Few home styles capture the spirit of American possibility quite like the Foursquare. Recognizable by its symmetrical façade, boxy footprint, and airy front porch, the American Foursquare became a staple from the 1890s through the 1930s—designed for comfort, family life, and a welcoming sense of place. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you know its honest charm, solid construction, and adaptable layout are huge assets. But chances are that decades of use, evolving family needs, and shifting tastes have you considering updates—whether a period-appropriate restoration, a fresh renovation, or a thoughtful addition.
Renovating or expanding a Foursquare isn’t just about preserving its historic character; it’s about making your home function beautifully for how you live today. Here’s how you can honor its architectural legacy while creating updated spaces that feel unmistakably yours, with practical guidance for every step along the way.
To approach a successful renovation, it helps to start with the basics. Most Foursquares follow the same formula: two-and-a-half stories, a simple square footprint, low-hipped roof with wide eaves, and a broad, welcoming front porch. Interiors typically feature four (hence the name) well-proportioned rooms per floor, divided by a central staircase. Large double-hung windows and minimal ornamentation provide plenty of light without unnecessary fuss.
But these homes weren’t all built alike—regional influences, builder variations, and decades of remodeling mean that each one is unique. Take time to observe your home’s original details—the staircase, pocket doors, moldings, and woodwork. These are the features that connect your renovation to the spirit of the era and deserve careful consideration in your plans.
Every update starts with determining what you want to accomplish, and where you need to set boundaries—financial, aesthetic, and practical.
Foursquares often occupy prominent, older neighborhoods—sometimes even historic districts. Before you commit to a design, start by researching your local building codes, permitting requirements, and, if applicable, historic commission rules. Changes to the exterior, including additions, window replacements, or porch alterations, may require additional reviews or the involvement of an architect with preservation experience. Your Block-vetted contractor will be accustomed to navigating these local requirements—and can help ensure your project doesn’t hit avoidable roadblocks.
Many Foursquares still have closed-off kitchens, small baths, and underused formal parlors—layouts that don’t always reflect how modern families use a home. Here’s how to open things up while keeping the heart of the house:
Every historic home tells a story, and with a Foursquare, that story is often written in woodwork, window light, and the sweep of the front porch. Still, modern life brings new priorities—open kitchens, accessible bathrooms, energy efficiency, smart tech—that may not have been top of mind a century ago. The question: how do you bring your Foursquare into the present while honoring its past?
Start by identifying and preserving your home's most important architectural features. Classic examples in Foursquares include:
Whenever possible, restore these elements—even if it means dedicating part of your budget to skilled carpentry or paint removal. If a feature is missing, it’s often possible to find architectural salvage pieces or request custom millwork to match.
If you need more space, aim for additions that extend gracefully from your Foursquare’s original lines. Remember , American Foursquares are defined by their balanced proportions and boxy form. Additions work best when they feel like a natural extension—not an afterthought. Start by studying your home’s shape, roofline, window style, and siding materials. The closer your addition aligns with these elements, the more it will feel like it’s always belonged.
Common solutions include:
Rear or side additions. The most straightforward way to expand. Mimic the home’s roof pitch, window style, and material palette for cohesion. Connect new spaces to the main house through oversized cased openings rather than narrow hallways; this preserves your Foursquare’s sense of openness.
Sunrooms or family rooms. A rear sunroom, lined with windows and connected to the kitchen, is a popular and practical addition. It brings in morning light and provides a “bonus” living space that flows easily to the backyard. If budget allows, include heated floors to make it a true four-season retreat. If this particular strategy sounds well-suited to your American Foursquare, read our guide specifically about sunroom additions.
Dormer expansions. If your attic is unfinished or only partly used, adding dormers can unlock valuable space for bedrooms, an office, or a playroom without altering your home’s scale from the street. Match rooflines and retain original attic windows wherever possible. Get more tips in Building a Dormer Addition on Your Home - Cost & Other Considerations.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs). On a large lot, a separate outbuilding—whether a garage with an apartment above or a backyard studio—can expand your home’s utility even further. ADUs are especially useful for multi-generational living or rental income, and their construction usually has less impact on the appearance of your classic façade.
Tips for an addition that respects your American Foursquare:
Yes, a finished attic is not an addition, but it’s still a smart way to expand your living space while maintaining the character of your American Foursquare home. Start by evaluating the existing structure: most Foursquares feature steeply pitched, hipped roofs that create surprisingly usable attic headroom. Before you begin, check for adequate framing, insulation, and ventilation—these are essential for comfort, energy efficiency, and moisture control. Adding or improving roof insulation, upgrading electrical wiring, and ensuring there are safe, code-compliant stairs will lay the groundwork for a successful project.
If the space feels dark, consider adding skylights to boost natural light without compromising the home’s distinctive silhouette.
When it comes to layout and finishing, design with both function and flexibility in mind. Low knee walls are useful for built-in storage, while open floor plans work well for guest rooms, home offices, or play areas. Choose finishes that complement the original house—think hardwood or engineered flooring, simple trim that echoes main-floor details, and a light color palette to make the room feel welcoming and airy. Incorporate heating and cooling by tapping into existing systems or using discreet mini-split units for year-round comfort.
Renovation is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home and your future, and finding the right contractor is at the heart of that decision. With Block Renovation, you don’t have to navigate that search alone. Our team connects you with thoroughly vetted, experienced professionals matched to your specific project and style—removing the guesswork and saving you hours of research. From the first consultation to your final walkthrough, you’ll have a team on your side who understands both the vision for your space and the realities of your renovation. When you’re ready to take the next step, Block is here to help you hire with confidence and bring your plans to life, every step of the way.