With newly built homes getting smaller while we simultaneously accumulate more possessions it’s not surprising that homeowners constantly look for ways to add more room to their property. This post has some great tips on how to create a space savvy property, by increasing the liveable areas in your house.
Reconfigure the Existing Layout
The easiest and often cheapest way to add more space to your home is to work with what you already have. You may be surprised by what you can achieve with a good architect and some courage.
Removing walls to open up the space doesn’t have to be scary and can completely transform the interior of your home. As long as you work with a structural engineer and a reputable builder taking down a wall can enhance the property and may increase its value.
Of course, the opposite is also true depending on what you want to achieve, inserting a partition wall to divide a large room into two. When done properly, particularly if you add a bedroom, this can increase your property’s value by up to 15%.
Add to the Front
There are many good reasons to add a porch to your home. Whether your front door leads into a hallway or directly into a living room having a porch will have a positive impact. It gives you a place to deposit shoes, coats, umbrellas, dog leads and muddy sports gear. By having an additional door at the front of the property you’ll also save money on heating in winter.
The average cost of building a porch is between £3,000-£5,000 but the final cost will depend on the size, style and material that you choose. Although the size of the added space is relatively small it can make a significant difference to the look and feel of your property, particularly to potential buyers.
Extend Up or Down
If you have already optimised the existing space on the ground floor you may consider extending up with a loft conversion or down if you have a basement. Most loft conversions add an extra bedroom, often with an ensuite bathroom which will increase liveable space and the property’s value.
Basement conversions are a little trickier and much more costly but the versatility of this added space is beyond doubt. However, how the space is used can affect the future saleability of the property. For example, if you convert your basement into a home gym or wine cellar you will narrow your market of potential buyers. On the other hand, creating additional living space not only enhances the property for you but also for the future, should you wish to sell.
Install a Garden Room
Garden rooms are increasingly popular and have pushed their way onto homeowners’ wish lists in recent years. With remote and hybrid working now the norm for many people, a quiet space separate from the main home is not only desirable but for many, essential.
Of course, there are various ways in which you can use this extra space, it doesn’t have to be just a home office. A garden room can be a quiet retreat, a hobby room, exercise space or additional accommodation for guests.
Use Clever Storage Solutions
If you are not looking to spend a lot of money on reconfiguring or extending your property simply finding clever storage solutions can add more room. Multifunctional spaces like kitchen diners, a home office in the corner of the living room or an exercise area in a conservatory allow you to use rooms for a range of functions. Or invest in some clever dual-function or space-saving furniture such as sofa beds or fold-down office desks. There are many innovative ways to save space while using every inch to its maximum potential, all you need is some creative thinking and a little imagination. We found the Kallax units from IKEA perfect for this, we move them around the house all the time!
Check out my other home renovation posts to get inspiration for your family home, whether you need to create a space for the children or update an old kitchen.
