“How can people live in those tiny homes?!”
They look so cute and tidy- but having two kids and a business all happening at the same house? I just can’t imagine what it’d be like to run a real life out of a 300 sq ft miniature home.
I marvel at how clever tiny home dwellers are when it comes to conserving space. Everything serves a purpose- or two, or three! Making the most of every square inch is key.
But I’ll be the first to admit- even with a standard sized home it’s a challenge to make room for everyone and everything.
There’s no getting around it: 2020 changed the way we live- and what we expect of our homes.
How Would More Room Change Your Life?
Vern and the crew are finishing up a house addition right now. Every time he sends me photos for the worksite, it’s jaw dropping. What a transformation a bit of space can make!
(Don’t worry, as soon as it’s finished- I’ll write up a before & after post and share it with you)
Here’s my question for you: What would you do with a little more space?
…A quiet home office to focus better on your WFH days…
…Somewhere to store the kid’s toys (besides your living room floor)…
…The perfect guest room for visiting relatives….
There are so many ways to increase the space in your home- from taking a page out of the tiny home playbook and putting in better organizational systems….to actually increasing your home’s footprint.
We’ve worked on several home additions at Martin, but not everyone has the option of expanding from their original structure. If a client comes to us needing more space, but is facing challenges of a traditional addition, the next step is looking at whether a detached garage conversion could be the answer.
Detached garage conversions are gaining popularity, and for good reasons! These conversions reclaim an unused space and are very versatile in their own right.
Let’s take a look at the differences between the two!
When to Choose a New Addition
Spring is the time for new additions. You’ve been cooped up all winter and the weather is finally cooperating enough to break ground on a build.
A great addition blends into the rest of your home’s architecture and enhances your pre-existing space. A well-planned addition can add large public gathering areas or that gorgeous master suite to your abode.
But not everyone needs something big.
Three questions to ask yourself:
#1. How long will your family live in your current home?
If you’re planning on moving in the next 5-10 years, a home addition isn’t the best choice for your family.
Why?
Not all home additions are equal when it comes to adding to your overall value.
If you’re building a spare bedroom or a multi-purpose space, you might not get your money back out of the build (bathrooms and big kitchens are a different story)
#2. What’s your budget?
“Economies of scale” are at the heart of this: the more space you need, the better fit an addition is.
But if you’re only adding an extra bedroom? The extra cost of roofing, siding, etc might not add up in the end.
#3. Is your home a good candidate for an addition?
Some homes are better fit for an addition than others.
Older homes can be tricky. Matching exterior materials isn’t always easy. Plus, you might need to make changes to your existing home, too- like upgrading your electrical and plumbing to meet current code.
Let me tell you about another solution:
Detached Garage Conversions
Be honest, what do you use your detached garage for?
Is it extra storage space, filled with rubbermaid containers of out of season clothes and Christmas decorations? Or maybe it’s completely empty except the chest freezer of frozen venison and a mini fridge of sodas?
There’s a reason homeowners are converting their detached garages: taking an unused space and repurposing it to fit your family’s needs is a thrifty way to use what you already have.
Converting a detached garage is a great choice for homeowners who want to sell their home in the next ten years. They’re an attractive feature to potential homebuyers and can have as high as a 65% return on investment.
Plus- they’re versatile!
Need an extra bedroom for your teenage kids? Or a guest room for when your mother in law comes to visit? Convert your garage into a bedroom, like this:
Need somewhere to get all that WFH done? A quiet place, to focus, free from kids and distractions? Create the perfect home office:
Started working out over quarantine? Would you love your own private gym for your daily fitness routine?
Looking for more detached garage inspiration? You can read more here!
Ready to Expand Your Living Space?
Is your regular home just too tiny? Has spending a year at your house filled you with ideas on how you can tailor your home to your family?
My husband Vern and his team love helping homeowners fall in love with the home they already own. Whether you’d like to build or convert a detached garage, or add on to your home, let us help!
Call us at 570-345-0406- we’d love to set up a time to start planning your home’s next step.
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