Like cars, pants, TV's, pocketbooks and power tools there comes a time when we need or want something bigger. Our homes are no exception. Babies are born, kids grow up, in laws move in, siblings move out - basically, we're always evolving and so our space needs to evolve too. Since putting your house on the market isn't always an option, your next best bet is to make the most of what you have.
First, evaluate your space keeping in mind what needs to change and why. You may find that a dormer or basement remodel is not necessary. Sometimes a simple room conversion is enough to make a big difference. Here are some things to consider before you begin :
Are you making the best use out of your existing rooms?
Are there rooms in your home that are barely used?
Does your home suffer from too many small rooms or too many large rooms?
Are rooms in your home wasted storing things you really don't need?
Do you have too many or not enough closets?
Once you have a better idea what you are working with, consider some of these popular space alterations.
Go Great
Nix the formal living room or formal dining room in favor of a great room. Great rooms are large rooms attached to the kitchen where the family can spend time together in a less formal type of setting. A great room may include an eating area, a lounging area, and entertainment area and maybe even a fireplace - all in one room. Depending on your layout and budget you may also consider raising the ceilings if possible and opening up the space to the outside with plenty of windows and glass doors.
Finish or refinish your basement
If you have one why not use it. Forget any preconceived notions you have of basements. Advances in moisture control and basement friendly materials give todays homeowners plenty of options.
According to Remodeling Magazine, a typical basement remodel with a bathroom and wet bar averages about $66 per square foot and adds a great deal of value and living space to your existing home. Basements can be used to add a family room, play room, extra storage space, a laundry area, a work out room, a home office a media room, a guest room or a deluxe bathroom if you so choose. Before you decide to remodel, seriously consider what you will use the basement for so you make the best use of the space. You might want to have a basement specialist over to determine if any preexisting conditions need attention before you begin. Ignoring them may cause trouble down the road.
Dormer
A dormer can add a considerable amount of square footage to your home. If your not in market to sell and you love your homes location this may be a great option. At the same time, a dormer includes both interior and exterior modification to the home so extra planning and cost factoring is required. First consider how much extra room you want to achieve with a dormer. You may opt to go with a full dormer but partial dormers are available as well. Because dormers are not really a do-it-yourself project it is best to start with a consultation from a contractor experienced in dormers or an architect. They can help you work with in your budget and give you options you may not have considered for achieving your desired outcome.
Knock down or put up a wall
Sometimes reconfiguring your space is as easy as taking down or putting up a wall or two. Some homes have too many small rooms, others have too much open space and then there are those that suffer from awkward layouts. Simply rethinking the space with the addition or subtraction of a wall can work wonders and greatly improve your "livable" space. While you don't necessarily need to hire a contractor to add or remove a wall there are things to consider. When removing a wall it's important to determine if the wall is a load bearing wall. If so you will need to add a header so you don't compromise the structural integrity of the home. If you're unable to make this determination, do call a contractor. When adding a wall, first determine if the new, smaller space will be adequate enough to fill meet you needs. Also consider doorways that may be needed. If space is tight you might want to think about pocket doors. Finally, always think about how the addition or subtraction of a wall will affect the overall flow of the home. Will you be loosing or gaining lighting, electrical or heating? Will you loose or gain closet space?
Convert the garage
Not everyone needs a full garage. Sometimes a shed will do. If this is your case you might think about converting your garage into an additional room in your home. Ideally layout is one where the garage is attached to the home. Although I have seen detached garages turned into beautiful, functioning home offices. Most garages are uninsulated and not heated so you will need to factor that into cost considerations. On the other hand an attached garage can easily take advantage of the homes existing plumbing, heating and electrical. Additionally, many garage conversions require proper permits. As always, if your not sure how to tackle this project call in a professional that can help you determine costs and options.
Add an extension
If you have the land and the budget an extension may be a good option for you. Because extentions extend the footprint of your home they require foundation work as well as interior and exterior construction. To make most of an extension it's best to consult with an architect first who can walk you through options and costs.
Remember the overall idea of rethinking your living space is to maximize your livable square footage and get the best use of your home. Nothing says home improvement like a plan so, make evaluating how your family functions in your current space and how they can benefit from changes the first priority.
