Remodeling: Living Large

Most of us wish that our homes were larger, but the obvious solutions like building an addition or moving to a bigger place are simply not an option in many cases due to budget restraints. There are, however, some excellent remodeling ideas out there that can either physically increase your living space inexpensively, or at least give an area the appearance of being bigger.

Remodeling Ideas to Create Space
For many people, the most cost-effective remodeling ideas are focused on increasing living space without increasing the size of the home. Sound impossible? It's not. One way to do this is to better integrate indoor and outdoor living areas. In many homes, especially those that are a decade old or more, the indoor and outdoor areas are completely cut off from each other. You're either indoors doing something indoorsy or you're outdoors doing something outdoorsy. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Architects and designers have understood for years that, when creating physical space is just not practical, the illusion of more space can really go a long way. If you take a 10 ft. x 15 ft. room with windows and another without and ask people who've just been in both rooms, "Which room was larger?", nearly everyone will say the one with windows. Of course it isn't larger, it just feels larger. So, the simplest way to combine indoor and outdoor spaces is to add or enlarge windows. The bigger the window, the greater the sense of connection people will feel with the outdoors.

A similar effect can be achieved with groups of windows. If you take an existing window and add sidelights (vertical windows flanking it on either side) or a semicircular top light, you can really open up and brighten a room.

Sliding glass patio doors are not only a remodeling idea that will enhance the look of a room, but will also provide the option of physically connecting the inside with the outdoors. The more accessible you make the outdoors, the more people will move freely from one space to another, essentially expanding the living space of your home. When you find yourself heading outside to open the mail or relax with a glass of iced tea, you'll begin to fully appreciate the benefits of integrating the spaces.

Outdoor Remodeling Ideas
When you've done all you can with windows and glass doors, outdoor remodeling ideas are the next step in creating the space you want without spending a bundle on the operation. Decks, patios and porches provide convenient areas that can serve as living space during nice weather. Roofs and screens can make these spaces useful for an even longer part of the year. Decks are best when you have uneven ground or when you want a surface that is even with an above-ground floor. While a deck is a sizable investment, the costs are often offset by increased resale value of the home. In any case, a deck costs far less than an addition.

A nice patio doesn't come cheaply either, but while few people realize it, patios cost far less than grassy areas to maintain. Over the life of a well-built patio, you may find that you more than recoup your construction costs via reduced lawn maintenance expenses. And, did you know that there are now ways to air condition outdoor spaces? One of the best remodeling ideas to hit the residential sector in years is the outdoor mister. Originally used at commercial sites like sidewalk cafes or amusement parks, these systems are now available in homeowner friendly versions. The simple, water-based systems create a fine spray that instantly evaporates on a hot day. The evaporation process uses up energy. This, in turn, translates into reduced air temperatures.

Outdoor remodeling ideas are nothing if you don't have the right set up to enjoy them. To make your outdoor area inviting, furnish it with attractive, comfortable chairs, sofas and tables. There are now stores that sell patio furniture exclusively, so you have more options than homeowners did a decade or two ago. You'll also want to take another look at your landscaping. Now that you'll be seeing a lot more of it, you may want to upgrade it so that you create a most appealing venue for your enhanced living spaces. Remember, to be successful, a critical element of any of these remodeling ideas is to make sure you work with professionals so that you get lasting value for your money.