The need to redesign your home can become unavoidable due to several factors. Some homeowners redesign their floorspace to accommodate their growing families, to add an in-law suite or home office, or if the current space is boring. Regardless of the pressing reason, you should consider several factors to make this project successful. You should begin by identifying space limitations or challenges in the existing layout and possible solutions.
Before changing your existing floor plan, you should consider getting in touch with experts. These include an architect and professional interior redesign and organization firm. You can consult Jeanie Engelbach for your interior redesign needs. Below are a few simple ways of changing your existing floor plan for more space.
1. Build an Additional Floor
Building an additional floor is probably the best way to increase space in your home without relocating. The best thing about having an extra floor in your existing home is it offers endless possibilities. You can construct additional bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and more in the new space.
However, you should consider several factors before going vertical with the floor plan. A key consideration is determining if the beams will support the additional weight. You should consult an expert architect and structural engineer before making the changes. Ensure the interior walls can support the extra weight without reinforcement.
While you can use your existing roof, you should consider redesigning a new roof. Other important considerations before adopting a vertical roof plan include weather inclinations in your region and zoning issues. Building additional floors isn’t recommended in areas with strong winds and seismic earthquakes. As for zoning, ensure that you check with your local authorities to confirm if vertical floor plan addition is prohibited.
2. Create an Open Concept
Traditional architectural designs preferred the construction of several small rooms instead of one big room for heating and cooling purposes. However, modern trends in floor plans have embraced open floor concepts, where a large space connects small rooms in a house. Houses with open floor space have sufficient natural light, making the space bigger and great for entertaining. All these benefits also increase property value.
Most buyers currently prefer homes with open floor plans. Homeowners who convert old homes with small rooms into a single large room often fetch better prices in the market, especially if they maintain the original design of the building. However, while an open floor concept is excellent, you should retain some functional spaces.
You should hire a contractor who understands how to maintain the key original features of the house. The contractor should evaluate the structural requirements, specifically the size and strength of beams required to bear the new weight. You should also consider how the loss of some walls affects the mechanical systems. For instance, you should ensure that the new layout accommodates the heating and cooling systems.
3. Consider Attic Additions
Most homeowners in need of additional space prefer redesigning the attic for various reasons. Since attics extend throughout the house, they provide enough space for the addition of multiple rooms. You can have your home theater, additional bathroom, home office, or bedroom.
However, the major downside of attic renovation is they are costly. For instance, constructing a bathroom or bedroom in the attic costs over $50,000. Fortunately, these costs can be recouped as they significantly increase property value. Like any other remodeling project, you should consider several factors before redesigning your attic.
For starters, your home should be strong enough to bear the weight of additional rooms. You should also plan staircase installation for access, reroute mechanical systems, and ensure the attic has a high ceiling to accommodate comfortable living.
4. Design a Deck
Constructing a deck is probably the best way to merge your indoors and outdoors, besides increasing property value. While it is an expensive remodeling project, homeowners recoup approximately 70% of the costs when selling their property. Adding a deck is specifically beneficial for small homes with cramped or dark interiors, such as townhouses.
However, homeowners should commit to deck maintenance before thinking of this floor space addition alternative. You should choose quality construction materials and adhere to key maintenance practices for assured longevity.
5. Build a Bonus Basement Room
Finishing your basement is another excellent way to achieve additional square footage. Whether you need a home theater, home office, man cave, or extra bedroom, making changes to the basement is a great idea. However, you should consider several factors, such as permit requirements, air quality, mold exposure, and safety, before converting your basement into a functional room.
Water is the biggest enemy of a basement. Before building, ensure the underground air is dry and water doesn’t seep into the basement. Fortunately, if done well, basement renovations are profitable, even in soft real estate markets. Besides providing additional space for your family, you can rent it out for additional monthly income.
6. Improvise the Garage
You should also consider evicting your cars if your house is cramped and overcrowded. If nicely done, garages are an excellent way of increasing floor space with minor modifications. Most garages are also roomy, allowing homeowners to explore endless layout options.
Before renovating the garage, ensure it has everything necessary to make it habitable. For instance, it should be wired with electricity, space heaters for winter, and other installations. If you intend to build a bathroom in the garage, ensure that its layout can accommodate the plumbing system.
Alternatively, you can build an art studio or yoga space on top of your garage if you don’t want to displace your car. However, you’ll have to remove the existing roof and build a solid floor that can accommodate your intended functions. The only challenge of converting your garage into a living space is zoning. Some cities have limitations that restrict garage renovations. Always consult the local zoning office before conducting these renovations.
Endnote
Redesigning the floor space allows homeowners to achieve their dream homes and expand their homes without necessarily building a new house. If increasing floor space is part of your renovation goals, you should consider the projects mentioned above. Ensure that you consult professionals extensively before embarking on any of these projects.
