Steve Napora © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
Home renovation doesn�t always mean increasing the square footage of a home. Although the average home size has increased steadily over the past few decades, recent data showing that trend has reversed in the last few years. A small home can be just as comfortable and stylish as one with more square feet. Fortunately, there are many home improvement or renovation projects that can make the most of smaller spaces.
Eliminate Unnecessary Space
Home remodeling plans for a smaller house should include ways of turning every available square foot into useful space. If you have and extra bedroom that�s not used, why not turn into a home office or master bath? Some newer home designs are eliminating the formal living room altogether, so why not turn yours into a family room or master bedroom. Renovation of a smaller home to give it large house feel just requires understanding your needs and a little imagination.
Tear Down Walls
The rooms of older, smaller homes can feel compartmentalized and claustrophobic, but clever renovation can make your small home feel roomy and open. Removing walls between rooms can create this effect, and stealing square footage from antiquated spaces to increase the size of your family room, master bedroom or kitchen makes perfect sense. Home remodeling that rethinks the configuration of your rooms is a great way to make a small house feel modern and practical.
Multi-purpose
Giving rooms more than one job should be a part of any small house renovation project. For example, a home office or living room can double as a guest room with the right design elements. Home remodeling that incorporates built-ins in the kitchen or family room to accommodate a desk chair and computer, for example, can turn these rooms into multi-functional spaces.
Add Architectural Details and Color
There�s no reason why you can�t add luxury home features when renovating a smaller space. Custom designed cabinetry and expensive finishes can make your small home stylish and luxurious. Your renovation effort should also include careful consideration to color, since color choice can affect how large or small a room appears.
Remake Your Outdoor Space
If you have the space, why not focus some of your renovation efforts on creating a fun and inviting outdoor entertainment area? For example, if you don�t have space in your home for a pizza oven or fireplace, put them on your patio. Installing indoor features like these in the backyard is a growing trend in home improvement.
Renovation and home remodeling can make a small home feel spacious and rich. Choose a good, reputable contractor to ensure the best work and a maximum return on your home return on your home improvement investment.
