Do you sometimes feel like your home is too small? Would you like to have a home office you can work from or a guest bedroom when the relatives come to visit? How do you feel about the layout of your home – is it functional or is there some room for improvement? If any of this sounds like something you've been asking yourself recently, it's a sign that you should consider making some changes in terms of your existing floor plan. Get in touch with your inner architect/interior designer and have a look at these five savvy ideas for reconfiguring your floor plan.
Consider an open floor plan
The open floor plan is one of the home design trends that is growing among contemporary homeowners. Incorporating an open floor plan into your home's design allows you to maximize natural light, create a sense of spaciousness while also getting a space that is perfect for entertaining. Instead of sticking with a floor plan you would usually see in traditional spaces, consider merging your living areas into one cohesive whole. One large room can also give a boost to your home's resale value, so it's definitely worth considering. Depending on the complexity, you can hire a general contractor or a structural engineer to consult with and create an open concept while still retaining the original features of your home's design.
Convert one big room into two smaller ones
While some homeowners prefer to have an open space and merge their rooms into one big room, others may need to convert one room into two as a way of creating more functional spaces. Homeowners with families may want to use the additional space to add a nursery or a home office, or maybe the kids have grown up and the parents need to accommodate their needs, so they divide one room into two separate rooms. This can be done by building a permanent wall, which can be an easy DIY job. Movable walls are another option worth considering as they come in a wide range of materials and tracks that can be adjusted to any design style.
Build an additional floor
When it comes to making floor plan alterations, another option would be to go vertical. Building up opens a wide range of possibilities, so if you've always wanted some space to build a master suite, or a couple of guest rooms for your family members to stay over, you should definitely consider second storey additions when redesigning your floor plan. Of course, you will have to make sure that the beams can support the extra load that would come with an additional storey. The same goes for the foundation of the house as well as the interior walls. Adding an upper level is a great alternative to lateral expansion, although you'll need to consult with a local zoning commission first.
Attic/basement conversion
Basements and attics usually don't serve any purpose other than storing off-season clothing, old furniture, and sentimental items, so they seem like a logical solution when looking to get some additional square footage. Although attic renovations are rather costly, they provide you with multiple additional rooms and are considered to be projects with high ROI. Basements make for great home offices, home gyms, or playrooms, as long as they're dry and have optimal air quality. Just make sure to check any zoning or permitting requirements off the list first.
Transform your garage into a living area
Turning your garage into a livable space is a simple solution to add some extra square footage to your floor plan without making any major changes. Whether you're in need of a home office, a room for entertainment or simply want to build a man cave/she shed for yourself, your garage may be the perfect space for it. Chances are your garage is already wired with electricity, so you've just got to add a plumbing system to make it habitable. Again, you'll need to get a permit for remodeling your garage, so consult with people from your zoning department.
Floor plan alterations go a long way in creating the desired feel in your living space while also making the entire home functional and organized. Whether you decide to rearrange your walls, build an additional floor, or convert your attic or basement into a living area, you're sure to improve your house plan and get a dream home you've always wanted – without selling and moving!
