How to Make More Space at Home

Adding square footage to your home without breaking the bank is possible by converting unused attic or basement space into livable quarters. A two- or three-season room can be turned into a getaway for the entire year by winterizing an unheated sunroom or porch. Making use of otherwise wasted space can turn a two-bedroom, two-bath home into a "new" three-bedroom, three-bath home.

Manage your own projects without hiring a third party

Experts in many fields, such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, flooring, and possibly stoneworking for tile work, will be needed to finish the existing raw space in your home so that it is livable. It's not something you can tackle on your own, but you can take charge of the project from start to finish and function as the general contractor. That way, you can hire the professionals you prefer most at a reduced cost. You'll have a lot more say in the project's staffing, quality assurance, and completion when you're in charge of it. You're in charge here. The rudimentary procedure is as follows:

Allocate some time

You should allocate a minimum of one hour and up to several hours each day, every day, for several months, to work on some aspect of the renovation. You don't have to be present at your home every second of the day if you're the one managing the renovation, but you will need to make frequent visits, inspect the work as it's being done, pay bills, consult with the contractors working on the project, coordinate with and schedule the contractors who need to work on the project, ensure the site is organized safely and in a way that protects workers (and, by extension, your liability), monitor rubbish removal, and troubleshoot.

Identify the financial constraints you face

From the flooring material to the level of luxury you desire in the bathroom fixtures, all of your choices must be made within the constraints of your budget.

It's time to make some plans for the room.

How about a fourth bedroom and bathroom, a playroom for the kids, or a family gathering space? The purpose will direct many of your finish selections. A wide area rug can soften the look of a hardwood floor in a children's playroom, for instance. What kind of bathroom opulence are you hoping to achieve? In a master bathroom, two sinks are a must, as is a glass shower enclosure with many shower heads (both mounted on the walls and mounted overhead).

Acquire the necessary experts

Experts from a variety of fields collaborate on an expansion. Those things are:

Architect
Work as a carpenter or a drywall installer.
Contractors specializing in flooring
Professionally trained electricians
Specialist in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
An authorized plumber
Retailer and installation of windows

You are in charge of coordinating the project's tasks, timeline, and finances. There is a prescribed sequence in which tasks must be completed. Consider the following basic timeline:

Level the playing field

See how the current subfloor and joists are holding up. The condition of the floor must be checked before any basement finishing can begin. Poured concrete floors are common in basements, and occasionally they slope steeply to allow water to drain. If that's the case, the ground will need to be evened out first. To make it level, a handyman or contractor should pour a thin layer of concrete over the surface. Remember to keep the floor drains accessible! In the event of a basement flood, drains must continue to work properly. Find out if you need to pour water into them at regular intervals to keep sewer gas from building up by consulting a plumber.

Arrange for the installation of air conditioning, heating, and ventilation equipment

It's a hassle to deal with ductwork. Since the height of the ceiling is usually an issue in basements, soffits may be needed to hide any ductwork that protrudes from the roof. Due to their naturally low temperatures, basements may be able to forego the installation of air conditioning. However, you will need to warm them up first. Check that the HVAC technician places the supply ducts close to the exterior walls. Separate the supply ducts from the return air ducts and install them in an interior wall or ceiling. The goal is to circulate the air in the space more evenly. The heating, cooling, and ventilation of rooms located in the attic require special care.

Put in the pipework

It's also a good opportunity to address any other plumbing concerns you may have throughout the house. If the home's current drain stacks are made of PVC, they should be insulated to reduce noise transfer. If you have had issues with condensation in the past, you may want to consider insulating your cold-water lines to prevent water from dripping onto your new ceiling. Have the plumber do a rough-in of the bathroom's plumbing and then return to finish the job when the time comes. Rough plumbing entails the installation of all waste and supply water lines in the walls or framing of the building prior to the arrival of the finish craftsmen (drywall contractor, painter, etc.). In order to increase water pressure in the bathroom, you should have the plumber install 12-inch or 1-inch water pipes rather than the more conventional 14-inch lines.

Get the necessary electrical work done

The National Electrical Code or your local ordinance must be followed for any electrical work. The electrical system is an area where you shouldn't cut corners. The electrician has to know what you plan to plug into the room's electrical outlets (appliances, light fixtures, electronic devices, and so on), so compile a list. Now is a good time for him to run the wires for the ceiling lights, and he can finish the job once the drywall or drop ceiling has been installed. Be proactive. Confirm that you have free access to the building's main electrical panel as well as the telecommunications and cable TV connections. Have the electrician put in conduits that can accommodate future wiring if necessary. Make sure that the room is properly wired for surround sound.

Set up the phone and cable lines

Please contact your service providers to arrange for the installation of new telephone, data, and cable wiring. Even though you won't need all of the new phone and data lines right away, it's important to get them installed now. When added later, the cost increases.

Get the walls up and insulated

If they aren't already present, a carpenter can put in 2-by-4-inch studs and then insulate the space using anything from blown-in cellulose to stiff foil-faced sheets. As such, he or she should be able to give you advice tailored to your specific region and purpose.

Build partitions

The paneling and drywall options are varied. Drywall is my go-to because it is adaptable and does not look like it belongs in a finished basement like paneling does.In addition, drywall is very adaptable to future treatments like beadboard wainscoting, faux finishes, wallpaper, and more.

Put up the ceiling

Though I still favor drywall, I must concede that advancements have been made in the design of the ubiquitous acoustical tile or drop ceiling. Bead board and ornamental embossed styles that mimic the look of vintage tin ceilings are just two of the many options available today. Installing a drop ceiling has many benefits, including the creation of a tray for ductwork and wiring and the simplicity of replacing a single damaged tile (buy 10 percent more than you need for coverage).

The reduced ceiling height could be a problem if you plan to use the space for living or storage, as is often the case with basements and attics. When installing drywall on a ceiling, the drywall contractor or carpenter must construct soffits to conceal the ducting. Making a drywall ceiling requires more time and effort, making it slightly more expensive than a drop ceiling. However, the ceiling will be lower only in the sections where ductwork exists, maximizing headroom in the remaining regions.

Putting in a Floor

As you may know, hardwood flooring is my absolute favorite. Don't rush to install hardwood floors in a basement, though. Even in completely dry basements, traditional hardwood flooring is not recommended, according to trade associations and producers of hardwood flooring. Flooring options such as engineered hardwood click, laminates, tile, and carpets should be considered instead. If you are concerned about damp floors or bug infestation, lay treated or marine plywood as a subfloor before applying the finishing touches.

Mount the finishing touches

Call in the pros again to install the permanent plumbing and electrical work.
Prime and paint interior and exterior surfaces.
Outfit the new quarters with furniture and settle in.

Source: Rodale Inc., 2006, reprinted with permission from the author, Barbara Kavovit's Invest in Your Nest: Adding Style, Comfort, and Value to Your Home. Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098, has given their blessing for this to be published. It can be purchased from any bookstore, from the publisher at (800) 848-4735, or online at www.rodalestore.com.