Maximize Your Living Space- Expanding UP or DOWN!

Most of us have a space in our house that we use as the "junk catcher". We say it will be used for storage, but inevitably it becomes a mass of things we don't really need or use. If you are one of those few, organized people out there- congratulations! But for all those "pack rats" out there, now may be the time to re-evaluate your home and find the true potential within those walls.

If you have an unfinished attic or basement, you already have a treasure waiting to be discovered. By utilizing these spaces for more than storage, you can truly add value to your home, and enjoyment as well. Keep in mind that not all of these spaces are suitable for living space- some attics are not structurally designed to be lived in, and may need some rather costly modifications to support living weight, but it might be worth a call to an engineer to look into if you find you're growing out of your home elsewhere.

Basements are a GREAT place to expand you living areas into. They are naturals for dens, family rooms, offices, and maybe even a guest suite. Keep in mind that local building codes may dictate how you can officially classify this space, and be sure any remodel takes these requirements into consideration in the initial planning stages. Some may require minor modifications, others may again be more costly depending on the actual space you are working with. Many builders can provide you with a free consultation and estimate, and be sure to ask some of these questions when you meet.

When it comes to expanding your living space, the possibilities are virtually endless- from a home office to a home theatre, a play room for the children, or any number of ideas in between. In today's real estate market, many of us cannot afford to buy new, but you may be able to utilize more of the space in your home and find you don't need to upgrade after all. And remember, any time you add square footage to your home, you are adding substantial value, even in a slumping market. Consult a local realtor for an estimate of the projected return on investment for your project.