6 Ways to Upsize Your Home Without Relocating
27th August 2024
Upsizing your home doesn't always mean moving to a new location. With the right home improvements, you can create more space and make your current home feel brand new. Here are some ways to upsize your home without the hassle of relocating.
Loft Extension
A loft extension is a fantastic way to add more space to your home. As per Green Match UK, most loft conversions don't require planning permission if they fall under permitted development rights, making them relatively straightforward projects. However, it's important to check if your plans exceed certain limits and conditions, such as changing the roof shape, which would require additional permissions.
Lofts can often accommodate two generous-sized rooms, or in smaller homes, one extra room, an ensuite, and a row of wardrobes. This extra space can be used for anything from a new bedroom to a home office, making it a versatile and valuable addition to your home.
Investing in a loft extension could significantly increase your living space and add value to your property, all while staying in the location you love.
Knocking Through Rooms or Adding More Rooms
Another way to create more space or make your current layout more functional is by knocking down walls. Many homeowners opt to remove walls that separate the kitchen from the dining room. This trend is growing because families today desire larger, open-plan kitchen and dining areas where they can cook, work, and socialise together without feeling cramped.
Creating an open-plan space can not only enhance the sense of spaciousness but could also improve the flow of your home. Whether you're looking to combine rooms to form a large family area or add entirely new rooms to your home, this approach could significantly improve your living environment without the need for relocation.
Single Storey Extension
A single storey extension can be a great way to add more rooms without the hassle of major renovations. Rather than just knocking down a wall to create one big space, you could consider adding a rear single-storey extension. This type of extension could be perfect for adding practical rooms like a downstairs toilet, bathroom, or utility room, allowing you to remodel your space to better suit your lifestyle.
Installing space-saving furniture
While space-saving furniture doesn't increase your home's square footage, it creates more usable space within your existing layout. Here are some interesting space-saving furniture ideas suggested by Hammonds.
- Extendable Dining Tables: Compact for daily use but extendable for hosting dinner parties.
- Nesting Tables: These sets include tables of varying sizes that fit neatly under each other, providing extra surface area when needed.
- Folding Desks: Ideal for those needing a workspace without a dedicated office, these desks can be mounted on the wall and folded away when not in use.
- Dual-Purpose Pieces: Versatile furniture like sofa beds and fitted media units maximise space. A sofa bed is perfect for overnight guests, while fitted media units can house your TV and audio equipment, offering additional storage and functionality.
By incorporating space-saving furniture, you can make your home feel larger and more functional without structural changes.
Building under the stairs (using overlooked space for a function)
Utilising the often-overlooked space under the stairs can significantly enhance your home's functionality and storage. Forbes shares some creative home improvement ideas to make the most of this unique area:
- Create a Custom Pantry
Turn the space under the stairs into a pantry for storing food, bakeware, and bulk items. Built-in shelves can help reduce clutter in high-traffic areas and make your kitchen more efficient. - Build a Home Office Desk Space
Create a functional home office under the stairs. A desk with built-in storage or shelves can keep your workspace organised. Personalise the area with decor and make it a productive nook away from distractions. - Build a Wardrobe
Convert the area under the stairs into a wardrobe to alleviate cramped closets. Use the space for hanging clothes and storing out-of-season items. This solution maximises storage and keeps your home tidy. - Set up a Bar or Snack Station
Transform the space under the stairs into a cosy bar or snack station. Install custom wine holders, a small fridge, and cabinets to store barware or snacks. This addition can free up kitchen space and create a stylish area for entertaining guests.
- Create a Cozy Pet Hideaway
Make your home more pet-friendly by designing a snug hideaway for your furry friend under the stairs. Add a pet bed, storage for toys, and food bowls. This space allows your pet to be close to the action while keeping their essentials organised.
By creatively utilising the space under your stairs, you can enhance your home's storage and functionality.
Investing in a Shed
For those with some unused outdoor space, investing in a shed can be a fantastic way to create additional functional areas. Whether you need a home office, a games room, or a playroom for the kids, investing in a shed can be a good idea.
This addition can transform your garden into a versatile space, adding value and functionality to your home.
Conclusion
Upsizing your home doesn’t always mean relocating. By making strategic home improvements, you can create additional space and enhance your home's functionality. If you need financial support for these upgrades, you could consider exploring house extension loans or home improvement loans depending on the construction.