Some home improvements are more demanding than others. In case you want more living space in your house, that doesn’t necessarily have to mean you’ll go over your budget. There are ways to add extra space without too much hassle.
1. Create an outdoor space
If you have an extra, empty space in your yard, preferably close to the house, you could build an outdoor space. That way, you could create space that’s optionally an open-plan area. You should first start with getting a gazebo big enough to accommodate comfortable furniture. By installing glass walls, you will be able to enjoy the warmth and nature at the same time during winter days. In case you ever need to move, the gazebo will be easy to take with you.
2. Use the basement
In most houses, the basement is usually unfinished, used for storing stuff we don’t actually need. Turning the basement into a functional room is a cheap way to get extra room in your home. It could be a lounge, a home gym, an office or even the family room. In essence, there’s already the structure, leaving you only to frame the walls and insulate them. As far as other works go, you may need to install the flooring, as well as the electrical and plumbing system. This part should be handled by professionals but if you are an experienced handyman, then it’s possible you could finish it yourself.
3. Using the attic
Finishing the attic is very similar to finishing the basement – it’s also one of the rooms usually used as storage. You could easily turn it into an extra bedroom for guests or for your growing family. Alternatively, it could be a playroom for the kids or the office. However, finishing the attic is different than finishing the basement in some aspects. The attic often has gable slopes or weird angles due to the roof. You should first find out if the attic is possible to adapt the way you want it. There are various quality building solutions that experts can offer you if the ceiling is high enough. The ventilation and insulation are then easier steps if the building codes are followed.
4. Be smart about storage
A neat trick to get extra space is to actually use the space you already have better. When you were younger and at college, you probably had to come up with creative solutions if you wanted more space. Use that creativeness once again. Pieces of furniture like the bed, table and ottomans can be used as storage, allowing you to create more space. Vertical space is also frequently forgotten – instead of spreading stuff around the room, get shelves that reach the ceiling. Another cute trick is to frame the windows with bookshelves – it’s the part of the wall that usually remains unused, right?
5. Rooms with a double purpose
You could also get extra space if you give some rooms in your house a double purpose. For example, no one says that you need a guest room – a simple futon in the living room will suffice, while you’re instantly be getting a new space for your office. Or you can be honest about how often you actually eat in the dining room – that big table over there can easily serve as a desk for your laptop. Laptops are easily movable, so you can have your office wherever you want. Your garage could easily partly be a playroom for the kids – the car occupies only a specific part. Once you get the toys out of the house, you’ll have one extra room to use it for something else.
Final comment
Adding extra space is not as difficult as it seems, as long as you have the practical sense and willingness to experiment. The first step is always to look carefully at every room in your home and think about how functional it really is. Then it’s going to be easier to find the right solution.
