We'd all wish to have more space at home - for a study,
guest bedroom, dressing room, playroom or home gym. However, while an extension
is a good option for most, there are some properties that remain stubbornly
un-extendable or terribly lack enough outdoors space. Fortunately, there's
another option that isn't moving and that's making the almost all of the space
you already have. By rethinking your rooms, you could transform your home and
add value. Here's a few ideas to get you started.
Convert your attic
If your loft area is full of junk, really time to have a
clear out to see if it's well suited for transforming. First, find out if
there's enough head elevation - you'll need at least 220cm at the highest point
(leaving 190cm of headroom when the floor and roof are insulated). Less head
elevation doesn't make a loft space conversion impossible, as possible increase
the roof, but this is a costlier option and will require planning permission.
Image source: Velux
Next, see if there are any obstacles, such as a water fish
tank or chimney breast, which again may make your project higher priced or
challenging. Ideally, you need to be able to add a roof windowpane, which will
make it a brighter, more pleasing space. Then you can definitely turn it into
whatever kind of room you need - extra bedrooms or bathrooms will add value,
but it may also be a home office or second living room. Converse with a local
loft conversion specialist for advice and information on relevant building
regulations.
Reuse a garage
It's almost gratuitous to have all that lovely space for
your car, or an Aladdin's cave of car paint cans and power tools. As well as
being a project that can be carried out with minimum disruption to every day
life, if the car port is already watertight with stable walls and flooring
surfaces, it'll also be budget-friendly (structural repairs will push-up the
price). Attached or integrated garages that can be accessed from your house
will make the project even easier. Unattached garages may require planning permission,
and both will need building regulations authorization as its use is being
changed.
Image source: Anglian Home Improvements
A designer specialising in garage sales will be able to
advise you. Try and easily fit into plenty of glass windows (so it feels more
like an extension of living space), raise the floor in line with the rest of
your home therefore you don't have to step down into it, and think about the
most natural way to access it - this may well not be from the leading.
Read more: how to create more room without moving
Create an en-suite
Inspired by hotels, en-suites are a great way to achieve
day-to-day luxury at home. The most typical ways to realise the space are by
portioning off part of a master bedroom, or taking it from an next to bedroom.
It's unlikely you need planning permission however, the work must meet building
regulations, usually for drainage and ventilation.
Graphic source: Twyford
Talk to a plumber about exactly what is possible. As the
en-suite will be next to your bedroom, it's a good idea to choose WCs with
quiet flushing, low-level sensor lights so you can put it to use at night
without getting up your partner, and some over head or wall lighting if there
is not the option of a windowpane.
Turn a cupboard into a cloakroom
Once you start looking around your home for underused space,
you can surprised at how much can be transformed into something more liveable.
Large cupboards or maybe the space under your staircase is ripe for refitting
as a cloakroom with a short-projection WC, compact container and slimline
furniture. It is crucial to plan it so there's sufficient space before the
basin and WC to stand without bumping your mind (it requires less space
directly above the WC as you only need sitting height) also to make sure access
is straightforward with folding or sliding gates, or a door that opens
outwards. As is actually such a tiny room it usually won't need warming, just
power for light and ventilation if required
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