Category: Interior

Exploring Traditional Renovation Styles from Around the World

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Canadian homeowners looking to renovate their homes are often fueled by a desire to create something different, not just something their neighbors or friends already have. By incorporating design elements from other cultures and countries, you can achieve a comfortable and unique design, but also keep it fresh and exciting.

From the rustic charm of European cottages, to the intricate detailing of Asian aesthetics, the world is a treasure trove of architectural inspiration waiting to be explored. In this article, we will focus on how Canadian homeowners can infuse these global influences into their own living spaces.

European Cottage Style

First up on our list is one of the more romantic styles, that fits great with any building that has exposed beams, stonework, and wood accents readily available. While it might feel slightly out of place in the Canadian scenery, we guarantee you that you will enjoy it year round due to the rustic charm and cozy feel.

To achieve this style in your home, you can use natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather. You can also add touches of greenery and flowers to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A skilled company dealing in home services can help you add or expose the necessary elements to make this style come to life, by utilizing their expertise in construction and design.

Asian Aesthetics

This is a style that is well known for its intricate detailing and use of natural materials. It often features elements such as bamboo, silk, and porcelain. While you would be hard pressed to find many homes in North America that features the overall exterior elements that typically characterize the Asian style, you can still make the interior feel like an entirely different world.

In order to incorporate Asian aesthetics into your home, your best option is to use furniture and accessories with traditional Asian designs. You can also add touches of color and pattern to create a visually appealing space.

Scandinavian Style

Next up is perhaps the most suitable style for the typical Canadian home. The Scandinavian design principles are formed in a similar climate to the Canadian one, meaning there is a great emphasis on simplicity and clean lines.

And due to the relatively few bright and sunny days, compared to say California, this style often features white walls, natural wood, and minimalist furniture to increase the amount of light and sense of space.

To incorporate Scandinavian style into your home, you can use a neutral color palette and focus on functionality over decoration. You can also add pops of color with accessories and artwork.

If you wish to achieve an authentic Scandinavian look that seamlessly merges with the Canadian lifestyle, a professional home service company such as The Handyforce can be your greatest asset. Our expertise in optimizing interior spaces for functionality, while maintaining aesthetic excellence, aligns perfectly with the Scandinavian design ethos.

Mid-Century Modern Style

Capturing the essence of the 1950s and 1960s, Mid-Century Modern style brings a dash of sophistication to Canadian homes. Defined by geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and sleek lines, this design movement holds timeless allure that will make your home feel sleek and spacious.

At the heart of Mid-Century Modern design is a commitment to functionality without compromising on aesthetics. If you are looking for professional help to achieve this style, our services can help you navigate the intricacies of this style. We are well-versed in finding the delicate balance between preserving the authenticity of the era and integrating modern conveniences.

The Benefits of Upgrading The Electrical System

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Home renovations often tend to focus on the visually interesting parts, but many new Canadian homeowners tend to need an upgrade to their electrical systems as well, either in order to comply with regulations, or in order to power their modern lifestyles.

By investing some time and money into this aspect of home ownership, you can increase the safety, ensure adequate amounts of power no matter if you are running a hot tub or having the house full of teenagers charging devices and streaming Netflix. So today we are exploring when upgrades are needed, and why. Enjoy!

Achieving Higher Levels of Safety

When it comes to your home, safety should always be at the forefront. Outdated or insufficient electrical systems can be a hidden but very real hazard, often difficult to see as most of it is behind walls and within outlets. Aging wiring, improper grounding, and overloaded circuits can all contribute to a higher risk of electrical fires.

By upgrading your electrical system, you are taking a proactive step toward minimizing this risk. A modern electrical system is equipped with safety features that can detect and prevent potential hazards, offering you peace of mind that your home is a secure haven for you and your loved ones.

Modern Lifestyles and Increased Power Demand

In the era of modern technology, our homes have become power-hungry for countless devices, from smartphones and laptops to smart appliances and entertainment systems. The electrical systems of the past were not designed to handle the surge in demand that accompanies our technologically advanced lifestyles.

As a result, homeowners often find themselves confused by overloaded circuits, tripped breakers, and a general lack of power capacity. Upgrading your electrical system is not just about convenience; it is about ensuring that the power infrastructure of your home can keep up with the digital age.

Support for Home Additions and Renovations

Homeowners that are about to begin a home addition project or a large-scale renovation of an older property find themselves at an opportune moment, when it comes to upgrading their electrical systems as well. Not only will it boost the value of the property, but also help with ensuring a future-proof home.

If you have added a new wing to your home, complete with a home office, media room, and extra bedrooms, then you might find yourself dealing with insufficient power or new installations having trouble matching the old existing system.

Upgrading your electrical system during renovations ensures that the new spaces seamlessly integrate with the existing power infrastructure, often being a bit cheaper as well, considering the simultaneous exposure of segments of the electrical system during the renovation process.

Benefits of Upgrading the Wiring

In homes with aging wiring systems and switches, upgrading your wiring is more than just an option, in fact, in some cases it is a necessity depending on the age and applicable builders code in your area.

This is because these outdated wiring systems lack the capacity to handle modern electrical demands, leading to potential safety hazards. If you are unsure, consider contacting us at The HandyForce, where we can perform an initial inspection.

An upgrade to modern wiring materials not only ensures that your home is up to code but also significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires. Modern wiring materials are designed to withstand the rigors of contemporary power usage, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a reliable and secure electrical system.

Small-Scale Renovations for Increasing Resale Value

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Typically homeowners consider large projects when brainstorming ways in which to increase their resale value. But not all renovations require you to add extra livable space or completely overhauling your property. Sometimes, it is the small-scale changes that can make a substantial impact on the perceived value of your home.

Today we will look closer at the art of strategic, small-scale renovations and how they can yield significant returns. From revitalizing key rooms like kitchens and bathrooms to enhancing curb appeal through targeted exterior upgrades, this article will guide you through a range of impactful ideas that are affordable. Enjoy!

The Power of First Impressions

Let us start with the exterior, as this is typically what potential buyers see the first. And in fact, curb appeal can make or break a potential buyer’s first impression of your home. As they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

The exterior of your home sets the tone for what lies within, and small-scale exterior upgrades can play a pivotal role in drawing in prospective buyers whether they see a for sale sign driving by, or browsing realtors online. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, trim, and shutters can instantly rejuvenate the facade of any home.

Landscaping is equally important, as well-maintained flower beds, manicured lawns, and neatly trimmed hedges create an inviting atmosphere. Enhance the entryway with potted plants and a clean welcome mat to make visitors feel at home from the moment they step foot on your property. Finally, old and worn fencing can detract substantially from the visual appeal, and is not that expensive to fix.

Kitchen Revitalization

Almost anyone looking to buy a home will look closely at the kitchen, as it is often considered the heart of the home, and where most Canadian families spend a significant amount of time. While full renovations can be relatively expensive, the good news is that you do not need a complete overhaul to make an impact.

Strategic small-scale renovations to the kitchen can help make it much more appealing. Some of our favorite tips include updating the hardware with modern finishes that are in vogue, replacing outdated cabinet pulls and knobs.

If your budget allows, repainting cabinets and adding new, sleek handles can give your kitchen a fresh, contemporary look. Modern light fixtures, such as pendant lights above an island or under-cabinet LED lighting, not only illuminate the space but also add a touch of sophistication.

Paint and Refresh

Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to transform the look and feel of your home. When painting with resale in mind, neutral and light colors are preferable, as they create a blank canvas that allows buyers to envision their own style and furniture in the space. A neutral palette also makes rooms feel larger and more open.

Consider painting over bold or dated colors that might not align with a wide range of tastes. Beyond walls, you should also pay attention to baseboards, trim, and ceilings to ensure a cohesive and polished appearance.

Return on Investment

Finally, while large-scale renovations can come with hefty price tags, small-scale improvements can offer substantial returns on your investment. The appeal of these small upgrades lies in their ability to make a noticeable difference without breaking the bank.

Another benefit of opting for smaller scale renovations, is that it often times leaves open the option of hiring contractors to help with the actual work. At The HandyForce we would love to hear more about your project, as we are experienced in renovations, whether interior or exterior.

We understand that changing the initial perception can result in higher offers and a faster sale process, ultimately providing a favorable return on the relatively modest investment you have made with your small-scale renovations. Good luck!

The Benefits of Custom Home Renovations

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Living in your home should feel great, no matter if the temperatures outside are soaring or plummeting, if you are doing chores or relaxing on the sofa. Custom home renovations are a great way to add some personality to your home, while also upgrading the comfort and value at the same time.

Some custom renovations completely change the feel and look of the home, while others focus on a single room. Regardless of your wishes, these specific types of efforts can help you feel more at ease, making it your own little paradise.

So in this article we will take a closer look at some of the different advantages and options you have when considering custom home renovations. Enjoy!

A personalized home to fit your every need

As opposed to a normal renovation, a custom home renovation entails making the space your own and catering to your specific needs and wishes.

Whether that means adding an outdoor spa, turning the unused attic into a home office, or creating a modern and functional open kitchen area is up to you. The only limit is your imagination, and of course budget.

By not just going for the standard choices, but really considering what you and your family needs, you can achieve something truly personal that fits like a glove and makes you feel as though you never want to leave.

Increased Home Value

As long as your custom home renovations are not solely for your own enjoyment, meaning that other people might appreciate them as well, then your efforts might be rewarded in terms of a higher value once selling your home.

Whether you remodel with an open floor plan, connecting the kitchen and dining room, or modernize the hardwood floors and floor panels, custom home renovations can be a profitable pursuit. Just keep in mind what other people are looking for as well, and if possible keep your renovations as timeless and with as wide an appeal as possible.

Can improve the safety and add peace of mind

Sometimes these custom home renovations are not just about adding personal touches, but instead adapting the space to fit the human needs we all have. Older generations might want to install different handrails, safeguards and other gear to help avoid painful falls, or at least provide an option to get back on your feet if an accident occurs.

Families with young children might wish to childproof their swimming pools, make the stairways safer to traverse and so on. These things can provide an ease of mind, leading to less stress and worry in the long run.

The whole idea of custom home renovations is to solve an issue or address a need particular to you and your loved ones, so while the suggestions are some common things, the possibilities are endless.

Enhance the aesthetic appeal

Other custom renovations of homes focus more on the visual aspect. Whether it is removing all the old wallpaper and replacing it with modern ones, or knocking down that annoying wall that once housed an old stove.

The benefits of spending some effort on upgrading the look of your home are many, and includes making your day a little brighter, creating a more enjoyable home, and even impressing the neighbors or potential buyers with your newly gained curb appeal.

About the many benefits of adding insulation

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With rising prices for warm water, electricity and gas, as well as growing concerns about our environment on a whole, there has never been a better time to consider insulating your home.

Especially in older homes, insulating can make a huge difference in your monthly bills, as well as your general health and comfort when living in a house that is warm year round, keeps the moisture out, and even has additional soundproofing and fire resistant properties.

So if you are interested in learning more about why insulating is considered one of the best investments you can make for your home, this blog post will get you up to speed with all the many benefits of insulation, as well as a few tips if you decide to move forward with the project.

Lowers your monthly expenses

In many cases you will be able to achieve significant savings on your electricity and water bills, by insulating exposed areas and padding the walls. The actual cost of insulating your home can often be drastically lower than the price you pay for installation, since you will reap the benefits of lower expenses for many years to come.

Combats the cold effectively

One of the major reasons people choose to insulate their homes, especially here in Canada, is due to the ever changing seasons, and especially winter. With temperatures dropping off near the end of summer, homeowners often prepare themselves for 5-7 months of cold weather.

But your home should always be your safe haven, and one of the best ways to make your home more comfortable is to ensure it is well insulated, so you can keep warm and cozy all year round.

Improves the value of the home

An often overlooked benefit of insulating a home or commercial property, is that you will effectively make the house more valuable when it becomes time to sell it on the market. People are willing to pay more for a properly insulated home, not just because of the lower heating bills, but equally so these days, because of the lower environmental impact the house has.

Provides a better indoor climate

A home that is not properly insulated will often be dealing with certain issues such as mold or rot. This is because when the colder air from the outside meets with the warmer air on the inside, a moisture barrier is created, and this can lead to serious health issues if not taken care of in time. Insulating your home helps keep you and your family safe and in good health.

Adds a layer of sound protection

Given the nature of insulating, it is only natural that an extra layer of material between the walls, or in the ceiling, will provide even more of a barrier for sound to travel through. This is a welcome additional benefit, especially in older homes there the sound can carry itself quite a distance.

Emits less greenhouse gas

A properly insulated home requires less heating and uses less electricity and or gas. This in turn leads to less of an impact in terms of the emitted CO2, thereby making the home more sustainable, as well as more desirable for the next generations.

The Advantages of Energy Efficient Home Renovations

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One of the most popular reasons for renovating homes in Canada is in order to achieve a more energy efficient home. And for good reason. The winters here can be brutal, and even spring and fall can see the temperatures plummet overnight.

Having a well insulated home that does not waste energy unnecessarily is one of the easiest ways to save money without much effort. Once it is installed that is. In this article we list some of the different benefits you can look forward to by renovating your home and making it more energy efficient.

Lower energy bills

This is what most people think of when talking about efficient and green home renovations. There are a number of different ways in which you can lower your need for electricity, gas and other power and heating sources, all of which share the same goal: to lower your energy bill.

In Canada one of the most important things is insulation. Whether this is by padding the roof with a thick layer to keep out the cold winds, or whether it is to upgrade your windows with new energy efficient materials.

If this is your primary concern, we recommend you talk to your contractor about which renovations make the most sense in terms of return on your investment, as some renovations can pay for themselves in a few years, while others might take decades.

A more comfortable home

By renovating your home to become more efficient, you can achieve a warmer indoor climate that just feels nicer living in. And with the lower energy costs, it will also make it psychologically easier to turn up the heat to full when the cold winds are threatening your comfort level.

By filling out empty areas around doors, windows and other openings in your home, you can eliminate drafts, improve your insulation and achieve a more stable climate. And if you choose the right materials, you will even get a cooling benefit during the warmest months of the year as well.

Helping our planet

The less energy your home uses every year, the more environmentally friendly your home is considered to be. Due to the geographical location, Canadian homes are using roughly twice as much energy a year compared to a home in the United Kingdom.

By upgrading, insulating and renovating with the environment in mind, you can do your part in protecting our planet and slowing down the effects of global warming. We have already begun to see the effects of this trend, as 2019 saw a 0.4% decrease in yearly emissions for homes. A good start, but we can do better still.

It will increase the value of the home

Finally, performing energy efficient upgrades to your home will inevitably raise the value when reselling it down the line. As more and more consumers are aware of the environmental challenges, and as prices for gas and electricity continue to rise, this will only be more important as time goes on.

Another added benefit is that if a potential buyer is deciding between your house and another, but your house has energy efficient upgrades, that could just be the deciding factor. Even if the other home is located in a slightly more desirable area or similar.

The Pros and Cons of Open-Concept Home Renovations

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A growing number of homebuyers are looking for homes with an open-concept design, and the number of homeowners renovating their homes to accommodate for this trend is also surging in Canada. And for good reason too.

These open-concepts make it easy to cook dinner, while still keeping an eye on the children or guests, or moving freely from the dining room onto the more comfortable seating that the living room provides, without opening or closing doors.

In this article we will examine all you need to know about the pros and cons of open-concept home renovations, in order for you to decide whether this is something you wish to pursue as well. Enjoy!

The most common types of open-concepts

Opening up the space between the kitchen and dining room is probably what most people think of when they hear the term open-concept. This is because it is the most popular design in Canadian homes. It typically involves removing the wall that separates the kitchen and living room, creating one large space for cooking, dining, and entertainment.

But there are other types as well, such as combining the living room and dining room. This design similarly involves removing a wall, but this time between the living room and dining room to create one large space. This can make the area more spacious and better suited for gatherings and parties.

Some homeowners have gone a step further, and combined these two concepts, thus removing all the walls between the kitchen, living room, and dining room. This creates an even larger space, where entire families can socialize, while still focusing on their individual tasks or pastimes.

The benefits of an open-concept design

  • Easier access to the different areas
  • Better natural lighting options
  • More desirable for prospective buyers
  • Better use of the space
  • More options with regards to activities

The disadvantages of an open-concept design

  • Can result in a lack of privacy
  • Can result in a more noisy environment
  • Lack of defined areas
  • Storage can be an issue
  • Requires more heating and cooling

The process of creating an open-concept design

One of the most time consuming parts of these designs is removing the walls. Especially so if they are load bearing, meaning you will have to support the structure of the home in other ways. It can also sometimes require you to obtain permits before beginning the work.

Most types of floors will also need some adjusting afterwards, to account for the newly opened space that previously was blocked by the walls.

For hardwood floors this can lead to obvious transitions, and it can be somewhat difficult to hide the fact that you have added new flooring in certain areas.

Sometimes you will also need to move electrical outlets and wiring, as well as plumbing pipes and heating panels.

Luckily, these things are not as difficult as they sound, and a skilled contractor like HandyForce that has plenty of experience, will be able to make the open-concept design look as though it was always there.

If you are looking to learn more about a possible renovation project involving an open-concept design, we would be more than happy to help advise and guide you through the process. Contact us today for more information!

The Importance of Proper Home Lighting

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Lighting is a critical component of any home. Especially so in Canada where the colder months are filled with gray weather and skies clouding the sun out. Good lighting not only illuminates our living space but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and sets the mood of the environment.

And on top of that, proper home lighting can also have a positive impact on our mood and mental health. By ensuring you have adequate natural and artificial lighting throughout your home, you can thus set yourself up for success and a more enjoyable life.

In this article, we will discuss some of the important reasons for installing good lighting in your home, and how it can affect your daily life. Enjoy!

Helping with your sleep

Having proper lighting goes a long way in ensuring we keep a positive outlook in our daily lives. Both natural and artificial light can have a big impact on your circadian rhythms, meaning you could experience issues with falling asleep, or waking up too often during the night, if your lighting is not effectively helping you recharge your energy levels and regulate your internal clock.

Combating seasonal disorders

At the same time, here in Canada where the winter months can be long and dark, many people experience seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. This disorder can drain your energy levels, impact your mood for the worse, and in general cause a mental state of depression. This typically happens when we go from fall to winter, but it could happen at any time of the year.

Ensuring a comfortable working environment

If you are working from home, it is also important to consider the risk of eye strain, fatigue and other related symptoms caused by poor or inadequate lighting. With an increasing number of Canadians working from home, this is more relevant now than ever as poor lighting can even affect your overall productivity and induce headaches.

Keeps the homeowners safe

Whether you are living alone, with small children or your retired spouse, lighting is also crucial in staying free of accidents. Poor lighting leads to an increase in accidents such as falls, cuts and other injuries. By ensuring your fixtures output an adequate amount of light, you can effectively make your home a safer place to be for everyone visiting or living there.

Ways in which you can upgrade your lighting at home

There are many different methods to choose from, depending on your specific needs. We have gathered a short list of some of the most common options that homeowners choose, so hopefully you will find some inspiration here.

  • Adding more light sources can help distribute light more evenly and reduce shadows.
  • Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust the brightness of your lighting to fit your needs and save energy.
  • Different types of light bulbs can produce different color temperatures. Some are more suitable for reading and working, while others are for doing chores.
  • Maximizing the natural light in a room can help reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
  • Smart lighting systems allow you to control your lighting from a mobile device, voice assistant, or home automation hub.
  • Replacing outdated or ineffective light fixtures can significantly improve the quality of your lighting.

If you are unsure about the best approach to obtaining proper lighting, consider contacting us. At HandyForce we are always available for a consultation, and we can provide recommendations and even perform the required work all together.

The Advantages of a Home Office Renovation

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With more and more Canadians working from home, the business of home office renovations has seen a surge in recent years. This is in part due to general comfort, but there are many other advantages as well.

In this article we will examine some of the benefits you can look forward to, if you choose to renovate your home office today. So if you are not certain whether spending money and effort on an improved home office is worth it, we suggest you keep reading to find out for sure!

Adds to the value of the home

A properly designed and renovated home office can be a huge selling point when your home goes on the open market. You are not the only one working from home, and if the future buyers can save time and energy on creating a home office from scratch, it might be worth some money upfront to them.

If you are concerned about adding value via your renovations, consider using materials and colors that will stand the test of time. While you might be in love with the color purple, chances are that the new prospective buyers will not be.

Can increase your productivity

Renovating your home office can also be a way to get more done during working hours. Perhaps your walls are too thinly insulated, making it possible to hear your baby next door crying, or traffic from the outside roads.

It might also be a question of whether your current windows are not letting in enough light, in which case a dormer or larger windows could be viable options to help you stay focused during longer sessions.

Can also make your home greener

If you are renovating your home office anyway, consider adding in features to help make it more environmentally friendly. Perhaps your old light fixtures need to be updated with LED bulbs, or you could add efficient floor heating and remove that old heater that is drawing too much electricity.

You might even opt for certain organic and sustainable materials sourced from reputable suppliers, letting you work from home with a clean conscience and a unique looking office.

Can improve the function of the room

When renovating your office at home, you should also consider ways in which you can make the space more functional and comfortable for the longer days. Perhaps you have been growing tired of a lack of storage, in which case you might wish to consider some ways to alleviate that.

If your home office is not the largest out there, it might be a good idea to consider installing a sliding door instead of keeping the old traditional door. This way you can get more out of your floor plan, and at the same time also add a unique design element to your office.

Can also enhance your creative energy

By keeping in mind what makes you inspired, whether it be the beautiful color of a bamboo floor, wall to wall shelves, or something else entirely, you can also achieve a more creative outlook once done renovating.

Or perhaps your current floor plan does not allow for a full standing desk setup, in which case you might need to knock down a wall, or rearrange the existing layout. Similarly you should also consider ways in which to reduce clutter and distractions.

How to Maximize Space in Your Home Through Renovations

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Having plenty of space to move around is something most of us enjoy. But with the rising house prices in Canada, it can be tricky to find a home in the right area that also affords plenty of free space for yourself, your children and everything else you need room for.

Whether you already have a home you are looking to optimize the space for, or whether you are considering buying a particular home that feels a bit small, this article will help you understand what your options are in terms of maximizing your space. Good luck!

Do not rush your decision

If you have just bought your home but have not yet moved in, you might not realize exactly what it is that makes the space feel cramped for instance. While not always possible, it can be a good idea to live in the home for a week or longer before making massive changes.

This is in order for you to get a good feeling of the flow of the space, and to get a better understanding of what would help and what is necessary. Nothing is worse than spending money and time on a renovation project that turns out to be unnecessary and thus a waste.

Opening up the space

One of the most common ways of maximizing space in a home, is by removing sections of walls that block the light and obstruct easy passages. Just remember not to touch load bearing walls without professional help, as this can lead to disaster in a short time.

Most of us are familiar with an open and combined dining room and kitchen area, but there are plenty of other areas where knocking down a part of the wall can free up room for all sorts of activities.

Consider dual purpose areas

These days there are plenty of brilliant solutions for the space conscious family. With many Canadians working from home, more and more people have turned their guest bedroom into a home office.

But what about when the inlaws are visiting? In this case something simple like a wall mounted bed that you can pull down, would allow you to keep working during the weekdays, and on the weekend convert the room to a livable guestroom.

Maximize the amount natural light

Luxury is defined by space and light. If you are having issues with the space in your home, maximizing the amount of natural light flowing into your rooms can help make the space feel larger and more open.

Consider adding windows or skylights, or removing heavy curtains to let in more light. Alternatively, a gable fronted dormer can not only add more light into the room, but even provide more square footage as well.

Build an extension to your home

Finally, the last option on our list is to add an entirely new section to your existing square footage. Whether this is connected directly to the rest of your home, or functions as a separate space for the teenager to enjoy is up to you.

You might even be able to convert the upstairs attic into a livable area. Just remember to check with local planning officers, and obtain all the necessary permits in order to fully register the area, and avoid potential fines and issues when selling the home down the road.