There is a wide range of skillfully designed styles for small houses, including ranches, prairie-style houses, cottages, craftsman bungalows, and more. These homes offer a distinct charm, an affordable and flexible path to homeownership, and numerous other benefits.

In addition, homeowners have the option to carry out intelligent renovations to create the impression of having more space in their living areas. This article will guide you through various innovative and practical renovation suggestions to enhance the size of your space.

Efficient Storage Solutions

When considering small homes, it is important to acknowledge their limited space, typically resulting in inadequate storage options. Therefore, a crucial renovation concept for such houses involves incorporating efficient storage solutions.

Do you frequently come across a lot of clutter in your home, spanning from the kitchen to the living room? It is common for items to end up in unexpected places when they do not have a designated spot. Are toys causing you to trip often? Is your garage overflowing with unwanted items, as well as old baby furniture and discarded appliances?

In order to create a tidy and well-organized home, it is advisable to explore various storage options. For individuals residing in small houses, renting a self-storage unit could be beneficial. Such a unit allows for the disposal of unwanted items without completely getting rid of them. By decluttering areas like the garage, you can free up ample space that can be utilized effectively.

Here are a few suggestions for incorporating intelligent storage solutions into your compact home:

  • Think about floating shelves.
  • Rotating cupboards are bigger than you might think.
  • Have you seen sneaky cabinets?
  • Sometimes you can install pull-out shelves in spaces where you might never have thought to look.

Built-in Furniture

If you have added bulky furniture, does your space appear cramped? Heavy furniture and furnishings are not well-suited for small spaces. Instead, you can opt for a smarter approach by utilizing built-in furniture and recessed cabinetry. This will allow you to save floor space and efficiently utilize it, resulting in the creation of a spacious effect.

With its custom-made artistry, built-in furniture exudes elegance and sophistication, enhancing the organized and tidy look of your home. It is an excellent choice for spaces that are unable to accommodate bulky furniture pieces. During the design process of your built-in furniture, seek opportunities to incorporate concealed storage options.

Shake Up the Floor Plan

A remarkable idea to create a spacious and homely appearance for a small home is to open up the floor plan. This is because walls create boundaries that divide the space, resulting in a sense of being cut off and crowded. Therefore, a closed floor plan is often impractical for most people.

If our living room, dining room, and kitchen are next to each other, that is the initial wall to consider removing. It brings delight to individuals when the main living area seamlessly connects with the kitchen.

Taking down walls not only removes barriers but also allows more natural light from adjacent rooms to enter, thereby enhancing the perception of space. It is essential to seek guidance from a professional when demolishing walls, particularly if there is an additional floor above.

Invest in Brighter Lighting

By increasing the brightness of the lighting in the small room or hallways, you can create the impression of a larger, well-illuminated space. Well-illuminated areas create the perception of being more spacious and seamlessly connected. Additionally, strategically placing mirrors can enhance the effect of the bright lights.

When you are renovating the lights, take into account the possibility of replacing the heavy old drapes and curtains. Reflect on a contemporary and fashionable alternative that will allow more light to enter while still maintaining your privacy, like blinds. There are numerous designs and materials available in blinds that can complement your personal tastes and aesthetic preferences. Take a look online and discover the wide range of blinds that can be motorized, creating an impressive and eye-catching effect.

Find a Purpose for Every Space

No matter how small your home is, there is always a room that is not being used or given enough attention. For example, the attic or garage is often used as a dumping ground for clutter, which hinders the organization of the rest of the rooms. This inefficient approach prevents us from fully utilizing every room and space in our property.

When considering how to utilize underused rooms, you can either repurpose them or connect them to adjacent rooms by removing walls. By doing so, you have the potential to create a spacious bedroom with a walk-in closet or transform the attic into a fitness studio. Instead of using the garage as a storage space for clutter, it can be converted into a home office.

In order to ensure your success on the first try, it is essential to take into account and make preparations before commencing the project.

1. Map out your plan

Renovating a home proves to be more complex compared to building a new house due to the absence of a fresh starting point. In order to illustrate this, envision the scenario where you decide to enhance your bathroom by incorporating a new bathtub. However, during the installation process, you notice that you miscalculated the bathroom’s total area. Consequently, the proximity of the toilet to the newly added tub becomes problematic and there is insufficient space for easy mobility.

Before starting a renovation project, it is crucial to plan everything out step by step. Without a realistic and detailed plan, you may find yourself overwhelmed with tasks. Additionally, there is a risk of forgetting your original objective. Therefore, it is essential to clearly define your desired outcome and document it. Merely stating that you want a new bathroom might not suffice; you need to specify what exactly this entails.

In order to effectively plan and execute your renovation project, it is essential to adopt a systematic approach. Begin by thoroughly analyzing your requirements and preferences, focusing on specific details. Determine whether your project necessitates the replacement of only a mirror, countertop, or bathtub. Alternatively, assess if it entails more substantial alterations, such as reconfiguring the space, demolishing walls, or relocating electrical and plumbing fixtures. To ensure a logical progression, identify the initial task that needs to be addressed. It is crucial to concentrate on gathering comprehensive information, avoiding a tunnel vision that solely considers the overarching concept.

2. Set a budget

Once you have a clear understanding of your desired outcome, it is important to establish a budget. Before becoming too invested in a particular Pinterest image depicting a modern kitchen, it is advisable to evaluate the financial aspect. One effective method for obtaining an estimate of the potential project expenses is to visit local hardware stores or design centers and browse the available items. Engage in as much window shopping as possible and compare prices for all necessary materials. If this seems overwhelming, alternate options include requesting quotes from suppliers and architects. Many builders are willing to visit the site and provide a complimentary quotation. Generally, one can anticipate paying approximately 50 percent of the total cost for materials, 30 percent for labor, and 20 percent for tax. It is advisable to consult with at least three contractors and compare their bids. This will help determine if the project is manageable within your means.

When determining your budget, it is important to account for a contingency surplus that can provide support in the event of setbacks. It is possible that your renovation project may encounter unforeseen issues, such as burst pipes or blown circuits, which many individuals tend to overlook. While it is crucial to have a strict budget, it is also essential to allocate funds for unexpected expenses. Reserve some additional money to prevent feelings of panic when things unexpectedly deviate from the original plan.

3. Figure out a realistic timeframe

In order to start your renovation project, it is important to create a schedule that outlines the tasks that need to be done and the order in which they should be completed. Home makeovers can be physically and mentally exhausting, and many people often lose motivation quickly. The renovation process can become disorganized due to the multitude of tasks that need to be accomplished, especially if you are renovating multiple rooms. However, having a schedule in place allows you to work consistently and maintain focus until the project is finished.

When considering renovation projects, it’s important to understand that they frequently exceed anticipated time frames. The project may experience delays due to adverse weather, delayed material deliveries, or subcontractor illness. As a result, your initial expectation of using the new tub within a week can be extended to a waiting period of seven weeks.

When determining a timeline, it is important to think realistically. Consider the period of time you are willing to make use of a temporary bathroom. Consult your calendar to determine if there are any upcoming events that demand your complete focus. Is there an open house scheduled for next month? Do you require the renovations to be completed within a four-week timeframe, or can it be extended for an additional two weeks?

4. Decide whether you want to DIY or call in the experts

Certain home renovation projects can be easily accomplished by homeowners with minimal construction skill. Basic cosmetic improvements like applying a new layer of paint or modernizing light fixtures can be completed without the assistance of a professional. While their expertise may be advantageous, there is no downside to undertaking these tasks independently. By eliminating the need to pay for labor, one can allocate their renovation funds towards more substantial endeavors, such as the purchase of superior materials.

When considering home renovations, it is important to assess your own skills and limitations realistically. It is crucial to recognize that certain tasks, such as demolishing walls or relocating wires, can be hazardous. If you lack knowledge or confidence in tackling a specific task, it is advisable to seek help from experts who are capable of handling the job. Otherwise, attempting such tasks yourself could result in further complications and possibly increased expenses.

Considering the amount of free time available is essential. It is undesirable to spend a month on the small couch due to the ongoing renovation in the bedroom. Engaging professional contractors can significantly facilitate the renovation procedure. With their appropriate equipment and extensive expertise, they can swiftly accomplish the task accurately.

5. Maximize existing spaces

When selling your home, consider that potential buyers often prioritize storage space. For houses in compact areas, undertaking renovation projects to optimize existing space can be highly advantageous. By modifying and rearranging the layout, you can enhance the visual attractiveness, convert a room to serve multiple purposes, and ensure efficient use of all available space.

If you are unable to expand horizontally, consider utilizing vertical space as a way to maximize your space. For instance, relocating the bathroom cabinets to a higher level will free up more floor space for movement. Individuals living in small areas can opt for intelligent storage cabinets to keep their belongings organized.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these suggestions for remodeling a small house will spark your imagination regarding the transformative power of creative ideas for your residence. Remember, increasing the amount of light will enhance the perception of spaciousness, making it imperative to allow more sunlight into your home. While natural daylight is ideal, if your house lacks sufficient windows, consider incorporating additional light fixtures and mirrors. Best of luck… you’re capable of accomplishing it!

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan