It can be incredibly difficult to make a house feel more open, but there are options out there for those who want to maximize on their floor plan. Here are four tricks and remodeling projects that can be used to make every square foot count.
Jack and Jill Bathroom
Anyone who has grown up in a larger family or a home with quite a few bedrooms may remember what a ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom is. This is a layout in which a bathroom can be accessed by two separate doors. Generally, this is between two bedrooms, but some homes do also have a ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom with a door to the hallway. Adding a doorway and a sink can save a tremendous amount of space when compared to a second bathroom while still giving a family the privacy that they enjoy.
The Guest Room Attic
One of the easiest ways to open up the floor plan of a home is to turn the attic into a guest bedroom or a ‘mother in law’ suite. While some homeowners do opt to increase their square footage by turning the basement into a bedroom, this is often more expensive. An attic, on the other hand, may be the perfect option for a spare room with only minor changes. In many homes, all that will be needed is some drywall, the installation of electrical outlets, and a few decorative touches such as light fixtures and new paint. If you find you need some extra help with the renovations, you can contact companies like Alair Homes, with renovators and custom home builders in North Vancouver, or find a provider in your particular area.
A Kitchen for Entertainers
One of the most popular home layouts right now is to remove a wall in the kitchen in order to open up the floor plan. Non-load bearing walls can be removed and replaced with an affordable counter or bar. This floor plan generally leads into the living room or dining room and will make the home appear to be much larger than it is. Taking out these walls is also a great time to consider some appliance and counter upgrades as upgrading the kitchen often has a return on investment of 80 percent or higher.
Overlooked Storage Space
Storage is generally where a family comes up short when it comes to space. Instead of renting out a unit or tossing boxes into the basement, there may be some options to find hidden storage space throughout the home. Unused storage space can be found near the ceiling or close to the floor for items such as holiday decorations that are only used once a year. Some other great options to consider include under stairways, below base cabinets, behind doors, and with mobile kitchenettes.
Being able to increase the square footage of a home not only improves its overall value, it will also make it more comfortable and welcoming for families that are in need of just a little more space.