5 Great Ways to Open Up Your Home

One way to make a huge difference in your home is by opening it up by adding more space or utilizing the space you have in the most efficient way possible.

Taking Out a Wall

One way to make your home have a more spacious and open feel is to take out an interior wall to turn two smaller rooms into one larger room. Some of the benefits of creating a more open floor plan this way are having larger spaces for social events with family and friends and adding extra light. If your kitchen, for example, is connected to the living room, conversation can be shared throughout the space. It also allows parents to keep an eye on kids playing in the other room. Before deciding to tear out a wall, be sure to consult with a professional in order to determine if it’s even a safe and smart decision that will increase your home’s value.

Adding an Extension

Some common home additions meant to expand an area include adding a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or office. Extending and improving your kitchen may be the most valuable move you can make. Kitchens are one of the main determining factors of whether or not people choose to buy a new home.

Converting Basement or Attic into Usable Space

Remodeling your basement and adding an attic bedroom to your home are two of the top projects you can do to add value to your home, according to Remodeling Magazine. Attic conversions can have a cost recoup of 75% on average! Basement remodels have a recoup value of about 62%. If your home is getting too small for your growing family, or you just want some extra space to hang out with friends, strongly consider turning your basement or attic (that you currently use primarily for storage) into a fun entertainment room or an extra bedroom. Adding a television, pool or ping pong table, and a couch can be a major attraction for both kids and adults to kick back and have some fun after a long day of school or work. Adding an extra bedroom will create an extra living space for a family member that (s)he will love!

Outside of the House Addition

A deck or porch could also be a great home addition. Adding a three or four-season porch will create an extra room that you can make use of year-round. This could give you the chance to spend time “outside” even in the cold winter months we have here in Iowa! Consider adding an outdoor patio area that connects your home to the yard. This will create an outdoor area that is inviting, influencing you to spend more time outside grilling, playing in the yard, or just lounging in comfortable outdoor furniture.

Adding Windows

Adding windows such as bay or bow windows can open up a room by pushing the interior space into the exterior. These windows will add a significant amount of extra light into the home. Even just replacing smaller windows with larger ones can greatly improve your home and give it a more welcoming feel. Be sure to install energy-efficient, Energy Star qualified windows to keep your utility bills lower and help effectively manage air circulation throughout the home. Cyclone Contracting sells and installs high-quality window brands such as Pella, Eagle, and Andersen.

Cyclone Contracting can help you with any of your Story County area home remodeling projects. Be sure that your home addition plans are well thought out to be good investments, adding value to your home. Also make sure they will make your home a more comfortable place for your family, especially if you are planning on living in the same place for a while. Consider functionality; will the addition suit you and your family’s present and future needs? If you have thoroughly thought through all of these factors, then it’s time to contact Cyclone and get cracking on that exciting new project!