One of the biggest ways to add more value to a home is to add living space. Your living space is where you relax, work on hobbies and entertain guests, so it is understandable if you need more space for these activities. You may feel it is impossible to expand your living space, but all you need to do is look into a home extension project. There are many ways to add living space to your house through home extensions. Not only will this make your home more livable, it will also make it more sellable. To help you get started, here are four ways to add more living space to your home through an extension.
Living Room Extension
One idea is to expand the current space of your living room rather than add a new room altogether. You can hire a team of contractors to knock down and rebuild a wall or two to widen your space. Your contractors may even be able to add a large window or side door to the extended living room. A living room often serves as first real view of your home that potential buyers see, so making it spacious can make a huge difference.
Side Extension
If you want to add a new room altogether, consider adding a side extension on your home. The entrance would be linked to your existing living room to create a large but separate space. It can feature a doorway or an open entrance between the two spaces. Your new space can be used as a second living room, but it can also double as a playroom, home office, or guest bedroom.
Add A Porch
A home without a porch can benefit from an open or enclosed porch attached to the living space. Your porch can lead into your living room or an entry hallway. Use it as an additional place to relax or host gatherings. If your home already has a porch, you may want to add a side porch to your living space. A back porch attached to the living room works if most people use the kitchen door as the main entrance.
Convert Your Garage
If your living room includes an entrance into the garage, you can use this to expand your living space. Your garage is usually used for storage and vehicles, but you may be able to have it converted into a den or family room. Converting your garage is a great idea if you prefer to park your vehicles in your driveway. This way, you are maximizing the space you have in your garage.
It is important to ensure your home is strong enough to safely expand your living space. This is why you want to hire a contractor who specializes in structural engineering to inspect your home. They will be able to show you what options you have for structural changes.
If you take the time to plan your home extension project, you are going to have more living space in your home before you know it.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan