10 Clever Remodeling Ideas to Make Your Home More Spacious

August 2, 2021 | Intuitive Digital

an open living room with lots of natural light pouring through windows

The way we live and utilize the spaces in our homes has changed in recent years. More people are working from home and need a dedicated office space, and more families are choosing to live in homes designed for multigenerational living. A notable trend has emerged in home design and construction — homeowners want more space.

If you’re looking to add square footage and usable space to your home, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover 10 smart remodeling ideas that will not only make your home more spacious, but also more aesthetically pleasing and functional for a variety of living situations.

1. Maximize Natural Light

A poorly lit room almost always looks dark and cramped. When natural light streams in through large windows, your home instantly feels less cramped and more spacious. You also get a view of the outside world, which adds dimension to your living space. To make your home feel more spacious, add big floor-to-ceiling or bay windows, and use mirrors to reflect the natural light throughout your space.

2. Build a Second Story

If you live in a single-story home, adding a second floor can practically double your square footage. A second story addition that adds 2 or 3 bedrooms, for example, can dramatically increase the usability of your home and its resale value. Bedrooms on the first floor could then be repurposed as home offices, hobby rooms, or home gyms. Although this kind of project is one of the more expensive options, it’s great for adding lots of square footage.

3. Add a Room Above Your Garage

Adding a cozy guest house or a home office above your garage is an ideal way to add more space to your home without having to commit to knocking down walls. Some homeowners even choose to build a full accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with an attached kitchen and bathroom for adult kids or elderly parents to live in.

4. Build a Dormer

Building dormers adds usable space and function to existing rooms. They also give the exterior of your home a charming, aesthetic appeal. There are many options for dormers, including shed, flat, gable, and hip. It’s important to discuss with an experienced home contractor how each type of dormer addition will impact the interior and exterior of your home and how you can maximize space.

5. Expand your Kitchen.

The kitchen is one of the most trafficked rooms in the house. A small or closed-off kitchen can make your whole home feel cramped. A well-done kitchen remodel that expands your space can make the whole house feel larger and grander. Here are a few elements to consider adding to your kitchen expansion to make it feel even more spacious:

6. Remove Walls to Create Open Floor Plans

Taking down walls can open up your home’s primary living areas instantly adding a sense of spaciousness and tying otherwise separate rooms together. If there’s a wall between your kitchen and living room, for example, you might consider taking it down and opening the space up. This is a great option for older homes that may have smaller kitchens and dining spaces that feel closed off from the rest of the home. In general, fewer walls means more usable space and more flexibility in how you use your living areas.

7. Get Rid of Clutter & Overly Large Furniture

Even a large room can look cramped if it’s filled with too many items or items that are too large or bulky. One simple and cost-effective way to make your home feel more spacious is to get rid of big, bulky furniture and replace it with smaller pieces that leave more open space in your rooms.

Another great way to limit clutter and make your space look and feel larger is to take advantage of space-saving design solutions. These may include:

8. Create an Indoor/Outdoor Space

Indoor/outdoor spaces, such as a covered patio, a sunroom, or a mudroom, add functional, beautiful square footage to your home. Designed and built right, they also add instant charm and intrigue to your property. Depending on the type of space you build, you may have the ability to insulate and heat or cool them, which makes spending time in your back or front garden a fun year-round activity!

9. Build an Additional Room

An addition means adding another room (or several rooms) onto your house. Additions can be attached or detached, and come in all shapes and sizes. For example, if you work at home and want to avoid distractions, you could consider building a detached studio space on your property to act as your home office. If, instead, you’re planning to expand your family, you could build an attached addition with another two bedrooms and a guest bath.

10. Convert Your Attic Into a Liveable Space or Office

Last but not least, finishing unfinished spaces is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make your home more spacious. If you have an unfinished basement or attic, why not remodel it into a usable, comfortable part of your home? Attic spaces often make great kids playrooms, hobby rooms, or home offices. Basements are often transformed into game rooms, home theaters, bar spaces, or home gyms. The only limit is your creativity!

Looking to Add More Space to Your Home? We’re here to help!

At Kamanski Construction, we pride ourselves on creating quality spaces that meet the individual needs and preferences of our clients. Our team of expert contractors and designers will work with you to turn your vision into a reality, always keeping your budget and timeline in mind.

We take pride in the quality of our work and our goal is always to get the job done properly, exactly the way you want it. We believe that good communication is an essential part of every remodeling project, and we’ll make sure to keep you involved and in the loop throughout the entire process.

Ready to get started or have questions? Take a look at our portfolio, give us a call at (864) 800-9912, or contact us online. We can’t wait to help you build the home of your dreams!