Interior renovation: The solution to remodeling space dilemmas
Many have been faced with space issues. It may be that you need more space for a growing family, changes in family activities or even opening up homes to include other family members for extended family living.
Although many people think about expanding to get more room, sometimes you may feel like you have too much room. Perhaps you have one or more small rooms that aren’t being used. The seeming contradiction of too much room and not enough room may be the result of a layout that doesn’t suit your needs.
A possible solution to the dilemma of too many small, unusable rooms may be an interior renovation to reconfigure the space. Your home may have untapped potential that you may have not thought of such as excessive hallway space, odd closet configurations, or undersized or oversized rooms that are poorly laid out. Often a home does not need more space — just better space, which is something an interior reconfiguration can greatly improve.
By rearranging the space, you can create spaces that work well for you and your family such as a media room, home office, laundry room or master walk-in closet.
When you are looking for more room, it’s important to not ignore an unused garage or unfinished attic. These areas can be converted into additional family space or perhaps an in-law suite.
In any of the above scenarios, a home remodel or renovation may be in your not-too-distant future. If you just don’t have enough space even if
you reconfigure, it may be time for a home addition. Your home addition can range from a first-floor add-on, to an entire secondor third-floor addition.
Often large additions include an expansion and remodeling of the kitchen, a master bedroom suite, or the creation of a family room or activity center. When adding a second story, bedrooms, bathrooms and a playroom for children can be moved upstairs.
Many households today are multigenerational. Parents with college graduates, newly married couples and elderly parents are living together. If your added space demand is the result of your parents or adult children coming to live with you, it will be important to consider privacy. Whenever possible, a separate entrance, kitchen and bathroom should be included in your plans.
In the case of older adults, utilizing the first floor is the best option. If that is not possible, your remodeler will be able to coordinate the installation of an elevator in the event that becomes necessary.
Whether your need is
for more space or better usage of your existing space, a remodeler can help you uncover the potential in your home.
This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. To reach the author directly, send email to shawn@remodelersofhouston.com. For information on this article, please contac Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, please visit www.ghba.org.