Maximizing space at home is a critical component in the current ever-evolving home design landscape. Particularly given how expensive the housing market has become in the UK. Many people can no longer afford to move house to gain the additional space they require for their growing family so they are left looking for practical ways to maximise space at home without needing to move. So whether you are looking to enhance functionality, boost property value, or accommodate a growing family, adding more living space is a rewarding endeavour that cannot be ignored. So let’s look at the six practical home additions you can undertake to maximise space at home.
Add a Sunroom
Garden room by Westbury Garden Rooms
A sunroom is basically a glazed extension which provides a luxurious yet functional addition to any home. These enclosed areas feature oversized windows that allow abundant natural light to enter. A sunroom can be used as a dining room, extra living room, a home office or an excellent space to unwind. You can transform your front porch into a sunroom or add a new structure to the house using glass, aluminum, or prefabricated materials.
Ensure your sunroom is accessible from the house and make it feel like a second living room by equipping it with comfortable furniture, lamps, and plenty of seating. Just make sure you think about how to decorate a sunroom so it feels like an extension of your existing space rather than a separate add-on.
Enclose the Back Patio
Renson Camargue Louvered Roof Patio Cover by Garden House Design
As more homeowners shift the focus to the outdoors, enclosing your existing patio can give you access to year-round living space while enhancing the outdoor environment. If your patio stretches into a well-landscaped pool deck or private yard, you can use this tip to capitalize on the space and create extra room for your loved ones. Patio enclosures are cost-effective, and you can complete the project with minimal disruption to the rest of your home.
Convert an Attached Garage
Bespoke garage doors from Thomas Sanderson
You can also maximise space at home and increase your home’s square footage by converting the garage into a livable area, such as a home office, family room, guest room, or even a small rental unit. Since garages don’t have the same thermal protection level as other parts of the home, take into account heating, cooling, and insulation when working on this home addition. You can also add elements like proper ceilings and flooring to make the space more cosy and comfortable.
Convert the Loft
Loft Conversion featuring Velux Cabrio balcony windows
The loft carries unlimited potential and planning a loft conversion is great for maximising space at home. The general rule of thumb for utilizing this space meaningfully is to ensure that half of the ceiling hits seven feet and that your loft connects to a stairway. To make your new room more comfortable, you can soundproof the attic floor, hide exposed insulation, add an HVAC system, and comply with other applicable safety codes. You can use your loft extension for nearly anything, from a private bedroom and office to an art studio and home gym.
Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or granny flat as it is lovingly referred to in the UK, offers all the conveniences of your main dwelling place and is designed for full-time occupancy. A well-functioning ADU has all the amenities for grooming, simple meal preparation, sleeping, and overall living. You can use it to accommodate frequent guests, ageing parents, on-site caregivers, or adult dependents. Some people even rent them out on AirBnB to generate rental income.
Incorporate a Mudroom
Olive & Barr – Boot/Utility Room
Add a mudroom, or boot room as we call them in the UK, close to your entryway to help organize coats, backpacks, and shoes in a single place. It also acts as a bridge that links the indoor space to the outdoors. When designing your mudroom, install built-in cabinets, cubbies, wall hooks, or lockers to add visual appeal and additional storage.
You have unlimited options when it comes to home additions that help you maximise space at home.. Even the smallest additions can make your home feel more spacious. Just determine why you need the extra space and go for options that work for you.