Step 9: The “don’t overbuild” checklist (protect resale and comfort)

In a high-value coastal market, it can be tempting to max out every inch. But overbuilding can create:

• awkward yard proportions

• privacy issues

• a home that feels “too much” for the lot

• design choices that don’t match neighborhood expectations

A smarter approach is to build a space that:

• fits the property

• feels integrated with the main home

• improves outdoor living, not eliminates it

• prioritizes quality and function over raw square footage