{"id":26208,"date":"2017-05-30T16:50:14","date_gmt":"2017-05-30T15:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=26208"},"modified":"2021-04-27T13:27:51","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T12:27:51","slug":"make-the-most-of-existing-space-without-extending","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/make-the-most-of-existing-space-without-extending","title":{"rendered":"Make the most of existing space without extending"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019d all love to have more space at home \u2013 for a study, guest bedroom, dressing room, playroom or home gym. However, while an extension is a good option for most, there are some properties that remain stubbornly un-extendable or don\u2019t have enough outside space. Fortunately, there\u2019s another option that isn\u2019t moving and that\u2019s making the most of the space you already have. By rethinking your rooms, you could transform your home and add value. Here\u2019s a few ideas to get you started.<\/p>\n

Convert your loft<\/h3>\n

If your loft is stuffed with junk, it\u2019s time to have a clear out to see if it\u2019s suitable for converting. First, check if there\u2019s enough head height \u2013 you\u2019ll need at least 220cm at the highest point (leaving 190cm of headroom when the floor and roof are insulated). Less head height doesn\u2019t make a loft conversion impossible, as you can raise the roof, but this is a costlier option and will require planning permission.<\/p>\n

\"modern-room-roof-windows\"<\/p>\n

Image source: Velux<\/a><\/p>\n

Next, see if there are any obstacles, such as a water tank or chimney breast, which again may make your project more expensive or challenging. Ideally, you should be able to add a roof window, which will make it a brighter, more welcoming space. Then you can turn it into whatever type of room you need \u2013 extra bedrooms or bathrooms will add value, but it could also be a home office or second living room. Speak to a local loft conversion specialist<\/a> for advice and info about relevant building regulations.<\/p>\n

Repurpose a garage<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s almost gratuitous to have all that lovely space for your car, or an Aladdin\u2019s cave of paint cans and power tools. As well as being a project that can be carried out with minimum disruption to everyday life, if the garage is already watertight with stable walls and floors, it\u2019ll also be cost-effective (structural repairs will push up the price). Attached or integrated garages that can be accessed from your house will make the project even easier. Detached garages may require planning permission, and both will need building regulations approval as its usage is being changed.<\/p>\n

\"converted-garage\"<\/p>\n

Image source: Anglian Home Improvements<\/a><\/p>\n

A builder <\/a>specialising in garage conversions will be able to advise you. Try and fit in plenty of windows (so it feels more like an extension of living space), raise the floor in line with the rest of your home so you don\u2019t have to step down into it, and think about the most natural way to access it \u2013 this may not be from the front.<\/p>\n

Read more: how to create more space without moving<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Create an en-suite<\/h3>\n

Inspired by hotels, en-suites are a great way to achieve everyday luxury at home. The most common ways to realise the space are by portioning off part of a master bedroom, or taking it from an adjoining bedroom. It\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll need planning permission but again, the work must meet building regulations, usually for drainage and ventilation.<\/p>\n

\"bi-fold-shower-en-suite\"<\/p>\n

Image source: Twyford<\/a><\/p>\n

Talk to a plumber<\/a> about what\u2019s possible. As the en-suite will be next to your bedroom, it\u2019s a good idea to choose WCs with quiet flushing, low-level sensor lights so you can use it at night without waking up your partner, and some overhead or wall lighting if there isn\u2019t the option of a window.<\/p>\n

Turn a cupboard into a cloakroom<\/h3>\n

Once you start looking around your home for underused space, you\u2019ll be surprised at how much can be turned into something more liveable. Large cupboards or the space under your staircase is ripe for refitting as a cloakroom with a short-projection WC, compact basin and slimline furniture. The key is to plan it so there\u2019s sufficient space in front of the basin and WC to stand without bumping your head (it requires less space directly above the WC as you only need sitting height) and to make sure access is easy with folding or sliding doors, or a door that opens outwards. As it\u2019s such a small room it usually won\u2019t need heating, just power for lighting and ventilation if required.<\/p>\n

\"space-under-the-stairs\"<\/p>\n

Image source: Ideal Standard<\/a><\/p>\n

For more advice on making the most of the space you already have, check out our guide to utilising your space to the max<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019d all love to have more space at home \u2013 for a study, guest bedroom, dressing room, playroom or home gym. However, while an extension is a good option for most, there are some properties that remain stubbornly un-extendable or don\u2019t have enough outside space. Fortunately, there\u2019s another option that isn\u2019t moving and that\u2019s making …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":26217,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2942,3108],"tags":[1753],"class_list":["post-26208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration","category-using-your-space","tag-loft"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to make the most of space without extending<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When building an extension isn't an option, here's how you can make the most of the space you already have. 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