For many homeowners, there comes a time when the interior of a house no longer fulfills their needs. Usually, it’s an issue of space; there’s simply not enough. However, moving isn’t always an option, and dramatic remodels can be too expensive. When this happens, strategic renovations are the best course of action. Through careful home design, you can expand your space by repurposing what you already have. If you’re interested in doing this, here are a few ideas to consider.

Short on Space? Try These 5 Renovations

1. Open Up the Kitchen

Having a wall between your kitchen and the dining room usually makes the space feel smaller. If it isn’t a load-bearing wall, have it removed. This will improve the flow of the layout and allow more light to shine through.

2. Slim Down the Bathroom

If you have a freestanding tub, but you rarely use it, switch it out for a shower or combination unit. Depending on the exact layout, extensive plumbing work may be required, but this will allow you to expand the adjacent rooms or hallway.

3. Take from the Closet

Although storage space is always a good thing, certain closets can cramp the layout. Taking a wall down from it can make the room feel much bigger. If you’re short on storage afterward, as a trade-off, have some custom, open shelving installed.

4. Merge With Adjacent Rooms

If taking space from the closet wasn’t enough, merge two rooms together! If your master bedroom is practically the same size as the one next it to, combine them. Keep in mind, however, for the purposes of reselling, the number of bedrooms should be comparable to those in the neighborhood. If you cut yours down from three to two, and most homes have three or even four bedrooms, you may lose some property value. 

5. Build Above a Detached Garage

When you’ve already done what you can inside your home, consider building above the garage. Compared to the previous renovations, this is more extensive. It is considered a room addition. However, since it’ll be installed above, it’s less likely to conflict with most zoning restrictions since it doesn’t require adjusting the footprint. 

For homeowners in the Greater Honolulu area looking to expand their space, contact Blue Hawaii Drafting Services for renovations. Based in Aiea, these experienced architectural designers will work with you to create a plan that fully suits your needs and reflects your style. To learn more about their services and process, visit their website or call them today at (808) 927-4123.