Maximising space without undertaking a major renovation

Whether it’s because of a growing family, the need for additional storage, or simply because you want to add value to your home, more space is something everyone covets from time to time. Unfortunately for many, a major home renovation or extension is often out of reach, either due to financial reasons or simply because a house doesn’t allow the space to extend. Major renovations can also be messy and inconvenient for families, which is often a reason people put them off.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to create additional space without undertaking a major home renovation.

Repurpose an Existing Room

The easiest place to start when looking to maximise space in the home is by transforming an existing room that could serve a better purpose. For example, a family dinner in the dining room is a dying tradition, with most families eating on the go or in front of the television. Dining rooms offer valuable square footage that can easily be reworked into an additional living area with virtually no renovation.

Or, with minimal construction, a dining room could be easily transformed into a bedroom or study. By simply adding a wall to create a designated and private space, you’re able to create a functional room that will be used on a daily basis rather than only on major holidays.

Make Use of the Garden

The fact that gardens in the UK are really only usable during certain months of the year makes them the ideal area to transform into a practical space that can be utilised year-round. Garden offices in particular have grown in popularity in recent years, as the number of individuals working from home has drastically increased. It can be difficult to find an area inside the home for a designated office, especially one which is free from the noise and distractions of home life, which is why garden offices make for a valuable alternative.

Garden rooms offer valuable space that can also be used for entertaining, such as a bar or games room. They’re also ideal as bedrooms for teenagers who are keen to gain a little distance from the main house as they grow more independent.

Remove Non-Load-Bearing Walls

This can be a rather messy job, but it doesn’t quite fall into the major renovation category. Removing a non-load bearing wall is a practical way to open up space in living areas which feel cramped and limited on usable space. Removing walls in entrance ways or those that separate a dining room and kitchen creates a strong impact.  This not only maximises flow and floorspace, but an open floorplan instantly makes a space feel brighter and more welcoming.

Removing non-load-bearing walls can also be useful for maximising space in small bedrooms. Pushing a room into an adjacent closet or airing cupboard can lend enough space to transform a cramped bedroom into a much more comfortable space.

Garage Conversion

Converting the garage may not be a major renovation, but it can be a big project depending on the desired outcome. Most garages aren’t actually used to shelter a car, and in fact become a dumping ground for junk.  A converted garage can lend a much more practical space, such as a large bedroom, kitchen, playroom or utility room with excellent storage.

Garages can also be transformed into more adventurous spaces, such as a gym, games room, home cinema, music room or art studio.

Oak Designs offer a range of quality oak building solutions for maximising space.