In our previous article Simple Ways to Improve Your House Part 1 - Creating More Space we said there are many simple ways to transform your home with out spending lots of money. One of the biggest reasons why people decided to move to a bigger home, or embark on enlarging their current home was the need for more space. But often the lack of space can be easily solved and we discussed this in our previous article.

​A lack of space is often caused by insufficient storage, or badly designed storage spaces. In this article I discuss how you can improve storage in your home.
​#homerenovationideas #homeimprovementtips 

​Adding more storage gets rid of the clutter and frees up space. Storage can be added by:

• Altering the existing cupboards. Many cupboards are badly designed and often consist of a couple of shelves and a hanging rail. Frequently cupboards can be redesigned to take double of what they currently do. This can be done by:
  • Adding a second hanging rail – one for shirts and one for trousers below it.
  • Adding additional shelves. Often the spacing between shelves can be reduced for some items.
  • Ensuring the shelves are the full depth of the cupboard. Often there is wasted space between the front of the cupboard and where the shelves start.
• Adding additional cupboards. Sometimes kitchen cupboards can be added above the counter if they aren’t already installed. Cupboards extending to the ceiling could store items which are seldom used. See Designing Cooking Kitchens - Practical Advice For Your Dream Kitchen Part 1
• Installing shelves and racks in garages. Read Garages – more than a home for your cars
• Purchasing a small shed for the garden to store tools and gardening implements. Make sure the shed is watertight if you’re storing stuff that could be ruined if it gets wet.
• Converting the roof space into an attic for storage, or maybe even an extra room. This article is useful Thinking of Renovating Your Home - Consider A Dream Loft Conversion
• If you have a basement you could use this space by converting it into something more useful Basement Remodeling Ideas to Try This Year
  

#homestorageideas #homereno 

There are many ways to increase space in your home without going to the expense of moving to a larger house, or embarking on a major renovation to your current home. Of course all these ideas can also be used if you decide to build a new house to ensure that your new home maximises the use of space.
​
Here are some more ideas for a small home.

In our next article Does your house feel smaller than it is? we explore more creative ways to make your home feel more spacious.

​If you cannot wait for our next article why don't you get your very own copy of An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 2' Available in paper or ebook. Simply click on the picture below to go to Amazon. Or visit your favourite online bookstore to get your copy today.
#homeconstruction #homeimprovement #homestorage 

​This is an extract from the author's book  'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 2 - Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home' 
​© 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

​Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home.  and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home. 
​("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.

May the holidays be filled with family time, happiness, and more.

As you contemplate home your home improvement ideas for 2022 read my books:
"An Introduction to Building and Building and Renovating Houses" Volumes 1 & 2

#homerenovation #homeconstruction #homerenovationtips #homeimprovementtips

​Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home.  and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home. 
​("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.

There are often many simple ways that can transform your house at relatively low expense into a ‘new home’ that will better fit your needs and where you and your family will enjoy living. It may be unnecessary to embark on a costly and time consuming project to build a new house, or to radically alter your existing home.
It’s a matter of understanding what you don’t like about your house, then analysing what you can do about it. Sometimes it’s just about a change!

In the following articles I'm going to present a few ideas that could help you create a ‘new home’ at a modest cost. Some may even be useful ideas should you decide to embark on a major renovation, or build a new house.

All these ideas are included in my book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 2'. If you want to jump ahead and get all the ideas now simply go to Amazon or your preferred online store and get your copy of the book. Perhaps even get the book as a present for your partner or friend. 

Hopefully these ideas will help you turn your house into the home you desire in the new year. Happy reading.

Lack of space is one of the biggest reason for embarking on a home building project. Obviously if there’s a need for an extra bedroom because of a growing family (additional children or elderly parents moving in) then there’re usually few options except to add another bedroom. 
​#homereno #homerenovationtips #homeremodeling 

But, frequently a lack of space is caused by:

• An accumulation of junk and unused items. Do you really need all of that stuff? It’s probably time for a big sort through and tidy up! In fact selling those unused things may even bring in some extra much needed cash.
• Untidy and badly packed cupboards. Tidying up clutter and cupboards will often free up additional space. A tidy home can be like a new home.
• Lack of storage. Many homes lack proper storage, or the storage is poorly laid out. See the next article.
• Furniture that’s too large or that’s not needed. Frequently when we move houses we take the furniture we had, which fitted our previous house nicely, and then try and cram it all into our new home which has different size and shaped rooms. Getting smaller furniture (which is just as functional) can free up floor space and make the room appear less cramped.
• Get furniture that’s purpose made. This may seem expensive, but often purpose made furniture creates more useful space as it fits the area exactly.
• Install fitted cupboards and get rid of freestanding wardrobes and dressers.

How can you create more space in your home? How can you make better use of the space in your home? Take a careful look through the rooms in your house. Are there things that can be tossed out? Can you arrange furniture and things better to create more room?

​In our next article we discuss ways to create more storage. Creating more space in your home with extra storage #homeimprovement #homeimprovementtips

​Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home.  and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home. 
​("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.

​When you find your dream home, it's tough to let it go, even if the reason is joyful. For example, your family might be getting bigger, so you no longer have space in your old home no matter how hard you try to squeeze everyone in. In that case, you might have to look for a larger house or house addition. While it is possible to find your second, bigger dream home - the process can be difficult, lengthy, and expensive. On the other hand, home additions are an excellent alternative for people who would rather put the money they would spend on a new house back into their existing one. If you have extra space in your backyard, you can transform it and add more rooms to your current house. If you're unsure how to do that, don't worry, we've got you covered. You'll find your complete guide to home additions in this article.

 ​Before we get into reasons why you should get a home addition, the first thing in our guide is to go over some of the most common types of home additions. They are:

Room Conversions 
Room conversions are the type of home additions that utilizes the already-existing space and transform it into a living area. For example, remodeling a basement is a great option to add living space or guest rooms to your house without the effort or expense of a complete extension. Attic and garage areas that were unused before the renovation are also great for this sort of home addition. Thinking of Renovating Your Home - Consider A Dream Loft Conversion

Partial Additions
Compared to room conversions, which are basically just remodels, partial additions are actual expansions of existing spaces. Often known as a "bump-out," they are used to increase an existing room in the house. These projects face the same logistical issues as a full addition but on a smaller scale. However, their goal is usually to add only a few feet to the area. The most popular application for this home addition is to build a kitchen bump-out to make way for an open concept kitchen.

​Full Additions
Finally, full additions are a sort of expansion that transforms your property into a completely new space. Building a second story to a property as well as adding onto an existing level are typical projects in this category. Full additions necessitate the greatest effort since you are effectively constructing the room from the ground up. This means you have to hire contractors to take care of everything - from the foundation to the framing to the HVAC and electrical systems.
​#homereno #homerenovationtips #homeremodeling 

​Once you've decided what you want to accomplish by building onto your house, you'll need to determine whether such a large project will add value to your property. In most markets, expanding a home's square footage is an improvement that raises its value. When it comes time to sell, a remodel like this allows you to start with a higher asking price than you would otherwise. However, you should also take into account other factors. You should conduct research and look at other houses in the neighborhood, their square footage, and their value. For example, if your home is the only one in your community with one bathroom, installing an additional one may be a wise financial decision. ​Budget your new home build and renovation project.

Many people don't want to deal with remodels and home improvements and think it's best to move. However, for others, moving can be a lot more stressful and difficult. So, if you're trying to decide between these two options, you have to carefully think about what's more important to you.

For example, if you love your home and your neighborhood, and can't see yourself moving, then home addition is the perfect solution for you. In that case, a home addition will also allow you to redesign your home to your preferences and truly make it your own. On the other hand, if you're not as fond of your neighborhood or your current home, why stay there?
​
If you still can't decide, look at the financial aspects of it. When you move, you'll have to pay money to hire a real estate agent, buy a house, pay fees, pay the moving company, and make any required upgrades. A home or room addition, on the other hand, will be less expensive than purchasing a new home because you will just be paying the contractor for supplies and labor. You'll also save a significant amount of time.
​#homerenovation

If you decide to go the home addition route, you must consider where you will live while the contractors are doing their work. If possible, it would be a good idea to find another place to stay while the job is in progress. You will have different workers and contractors at your house every day, and you don't want to make an already complicated situation more chaotic by having your entire family be there at the same time. How to Make Your Home Secure When Remodeling and Renovating your Home

However, sometimes this is not an option if you're already spending a lot of money on home additions and can't afford a separate place. So, if you decide to stay inside the house while the construction is going on, at least consider getting rid of some of your belongings to make more space. For example, renting a storage unit is the best way to protect your possessions and get them out of the way during renovation.

​As you probably took away from our guide to home additions, such projects are definitely challenging, but they're also absolutely worth it. You get to stay in your dream home and improve it so that it fits your entire family and its needs. If you decide to go the home addition route, don't forget to also discuss changes with your kids. They'll appreciate it if you get their input before you start renovations. That way, by preparing them ahead of time for the upcoming change, they'll find it easier to get used to things. Moreover, don't forget to give your neighbors a heads-up about the possible noise and mess.
​#homeimprovement #homeimprovementtips 

​Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home.  and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home. 
​("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.