- Basements, attics, and outdoor spaces can be repurposed to create more functional living areas.
- Porches and sunrooms provide additional leisure space and enhance the house’s curb appeal.
- Open floor plans or strategic door replacements can create an illusion of more space.
- A well-designed outdoor living area can serve as an extra entertaining space and increase property value.
Homeowners crave more space, whether it’s for accommodating a growing family or simply for enhancing the decor of their home. While you could move to a more spacious house, it isn’t always feasible, given the fluctuations in the real estate market and rising costs.
However, smarter strategies exist for expanding your living space without breaking the bank. This blog post compiled some tried and tested ways to increase your home’s living area. Implementing any of these strategies can add more comfort and functionality to your home.
Convert Your Basement or Attic into a Living Space
Basements and attics are typically underutilized spaces that can be used
to increase your home’s living area. Depending on your needs, you could convert it into a bedroom, a home gym, or a media room. The best part about converting these spaces is that it’s usually cheaper than adding an extension to your home. However, you’ll need to ensure it’s structurally sound, adequately ventilated, and insulated before starting the renovation process.
Work with Professionals
When converting these spaces, you should work with a contractor who can facilitate home additions to enhance your property. A professional contractor or architect can help you plan your renovation project, design the space, and ensure that all aspects of the conversion are properly taken care of. Working with experienced professionals will ensure that your home addition is done correctly and safely.
Add a Porch or a Sunroom
If the weather permits, adding a porch or sunroom can provide an additional relaxation space for you and your family. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, even when the weather isn’t ideal. Porches and sunrooms also add curb appeal to your home, which is great if you’re looking to increase the value of your house.
Same or Different Style
The porch or sunroom can be built in the same style as your house, or you can choose a different design aesthetic. For example, if you’re looking for a modern look, you could opt for an all-glass sunroom with plenty of natural light and minimal framing. On the other hand, if you want something more traditional and cozy, a screened porch with lots of wood detailing might be the way to go.
Considerations
When planning a porch or sunroom, consider zoning regulations and local building codes. Certain rules must be followed to ensure your structure is safe and secure. You’ll also need to consider what materials and design features you want.
Knock Down Walls or Opt for an Open Floor Plan
You could opt for an open floor plan if you want a more drastic change. This means knocking down walls to create a more spacious, open living area. Doing so will allow more natural light to flow in and provide the illusion of more space. The idea is to merge different rooms and create a larger, multifunctional space. However, consulting a professional before making structural changes to your home is essential.
Alternative Floor Plans
There are alternatives if you’d prefer to keep your traditional floor plan, but still want an open and spacious feel. You can remove and replace doors with curtains or folding screens. This subtle change will create a more open atmosphere without structural changes.
Build an Outdoor Living Area
Finally, you could consider building an outdoor living area. This could be a patio, a deck, a pergola, or even an outdoor kitchen. A few key considerations when designing an outdoor living area are the size, location, and layout. While it’s an investment, it can pay off in spades by providing an additional entertaining space and an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors.
Good Design
Additionally, suppose you ever decide to sell your home. In that case, a well-designed outdoor living area can be a real selling point. When installing an outdoor living area, consider adding functional and aesthetically pleasing features, such as seating arrangements and landscaping elements like trees or shrubs. You could also opt for custom lighting fixtures to add ambiance to those summer evenings.
Expanding your living area doesn’t always require a complete renovation or a big budget. By implementing any of these smart strategies, you can create a more comfortable and functional home that meets your family’s needs. Always be sure to consult with professionals, do your research, and weigh the costs before starting any renovation project. With creativity, you can expand your space and make the most out of your home.
