Home remodeling is an excellent way to correct imperfections in your home and make it fit your changing lifestyle. It’s also common after the holidays to reevaluate the challenges you had with your home (whether accommodating large groups, or housing guests overnight) that could be remedied with some creative remodeling solutions.  In this post, we’ll discuss how to improve the functionality of your home and fix those post-holiday issues with remodeling so you can be ready for next year’s festivities.

Questions to Ask About This Year’s Post-Holiday Dilemmas

To help you remember some of the ways your home may have been inadequate for visiting family and friends, ask yourself these questions:

• While hosting, how was the foot traffic through all of your home’s living spaces? Did it bottleneck or flow as you hoped?
• Did you have enough storage space, and was it located in the most efficient location? How convenient was it for you to get out the entertaining glassware and silver serving set in the kitchen or dining room? Did you have enough closet room for visitors’ coats?
• Does your refrigerator door open to a wall? When you have the dishwasher open, can you still walk around it, or can you open your oven door or a nearby cabinet?
• Where did your guests congregate? If they gathered in the kitchen, was there enough room? Was there ample seating space?
• If you have a basement, did it suit your needs for an extra living space, entertainment area, or a comfortable living arrangement for guests?

Add Storage and Seating Space in your Kitchen

If you’re looking for ways to add storage and seating space in your kitchen, there are a variety of options. One way to increase storage is to update or add cabinetry. You might install ceiling-height cabinets for extra space, add built-in cabinetry in an unused section of your kitchen, or use pull-out shelves (available in a range of options). You could also consider incorporating open shelving into your kitchen design for additional storage without taking up floor space or creating a useful pantry.

For additional counter space and an extra seating area, add an island or peninsula. Even small kitchens can accommodate a dining/seating option. By incorporating these simple ideas into your home remodeling project, you can create a functional and comfortable kitchen environment that meets your needs and expectations now and into the next holiday season.

As another option, this may be the time to think about a complete kitchen renovation, reconfiguring your space completely to give you exactly the storage, seating, and functionality you want and need.

Improve Workflow in the Kitchen

It's important to have a clean and well-organized kitchen to ensure efficient workflow, so contemplate how you are going to use the kitchen. Are you a gourmet chef? Do you cook as a family? Is entertaining at the top of your priority list?

Here are some ideas to improve workflow:

• Accommodate more than one cook by creating several workspaces to use as prep and cooking stations
• Add a beverage/coffee bar or designate a lunch-making area to facilitate quick mornings
• Install an oversized island to use as a serving and seating area when entertaining
• Organize ingredients and utensils with specialized storage near areas where they will be used most often
• Create a pet feeding station with built-in, hidden storage
• Utilize natural light as much as possible to make kitchen tasks easier and to create a space that is bright, comfortable and inviting

Expand or Add a Bathroom(s)

Adding a bathroom to your home can be the perfect way to make your home more luxurious and functional. However, it isn’t always easy to do, as there are many factors to consider, including the style: do you prefer modern, classic, or transitional?

First, you need to decide on the size of the bathroom(s). For a small bathroom, consider renovating or enlarging the existing one. If you want your bathroom to be spacious and luxurious, consider an add-on bathroom with a bump-out or addition.Tips for improving your existing bathroom layout can include:

• Adding storage on bare walls or with new cabinetry
• Downsizing to a smaller vanity to give more floor space
• Floating fixtures: a wall-mounted toilet and sink or a floating vanity to open floor space
• Separating functions: dedicate a separate toilet area, a shower/bath area, and a sink/prep area to help avoid congestion when preparing for a busy day
• Switching out the tub and adding a shower to use 40% less floor space—or add an oversized shower and soaking tub for a more luxurious bathroom
• Repositioning the bathroom door to open into the hallway or adjoining room, or changing out the door to a sliding, pocket, or barn door

To expand your bathroom, look at these options:

• Stealing space from another room or an adjoining closet
• Converting a guest bedroom into a luxury bath and perhaps a walk-in closet
• Looking for “hidden” spaces like the unused area under a staircase
• Bumping out the wall to add extra floor space—just 2 feet can add 25% more space
• Building an addition

Maximize Your Basement

Think about all the ways you want to use your basement. Have you always wanted a home gym? Do the kids need their own playroom? Is a man cave with a built-in bar, entertainment center, and pool table in the plans? Remodeling the basement can enhance your home's overall appeal by providing additional living space or play area for family members or guests, making it easier to relax and enjoy holidays (and downtime) together.

When remodeling your basement, you’ll want to make sure it's clean and safe, with plumbing and electrical wiring updated to modern standards, and moisture and water eliminated. You may also want to consider adding soundproofing and insulation to create a comfortable living area.

Lower utility costs with energy-efficient windows and doors, and add built-in shelving, closets, and storage solutions to maximize space. Add unique lighting fixtures to both brighten and enhance the space, and ceiling fans to facilitate ventilation. And don’t forget to include dedicated space for storage. Let your remodeling contractor help design separate areas that can function for specific purposes.

Solve Tight Hallways and Doorways

If your home has hallways or doorways that are too narrow, consider reconfiguring the walls and remodeling to create extra space. Universal Design, with doorways at 31-32 inches as opposed to the standard 28 inches, helps you to accommodate people at all stages of their lives, and those with disabilities. Hallways should have a minimum width of 36 inches.

Move walls slightly to create larger passageways that can function for wheelchair or walker access. Another idea is to invest in sliding doors or barn doors to provide ample room.

Work With a Qualified Design Build Firm

If you're looking to fix your home in time for the 2023 holiday season, it's essential to work with a qualified remodeling firm like Riverside Construction. As a design-build firm, we will help you make informed decisions about what type of remodeling will best suit your needs, and provide valuable guidance on how to budget and manage your project.

As an award-winning design-build remodeling firm serving the Lafayette community since 2008, you’ll have the advantage of our expertise at your fingertips as you make important decisions about any type of home remodel, along with our commitment to value and service.

By working with an experienced remodeler, you can ensure that your remodeling project will go off without a hitch, resulting in a home that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing—and one that works beautifully for next year’s visits from family and friends.

‍Choose Riverside Construction for Home Remodeling in Lafayette or West Lafayette

‍When you want a remodeling project that’s guaranteed on time and on budget, choose Riverside Construction. Contact us at 765-838-1644 or complete our convenient online form to schedule your free initial consultation.