Turn Your Home’s Unused Space Into Extra Living Space
If you can’t afford a new home or don’t want to move, and if an addition is out of the question due to budget or size limitations, you can still get the extra living space you need by converting your home’s unused space. Here are some ideas:
Basement: This is a popular option as it is completely enclosed and pretty accessible. The duct work and plumbing that are routed through this area pose a challenge in terms of conversion, but you can frame walls and ceilings around them and even use those as opportunities to make the living space more interesting. Another challenge is natural lighting. Some building codes will require you to add windows or enlarge existing windows in order to create an escape route. Proper ventilation is also important. Done right, a basement conversion can add some very cool extra space to your home. This HGTV video features a beautiful basement conversion:
Attic: While access is a major issue, adding a landing and a turn to the staircase is a great way to squeeze it into an existing space. The layout is important as any bracing for the roof that is removed must be handled by the new walls you build. Make sure to consult a building inspector, contractor or professional engineer. Dormers are the best way to let in more light and provide extra square footage.
Garage or carport: While fairly inexpensive, you’ll want to ensure your garage conversion doesn’t look like a garage conversion. Match the exterior materials to your house, disguise the garage opening, and cut back the driveway where it used to be. A garage conversion is ideal for playrooms as they offer bulk space that can be set aside for a single purpose.
Another interesting ideas is to create a sunroom in the space between the house and a detached garage. Building two walls and adding a roof covered with glass panels will create a warm bright space. Glass doors will let the existing house benefit from that light. The old garage windows can be shuttered and converted into a small entertainment center.
