Attic Bonus Rooms

Most homeowners wish for more space or additional rooms, sometimes for daily living, other times for hosting purposes.  Although this need can be met by building an addition onto an existing house or by purchasing a new, larger home, those options are not always financially feasible.  If your home includes an attic, this can become a viable bonus space.  A contractor can help navigate any lighting, plumbing or insulation challenges, and a designer can guide you through layout and construction so you can maximize your options.  With careful thought and planning, an attic can become as fully functional as the rest of the house.  This blog presents a wide range of ideas to kickstart your dreaming and planning.

1. Bedroom

Whether you need a master suite or an additional children’s bedroom, your attic might be just the spot.  If space allows for both a bedroom and master bathroom, you can create a haven away from the rest of the household.  An attic can also become a bedroom for an older child desiring some privacy, or multiple bunkbeds could be built under the eaves for siblings who share a room.  Proper lighting and soft textiles will keep an attic bedroom cozy and welcoming.

BONUS TIP: Keep brick gable walls exposed to bring texture and character to the room.

2. Guest Quarters

Hosting overnight guests becomes even easier when they have a separate space of their own.  An attic could easily be converted into guest quarters, including a bedroom, bathroom, and seating area for long-term guests.  A sleeper sofa could serve dual purpose for relaxation and accommodation for additional guests.

BONUS TIP: Install French doors between the bedroom and seating area to offer privacy without blocking natural light.

3. Family Room

Gather your family for movies and game nights in a well-designed attic family room.  Keep stairs open to create a loft that connects to the rest of the house.  Install a pantry and mini-fridge so snacks and beverages are easily accessible.  Soft carpet or a generous area rug will provide a comfortable place for children to play.

BONUS TIP:  Install a wall of windows on one or both gables for natural lighting and a fabulous third-floor view.

4. Game Room

Attics typically offer wide open spaces, perfect for a ping pong or pool table.  A large sectional sofa centered around a TV is the perfect set up for gaming competitions and keeps the noise centered in one area.  A colorful rug will ground the space and create an extra spot for people to gather.  Include a small circular table for board games and puzzles, which can be stored in a nearby cupboard or cubbies with bins.

BONUS TIP: Keep the cathedral ceiling and paint it white to create a bright, spacious feel.

5. Home Office

Working from home can be difficult without a dedicated space for all your business-related needs.  Relocating your office to the attic removes you from the distractions of everyday life and allows you to focus on the job at hand.  Install ample counter space so you can spread out paperwork or projects without needing to clear them off the dining room table at the end of the day.  Skylights can be installed directly above the desk area for prime sunlight access.

BONUS TIP:  Include a coffee bar and snack cupboard to limit your trips downstairs.

6. Home Gym

Get rid of the treadmill perched in the corner of your bedroom or yoga mat rolled up and tucked into a closet!  Turning your attic into a workout space frees up the rest of your home for its intended purposes and allows you to keep your equipment all set up and ready to go.  Install a big screen TV and Bluetooth speakers to keep you company and make the time go faster.

BONUS TIP:  Install mirrors along one wall to create the illusion of space and allow for better workouts.

An attic offers endless possibilities for additional living space.  Install windows, prioritize good lighting and keep your colors light and bright to create an inviting atmosphere.  Your attic could be the key to making your current home the house of your dreams.

Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth It?

The kitchen has always been the heart of a home, and there are endless reasons to consider remodeling it. It might be outdated and in need of a major update. Perhaps its impracticality begs for a new footprint. Maybe it needs to be replaced due to general wear and tear. Or perhaps the kitchen does not feel like a reflection of the homeowner’s individuality. No matter the motivation for renovating your kitchen, here are four questions that can help you determine whether it is worth it.

Is it worth the inconvenience?
No doubt about it … renovating your kitchen will be inconvenient. You may be uprooted for a few weeks or a few months, depending on the scope of your project. But you can minimize the inconvenience by planning ahead. Set up your living or dining room for use at mealtimes. Stock your freezer with pre-made meals, and budget a little extra for
occasional Chinese takeout or pizza. Use inexpensive paper supplies and disposable utensils to minimize dishwashing in the bathroom sink. Use your outdoor grill, go on picnic adventures, or borrow a friend’s kitchen. A season of inconvenience could well be worth the sacrifice when you factor in the long-term benefits of a new kitchen.
Remind yourself that this is a temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement!

Is it worth the financial investment?
There’s a wide price range when it comes to kitchen renovations. You may be simply repainting your cabinets or completely replacing them. You might be switching out existing light fixtures or installing new under-the-counter lighting. You could be purchasing new appliances, installing hardwood flooring, or tiling your backsplash. If
you are trying to meet an immediate but temporary need, then it is in your best interest to scale the project back. But if you plan to live in your house for a long time, a bigger project is certainly justifiable. Upgrading your kitchen, creating an open floorplan, and investing in beautiful finishing touches all add resale value. A new and improved
kitchen, no matter the scale of the project, will generally yield a significant return on your investment.

Is it worth the upheaval?
A small or poorly laid out kitchen can cause frustration on a daily basis. Knocking out walls to increase your square footage or to add room for an island may be worth the chaos if it increases the functionality of your kitchen space, both for you as the homeowner as well as for visitors. If you enjoy cooking, a better workflow will boost your efficiency. If you love to host dinner parties, you will enjoy the optimization of space for their guests. It’s impossible to put a price tag on convenience and hospitality, so if the kitchen is important to your overall lifestyle, then the upheaval should not be a deterrent.

Is it worth updating and upgrading?
Sometimes a homeowner will purchase a house that just doesn’t feel like “home.” They may have a hard time justifying an investment in their kitchen for purely aesthetic purposes. But there is something to be said for living in a house that expresses your unique taste and personality. Even if a kitchen is durable and of good quality, it may be
that the style or color doesn’t work for you. If cabinets are of poor quality and appliances are too outdated to be energy-efficient, it is worth upgrading your home to eliminate cabinet doors that don’t close properly or appliances that escalate your electric bill. Having the cabinets professionally painted or installing new counter tops
and backsplash can bring quick results without breaking the bank.

So, is a kitchen remodel worth it? You are the only person who can answer that question, based on your individual needs and budget. Taking time to thoughtfully process the scope of your renovation will help you determine if it’s the right time for you to take the leap. Most times, the answer is yes, and when you get to the other side of the mess and inconvenience, you will undoubtedly be glad you did.