When you got monthly living expenses and a mortgage and to pay, it’s pretty tough to figure out how to expand your living space. Hunting a new house is obviously not a pocket-friendly solution. For such reason, families or individuals are left to make a decision to either put their money and talent to work on expanding their space or just making the most of what it is.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
However, if you have a growing family or looking for a change of lifestyle, expanding that living space is certainly the best thing to do. To help you get that done without breaking the bank, we’ve listed a few frugal ways you can add more living space to your lovely home.
1. Organize and reorder
You don’t necessarily need to build a living area extension just to have more space in the house. In some cases, you just need to declutter and reorganize your home to free up some space. Home remodeling experts reveal that vertical space is the most wasted area in any house. Declutter your space then install shelves or any storage solutions on your walks. All you need is to take a quick trip to the hardware store and do the simple installation. By spending around $17 to $20 per linear foot of shelves, you already have more floor space in the home.
2. Create dual-purpose rooms
We are not suggesting you install a dining area in your bedroom. Be creative and resourceful on how you can use your rooms for multiple purposes. Instead of using the attic to store junk, convert it into a home office or study area. You can then add a reading nook in the corner for extra purposes. If you rarely use your dining room for meals, you can use the space for your crafts or work.
If you have an extra bedroom in the house you rarely use, why not set it up to be the kid’s play area and game room? Many rooms in the house are not totally meant to be utilized exclusively for their primary purpose.
3. Add shade and windows
If you have an amazing outdoor space, installing a shade can give you a comfortable outdoor living area where your family and friends can enjoy and spend time. You can invest in a patio awning, which is a perfect protection from harmful UV rays or unexpected rain showers. Setting up a shaded patio or decking area can give you a fantastic space for social gatherings and relaxation even if it’s rainy or sunny outside.
As for your indoors, you can consider adding windows. They are perfect for opening up your interior space and letting more fresh air and natural light in. If you’re concerned about privacy or still want to be able to control the sunlight coming in, you can just purchase window blinds. Only buy from a trusted seller of premium residential windows and awnings to get your money’s worth.
4. Convert the basement
Another cool way to have more space in the house is to do a basement conversion. This is a usually big area, which means there are tons of things that you can do with it aside from using it as a storage room. You can convert it into a media room or theater, game room, workout room, home office, library, informal living room or den, wine cellar, workshop or craft room, or playroom. Just be sure to check if there are planning or building permissions necessary for the conversion or renovation of an existing basement. Also, if you’re planning for a complete renovation, it’s best to work with a team of builders for smooth work.
5. Switch to bi-fold doors
One practical way to create an illusion of space in the house is to install bi-fold doors. They are compact, so they can help save a lot of space in the house. They can also maximize the natural light coming into your home, whether they are completely closed or opened. And the best part? It gives you instant access to nature, making it feel like the outdoors is the extension of your living space. If you’re worried about the style, fret not because they are also aesthetically pleasing.
Making the most of the space you have seems like a wise idea. However, expanding it to suit your growing family and change of lifestyle can often blow up your bank balance. Take notes of our tips right here to add a few extra square feet to your home in affordable or frugal ways. And remember, try to figure out first what you can do yourself before flashing your cash to expensive contractors.
