With home prices skyrocketing in the Portland and Seattle areas many locals are choosing to stay in their homes instead of upgrading to a new one. But life changes like welcoming a new baby, elderly family members moving in, or even just a new furry friend can often create new needs that still must be addressed, even if you’re staying put.
Here are five home improvements you can make on your current home to get that extra space you need:
ADD AN ADDITION
Additions are the biggest way to add space to your home. Whether you build up, out, or even down (yes, it is possible to add a basement!), an addition can double the size of your home.
FINISH OUT A BASEMENT
Don’t let all that empty space underneath your home go to waste. A basement remodel is a great way to add the space you need to your home. Need a bigger laundry room? Want a guest bedroom? A basement can be just about anything you desire. If the basement has its own separate entrance you could even turn it into an accessory dwelling unit for family or for extra rental income.
ADD A BUMP OUT
If you need just a little more elbow room a bump out is a good option. A bump out can be done to add a bathroom to a bedroom, expand a small kitchen, or create a mudroom at the entry. It’s a less invasive project than an addition and is a good way to add a little extra room in one area of the home.
CREATE AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
An even less invasive project that adds space is to develop part of your yard into an outdoor living space. In the project below a new outdoor fireplace and some outdoor furniture creates a second living and dining area. Outdoor living spaces can be enclosed or covered as well for year-round use.
ADDÂ SECOND STORY BALCONY
Another way to use outdoor space is to build a second story balcony. It could be a small one that’s just big enough for a chair and side table, or could run the length of the house and serve as a larger entertaining area.
There are some other smaller projects you could take on to get a little extra space, too. Sometimes removing a few walls can open a space up and give more room where it’s needed. On the other hand, sometimes putting up new walls can create a new room or private area if that’s what you’re looking for. Architects can often find creative ways to add space to a home, so make sure to consult with one before taking on a project, and when you’re ready we’ll be happy to help you build it!
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