Doing big things with small spaces
Remodeling an unfinished basement can be the most cost effective way to expand living space recommends Advance Design Studio.
“W
hen pondering how to create a big space in a small home, imagination is key,” says Debbie Gurley, Miscella Real Estate (see article, page 16). “Try to see beyond the existing, to find the possible. Which walls are load bearing and which can be removed to create a more open floor plan? Is there additional exterior space that you could create to be an extension of the home? How does the lighting, color scheme and artwork enhance your space?” When you are building new or adding an addition, cost generally corresponds to 8 KaneNeighbors.com
square footage. As Andrew Nyberg, Wausau Homes, notes, “Many of our customers have a certain square footage in mind that they believe they need in their new custom home. Oftentimes, this is just because their current home is starting to feel cramped and cluttered, so they are looking for more space. We always encourage our customers to not be solely focused on a square footage number that can drive the cost of the home upwards out of their desired budget, but rather to maximize the efficiency of a smaller footprint.”
If you, like many, are starting to fall into that “cramped and cluttered” syndrome, even a spacious home can “feel” small. Arguably the most popular way to expand space in a home is to remove walls. For example, you might be able create an expansive first floor living area that combines the kitchen, dining room and family rooms by removing walls. In many cases, removing a wall is either not possible or not practical. Your remodeler or architect can help you make those decisions. “The most valuable square footage TriCities Magazine
