners in Clackamas County—from Oregon City to Lake Oswego—understanding your home addition options in Clackamas County can help you create more space without overextending your budget or compromising your home’s design.

 

Whether you’re looking to add a bright sunroom retreat, expand a kitchen with a bump-out, or build a multi-room addition, this guide breaks down the differences and helps you make the right decision for your home and lifestyle.

When we work with homeowners in Clackamas County, the three most common home addition projects we see are:

 

Sunrooms

 

A sunroom is a light-filled room—often with floor-to-ceiling windows or glass walls—designed for casual living and connection to the outdoors. Sunrooms can be three-season (unheated) or four-season (fully insulated and HVAC-equipped).

 

Best for:

• Enjoying natural light and views year-round

• Creating a relaxing sitting or reading area

• Boosting curb appeal

 

Things to consider:

• Four-season sunrooms cost more but are usable year-round

• Often don’t add bedroom/living room square footage to appraisal value

• Requires permits in most cities (including West Linn and Milwaukie)

Bump-Out Additions

 

Bump-outs are small-scale expansions that extend an existing room—often by 2 to 6 feet—to add more usable space without building an entirely new room.

 

Best for:

• Expanding kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms

• Maximizing space in older homes with tight layouts

• Staying on budget while still adding value

 

Things to consider:

• Usually don’t require foundation work

• Faster and more affordable than full additions

• Still require code compliance and permits in cities like Happy Valley or Gladstone

 

Full Home Additions

 

Full additions are large, permanent structures that add entire rooms or sections to your house—like extra bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, or even a second story.

 

Best for:

• Growing families or multigenerational households

• Adding serious resale value

• Creating fully customized living space

 

Things to consider:

• Requires structural plans, permits, inspections, and extended timelines

• Greater investment, but often brings the highest ROI

• Zoning rules vary across Clackamas County (especially in rural vs. urban areas)

 

Which Home Addition Is Right for You?

 

Choosing the right addition starts with identifying your goals and how long you plan to stay in your home.

 

Ask yourself:

• Do you want more natural light or more functional space?

• Are you planning to sell in the next 5 years or stay long-term?

• What’s your realistic renovation budget?

 

General Guidelines:

 

• Go with a sunroom if your main goal is enjoying outdoor views or creating a peaceful indoor-outdoor hybrid space.

• Choose a bump-out if you need just a little more room in a specific area—like expanding a small kitchen or adding closet space.

• Consider a full addition if your home needs serious space upgrades or you’re creating an in-law suite, home office, or larger living areas.

Local Considerations in Clackamas County

 

Home additions in Clackamas County—including Oregon City, Milwaukie, and West Linn—must follow local zoning codes, which may include:

 

• Setback regulations (how close to property lines you can build)

• Height limits and maximum square footage

• Historical district guidelines (for some areas in Oregon City)

 

Working with a licensed local contractor who understands these codes is essential. At Tegman Custom Homes, we handle everything from permitting to inspections to ensure your home expansion meets all county and city regulations.

Ready to Expand? We Can Help.

 

At Tegman Custom Homes, we’ve helped homeowners across Clackamas County turn their cramped spaces into custom, comfortable additions that improve daily life and increase property value. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked retreat, a kitchen bump-out, or a brand-new wing on your home, we’ll help you explore the best home addition options in Clackamas County.

 

Thinking Bigger?

 

Looking for information on full ADU builds or second-story additions?
? Read our article on ADU Costs in Clackamas County

? Read our article on Home Additions and What You Should Know

 

 

Let’s Talk About Your Vision

? Call us at 503-989-3992
✉️ Email: [email protected]
? Visit our website
? Send us a message on Facebook
? Find us on Yelp, Houzz, and Instagram

We’d love to hear about your home addition ideas and show you what’s possible.