It is really quite amazing how much unused space there is in some homes. Attics, basements, garages, the list goes on. In today's real estate market where space is at a premium, it makes good sense to look at the unused space in your home as potential rooms. Not only will the additional living space make the home bigger, it will also increase the value of the home when listing it for sale. Buyers appreciate intelligently laid out homes, and they are also always looking for homes that maximize their available space. This is especially true of buyers with growing families.
Let's say that you are going to list your home. You have 2 unused areas in it that have some real potential. For argument's sake we will say that the home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an attic and an unfinished basement. Currently your home would be good for a single buyer or for a small family. however with a bit of work, that attic could easily be turned into another bedroom right? Suddenly you have opened yourself up to an even larger market as a larger family could now consider your home. In truth an attic is not too hard to renovate. The most vexing part of the process would likely be adding stairs if there aren't any already. Simply head up there and clean the attic out. Make sure that the roof has no leaks and that the floor is structurally sound. Put up some drywall, lay some flooring, extend the electrical wiring and you have another bedroom!
Now let's look at the basement. Basements are a huge selling point for families with kids. A finished basement can easily be converted into a family room. There is also the possibility of putting in an income suite if you are so inclined. Installing everything for a suite can be a costly and time consuming endeavor but it pays for itself in the long run. An income suite is also a major selling point as buyers will appreciate the ability to collect some income off their home purchase on an ongoing basis.
It really is amazing what can be accomplished in a home's unused space. A bit of drywall and flooring can easily create new and exciting rooms that will make your home more accessible to more buyers. This kind of renovation can also add thousands onto your bottom line selling price. So take a look at the space you aren't using and start imagining what could be.
