Creative Ways To Add Extra Bedrooms To Your Home

Adding an extra bedroom can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be done quite easily. There are various ways to add more bedrooms to your home, depending on your budget, space availability, and local regulations. Here are some options to consider:

- Remodelling the layout: This option is suitable if you already have large bedrooms that can be resized by reconfiguring the layout.

- Loft conversion: Converting your loft into an extra bedroom is effective, but you must consider the roof's shape, space, and height available. You may increase the space by adding a dormer window.

- Mezzanine construction: If you have high ceilings or an open floor plan, you can construct a mezzanine and convert the loft area into an extra bedroom.

- Adding an internal storey: If you cannot get planning permission for a full loft extension, adding an internal storey with interlocking floors can create an extra bedroom.

- Garage conversion: Converting an unused garage into a bedroom is a relatively inexpensive option, as you can use the existing space and only need to add insulation, walls, a ceiling, and a door.

- Adding an internal wall: Creating a partition by adding an internal wall is a simple way to design an extra bedroom, especially if you have a larger existing room.

- Converting a shed: If you have a backyard shed, you can convert it into a bedroom, which can be cost-effective as you may be able to use the existing space.

- Basement conversion: Turning an unfinished basement into a bedroom can be expensive as it may require adding a bathroom, but it's a good option if you have the budget and space.

- Building above the garage: If you have a detached or large attached garage, you can add an extra bedroom above it, utilising the existing garage foundation.

Convert existing spaces

Converting existing spaces is a cost-effective way to add an extra bedroom to your home without the hassle of moving or the expense of a full extension. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Garage Conversion

Converting a garage into a bedroom is a popular choice for many homeowners. It provides extra space on the ground level, which can be useful for accommodating an elderly relative or guest. In most cases, you won't need planning permission as garage conversions are considered Permitted Development. However, it's important to check with your local authority as garage conversions may be prohibited in some areas due to the potential impact on on-street parking. If your garage has a pitched roof, you can preserve the parking space by adding a dormer window to create the necessary head height for a bedroom. Don't forget to consider insulation, as the bedroom will be above an unheated, uninsulated space.

Attic/Loft Conversion

A loft conversion is an ideal way to add an extra bedroom, especially if you need more sleeping space. The type of conversion available to you will depend on your existing loft and roof structure, as you'll need to achieve a certain head height to make the new space habitable. This can often be achieved with a small extension, such as adding a dormer window, a hip-to-gable conversion, or a mansard loft conversion. Be sure to research the building regulations and work with an experienced company to ensure your loft conversion is safe and lawful.

Basement Conversion

For those looking to add more bedrooms without incurring significant costs, converting the basement is a great option. A well-planned and executed basement conversion can provide additional sleeping quarters without the need for costly extensions. Before starting any work, it's essential to determine whether your basement is suitable for conversion by checking factors such as ceiling height, natural light, and utility connections.

Partitioning Large Rooms

Another cost-effective way to add an extra bedroom is to divide a large existing room with an internal wall. This is a simple solution if you have a large bedroom that can be partitioned to create two smaller rooms, especially useful for children's bedrooms. However, there are a few key considerations. Any bedroom on the first floor must have its own window as a means of escape in case of fire, according to Building Regulations. Additionally, you'll need to plan the placement of the new entrance to the room and consider the cost of creating a doorway, especially if it intersects with a load-bearing wall.

Mezzanine Level

If you have high ceilings, creating a mezzanine level can be a striking way to expand your living space. Think of a mezzanine as an extension of a room's floor space, allowing you to repurpose existing areas into bedrooms. This approach can be ideal if you don't want the bedroom to be open to another room but still want to maximise your space.

Build an extension

Building an extension is a great way to add more bedrooms to your home and increase its value. Here are some things to consider when planning a bedroom extension:

Planning Permission

Gaining planning permission can be tricky, but it is an important stage in the process. It is recommended to consult an architect or builder familiar with the local planning authority and their preferences. Some factors that may require planning permission include:

• The size of your extension
• The height of your extension
• The materials used
• Adding a balcony or raised veranda
• Your house being a listed building

Design and Structure

When designing your bedroom extension, consider the following:

• The footprint and height of the extension
• The exterior materials and whether they match or contrast with your existing home
• The interior design, including flooring, windows, and doors
• Bespoke elements, such as curved glazing or circular rooflights, which can add appeal but may be more expensive

Cost

The cost of your bedroom extension will depend on various factors, such as the size, the type of materials used, and any additional features like plumbing or electrical work. According to Archicentre Australia, the cost of an extension can range from $1,900 to $3,600 per square metre. Keep in mind that you may also need to budget for professional fees, such as a land surveyor or structural engineer.

Builders and Professionals

Hiring the right builder and professionals is crucial for a successful bedroom extension. Look for builders with a good track record and ensure they have the necessary insurance and warranties in place. Consider hiring an architect or building designer to produce plans and manage the project.

Add an internal wall

Adding an internal wall is a simple and cost-effective way to create an extra bedroom, especially if you have a large existing bedroom. It is also a good option if you want to create two smaller rooms for children. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, under Building Regulations, a bedroom on the first floor that is no more than 4.5m above the ground level outside will require its own window as a means of escape in case of a fire. Additionally, you will need to consider where to put the entrance to the new room. If you need to make a doorway in a load-bearing wall, this could lead to higher expenses.

If you are handy with tools, you can add an internal wall yourself. Start by deciding where you want your wall and assessing the existing structure. If you are working in a finished space, use an electronic stud finder to locate the studs and joists, and mark their positions so that you can attach the new wall to them.

If your new wall will be perpendicular to the ceiling joists, you can attach it to each joist where they intersect. If you are building the wall parallel to the joists, you have two options. You can either locate it directly under one of the joists or install nailing blocks, short pieces of lumber, every 16 inches (41 centimeters) between the two joists that border the intended location of your wall. This will provide anchors for nailing the top of the new wall. Attaching the wall to studs in the adjoining walls will give it added stability, but it is not necessary.

Most interior walls are made from 2-by-4-inch (5-by-10-centimetre) lumber and sheets of plasterboard or drywall to finish the wall. If you have to remove any walls as part of your renovation, ensure they are not load-bearing walls. Load-bearing walls support other parts of the structure, such as beams, trusses, or roof rafters.

When building your wall, start by marking precisely where you want it. Measure to ensure that each end of the wall is the same distance from a parallel wall. Place a carpenter's square against the existing wall at ceiling height and draw a line out a few inches at a right angle to the existing wall along the line where you want the edge of the new wall to be. Tap a nail into each of these lines, stretch a chalked string between the nails, and snap it to make a line, indicating the top edge of the new wall.

Drop a plumb line (a string with a weight at the end) from each nail and mark the spots directly below the top line. Snap another chalk line between these points to mark the bottom of the wall. Attach the wall to the floor, ensuring that it is perpendicular to the floor joists or placed parallel to and on top of a beam or joist. If the floor is concrete, any point on the concrete is solid for an interior wall.

Mark the intended stud locations on the top and bottom plates of the wall. Cut and fasten the bottom plate to the floor, and then the top plate to the ceiling, ensuring it is directly above the bottom plate. Measure and cut the vertical studs, then nail them into place. Hang the drywall horizontally on the studs and fasten the sheets to the studs with a cordless drill and coarse-thread 1-1/4-inch drywall screws.

For walls longer than 8 feet, stagger the drywall ends to avoid four corners meeting in one spot. Fill the screw holes with joint compound, then fill the drywall seams by embedding paper joint tape in the compound along the seam. Cover the tape with another layer of compound, let it dry, and sand any parts that aren't completely smooth.

Finally, roll drywall primer onto the drywall and let it dry. Paint the wall with two coats of paint.

Create a mezzanine level

Mezzanine bedrooms are a great way to add an extra bedroom to your home, especially if you have high ceilings or a vaulted space. Mezzanines are a popular architectural feature in self-builds, barn conversions, and extensions. Here are some things to consider when creating a mezzanine level:

Height and Space

First, assess if your house can accommodate a split-level layout. Rooms with double-height voids or vaulted ceilings are ideal for mezzanine levels. Consider the height of the mezzanine, ensuring it provides a comfortable head height for walking, typically at least 2.1m. Also, think about the space beneath the mezzanine, as it will impact privacy and natural light.

Privacy

Mezzanine bedrooms overlook the living space below, so ensure you take steps to maintain privacy while allowing access to natural light. This can be achieved through careful positioning and the use of features like shutters, glazed walls, or internal windows.

Guest Bedrooms and Social Spaces

Mezzanine bedrooms are perfect for guest rooms or lesser-used spaces. They can also serve as social areas, such as home offices, hobby rooms, or dens when not used as bedrooms.

Design and Materials

Choose interesting materials and designs to create a visually appealing mezzanine. Consider using oak frames or balustrades, spiral staircases, or glass balustrades to add character and impact to the space.

Planning and Regulations

Planning permission is usually not required for mezzanine levels unless you intend to extend your property externally or if your house is listed. However, all work must comply with building regulations, including fire safety, stair and balustrade rules, and ventilation requirements.

Access and Stairs

Provide access to the mezzanine level via a conventional staircase, spiral staircase, or space-saving options like a fixed loft ladder if space is tight. Ensure the staircase complies with regulations and is positioned to allow easy access to and from the mezzanine.

Lighting

Mezzanines can benefit from a careful consideration of glazing, such as clerestory windows, glazed gables, or rooflights to maximise natural light. Don't forget to plan ceiling lighting for the night-time as well.

By following these guidelines and working with the appropriate professionals, you can successfully create a mezzanine level to add an extra bedroom to your home.

Build upwards

Building upwards is a great way to add more bedrooms to your home. This method is especially useful if you have limited ground-level space or want to preserve your garden. Here are some things to consider when planning to build upwards:

Consult Professionals

Before starting any construction, it is essential to consult an architect or structural engineer. They will assess your home's foundation and structure to determine if it can support the additional weight and height of another storey. It is also crucial to check local building codes, zoning ordinances, and HOA restrictions to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.

Cost and Budgeting

Building upwards can be more expensive than building outwards due to the complexity of the work involved. The cost will depend on several factors, including the size of the addition, materials used, labour costs, and any necessary permits. It is important to obtain multiple quotes from contractors and architects to make informed decisions. Additionally, consider having a financial buffer for unforeseen expenses, as renovations often come with surprises.

Staircase and Structural Supports

When building upwards, you will need to account for a stairwell, which can take up a significant amount of living space. Additionally, your contractor will need to expose and reinforce the existing foundation and wall structure to bear the added weight of the new storey. This process may involve tearing apart walls and ceilings in the space below to install structural supports and feed electrical, plumbing, and heating lines.

Height Restrictions and Permits

Many towns and cities have height restrictions for houses, so it is crucial to be aware of these limitations before planning to build upwards. Ensure you obtain the necessary construction permits to comply with legal and safety standards. Pulling the proper permits will also help avoid complications when it comes to reselling your home or adjusting your property taxes.

Temporary Accommodation

Building upwards may require you to temporarily move out of your home during construction. Unlike building outwards, where you might still be able to live in your home, building upwards involves removing the roof and working on the ground floor, making the house uninhabitable during that time.

Frequently asked questions