With the holidays approaching, most of us are looking at our homes and wondering how all our guests will fit or we’re trying to figure out how to make the most of the space we have. Is your family feeling the pinch of a home that doesn’t quite meet your needs? This month we’re looking at three different ways to gain more space in your home.In general you have three different options when trying to add functionality to your home. You can reconfigure your existing space, add a small bump out in a strategic location or build a full addition to your home. Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.Many people feel they need more space, so their initial thought is that they need to build an addition when, by changing the layout of the space they already have, they can improve their home’s usefulness. Remodeling by re purposing existing space can sometimes provide the same increased function as an addition but with a significantly lower cost and much less disruption to your life. Examples of this would be finishing a basement or unfinished space, removing unnecessary dividing walls, or moving walls to take space from one room and incorporating it to another area. This method frequently adds no square footage to your home; it just allows you to use the space you have to its fullest potential.A different option, less drastic than a full-blown addition, is a small bump-out in a strategic place. For instance, your kitchen may not be wide enough to add the island you’ve always dreamed of, or your master bath shower may not be big enough for you to fit your whole body in. In both these cases a few feet could make all the difference. Moving an exterior wall out two feet can open up a range of possibilities that could solve all kinds of issues and, if done right, can seamlessly blend with the rest of the house. This option is best if you need just a little extra room in a specific part of your home. While it does cost more than just shifting existing space, because you are limiting the amount of space being added it is not as costly or intrusive as a full addition.The third option is a full addition. This option gains you specific additional square footage to use for whatever purpose you have. It allows you to remain in the same home you currently live in, just with the extra bedroom, or bathroom or living are you need to be more comfortable. This option is the most expensive of the three options and may not even be an option based upon where your home is located on your property. It requires a fair amount of site assessment and planning to identify what is the most useful based upon your life and the existing structure of your home. The benefit to this kind of project is that you get exactly what you were hoping for- more space exactly as you need it most!How do you decide if you need a significant addition, an interior remodel or something in between? Call us to schedule a conversation! We will help you analyze your house, listen to how you use it and how much you are willing to invest in improving your home. We listen to your frustrations, hopes and dreams for your home and help you create a well-designed remodel that will help you live better on a daily basis. To start the process click here!