The Areas Of Your Home That You Should Be Making More Of
Most people wish that their home was larger and more spacious than it actually is, and yet, far too many of us make the mistake of not taking advantage of our homes. We might use every inch of space in the main parts of our homes, like our kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, but what about those extra areas of space? The fact is that there are probably a few areas of your home that you aren’t making the most of when you could be utilizing them and using them for extra space.
Bearing that in mind, below is a guide to the areas of your home that you should make an effort to make more of. Admittedly, utilizing these spaces might come with some work, but the fact is that if you need more space in your home, it is crucial that you start taking full advantage of your entire home, and not just the areas that you consider to be ‘livable.’ For everything that you need to know, read on.
Your garage
Garages may have originally been designed to house cars, but the fact is that very people actually use their garages for this purpose anymore. Instead, the space just sits there wasting away, unused. If you are one of those people who isn’t making full use of their garage, now is the time to change that. If converting it into an area of livable space isn’t an option, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still utilize it, because you can.
Think about what your home requires additional space for, and use your garage to offer that space. Maybe your children need somewhere quiet to study? Perhaps you need a home office? Maybe your partner requires a home gym? Be creative and remember that your garage has a lot of potential.
Obviously, if you are going to utilize this space, it may require a mini makeover including replacing the garage door with an insulated one – you can find more details here about the best garage doors to choose from. However, regardless of the changes that need to be made and the costs that come with them, if these things will make your garage into a more usable space, they are definitely worthwhile.
Your basement
Are you lucky enough to have a home with a basement? If your home has a basement, then it could be time to consider making more of the space. A lot of people presume that because basements are prone to damp, they don’t make suitable living spaces, but that isn’t necessarily true. If your basement has a damp problem, damp proofing it and having it resealed can be the answer to creating a space that is warm, comfortable and damp-free.
Have you ever considered converting your basement into a more usable space? Or maybe you already have converted it, but you just aren’t taking full advantage of the space that it offers. Basements are not only fantastic storage spaces, but they can also offer additional living space if required. Whether it’s a playroom that your home needs, an extra bedroom, or even a laundry room, your basement could be the answer. It might take some work getting it ship-shape and ready for the role at hand, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not an option. Plus, just think, if you convert your basement or enhance it in any way, making it into a livable space, it will boost the value of your home.
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Your attic
Your home’s attic may be another untapped resource within your home. Most people make the mistake of only using their attics as a place to store things, rather than taking full advantage of the space. However, you don’t have to be one of these people; you can take steps to make more of this space and enhance your family home by doing so.
How about converting your attic into an extra room or two? Think about what your home is missing and consider using the loft to offer you the additional space that you need. The fact is that a high percentage of attic conversions don’t require any planning permission, as long as the exterior of the property isn’t changed, that is. So you may not even need to request planning permission to convert your attic into a livable space.
Aside from making great storage spaces, attics have huge potential for success as other areas of the home. Is your family home lacking an extra bathroom? Is a home office required for your partner? Do you homeschool your kids and need a ‘classroom’ for them to work in? Perhaps your attic could offer the ideal place to do that? Think about what your family needs and consider whether there is the potential to create that space within your attic.
Your garden
Are you blessed with a sizeable garden? If you are lucky enough to have a large garden, you may not be making full use of it. If your home lacks space, perhaps you could add an extension or a conservatory onto your home? Obviously, if you only have a small garden this may not be ideal, but if you have a larger outdoor space, this could be an option that is worth considering.
For a cheaper alternative, how about building a lodge, pod or summerhouse in your garden? Think about what it is that your home is lacking, such as a home office, guest bedroom, or games room for the kids, and determine if you could build one in the garden. Think about the cost and whether it’s a worthwhile investment to make, and then decide how to go about it. Would a lodge, summerhouse or readymade pod be the best option?
Your garden is a resource that could improve the quality of life that your family leads, offering additional space. So it is definitely a resource that it is worth taking advantage of.
There you have it, a guide to the areas of your home that you should be making more of.