If you’re feeling like you need more space at home, extending your house outwards or upwards could be more affordable than moving to a bigger place. Check out these 7 ways to add more space to your home and make the most of what you’ve already got.
Add or extend a room
If you have space around your existing home, you may be able to extend your ground floor living space or add on another room. This classic type of extension will blend seamlessly with your existing home while giving you more space to work with.
Extending or adding a room can be expensive, but it also tends to give you a high return on your investment by increasing your house value significantly.
The cost is usually proportional to how much space you want to add on. Complete rooms will set you back more than extending a bedroom or adding an ensuite.
Depending on what type of room you are adding on, you may not need as much electric or plumbing work compared to other types of extensions. Keep in mind you will need council approval for any extensions you plan on doing.
Convert your attic
Many Australian homes have a decent amount of space between the ceiling and roof. An attic conversion may be possible if at least 60% of the space is at least 2.2 metres high and if the attic floor meets load bearing regulations.
You will need to make sure the space has adequate ventilation, light and insulation, although many of these issues can be addressed by a qualified builder—good ceiling insulation is one thing you won’t want to skimp out on. Keep in mind you’ll also need to apply to the local council for approval.
Before you start, it’s worth finding out how to install insulation in an attic as this cannot be done once the renovation is complete. Insulation is essential for regulating temperatures, especially as the attic can overheat during the summer months.
Experts recommend investing in the highest R-Value you can afford for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. To prevent noises like footsteps and appliances from travelling to the rooms below, it’s worth installing acoustic insulation between the ceiling rafters.
Add a second storey
Extending your home upwards may be a good move if you are pressed for ground floor space. You may want to build a completely new storey on top of your home, or simply build above one part, such as your garage.
Before you start, you’ll have to apply to the local council. Depending on where you live, there may be building regulations around how high you can build and you may also need to consider the privacy of your neighbours.
Your home will need to be professionally assessed to make sure it can hold the weight of another storey. Some homes may not be eligible for a second storey while others may be approved once they have been reinforced.
As with the attic conversion, make sure you invest in quality acoustic insulation to prevent noise transfer from the new storey to the rooms below. Insulation will also help make the home more energy efficient by preventing heat transfer as well.
Enclose a patio or deck
Patios and decks are great during the warming months, but when it’s cold, wet and windy these spaces don’t often get used to their full potential. Enclosing your patio or deck could be a great way to get more year-round use of the space.
If you’re looking for a more affordable and less permanent solution, consider outdoor blinds or weather screens that can be pulled down in bad weather but still allow you access to fresh air during summer.
Alternatively, installing glass windows and ceilings over your deck can help maintain the feeling of closeness to the outdoors while being fully weatherproof. Make sure you use UV resistant glass to help protect your furniture and decor from the sunlight during the hotter months.
Convert your garage
If you have a garage that isn’t being put to good use, a garage conversion could help you make the most of the space. Garages make great games rooms, granny flats and home offices.
Since a garage conversion is transforming an uninhabitable space into a livable space, you will need approval from the council before starting.
Depending on where you live, there will be several building regulations you’ll need to meet. For example, the ceiling height must be at least 2.4 metres, the concrete slab must be waterproof and the walls must be insulated.
You may need to hire an Electricians in Perth or plumber as the new space will likely have more electricity and plumbing needs than your garage has currently. You’ll also need to install windows and make sure there is adequate ventilation.
Redesign your home’s layout
If you don’t have extra space to build outwards or upwards, you may be able to create a greater sense of space by renovating the layout of your home.
Older style homes often have boxy floor plans which can make it feel like you have less space than you actually do. Redesigning your floor plan to be more open and movement-friendly can help you feel like you have so much more room.
A popular way to open things up is to take down the walls around the dining room and combine the dining space with the living area. Keep in mind that if you remove any load bearing walls, it will need to be compensated with something like a beam or a pillar.
Don’t forget design
Major space-adding renovations can transform your home and help improve livability for you and your family. Don’t forget that design decisions can also help make things feel more spacious too.
Invest in good storage systems so that you can reduce clutter inside your home. Paint the walls pale neutral colours and maximise natural light where possible. Draw the eye up with tall floor lamps and attractive wall art.
Whatever option you choose to add more space to your home, make sure you do plenty of research beforehand to ensure you get the most from the project. Don’t be afraid to seek professional advice along the way.