During the pandemic, Britons have spent billions of pounds on improving their homes, focusing on home-gyms and much-needed extensions. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the British perception of housing. Home is not just the place where they sleep and eat. It has been at the heart of the pandemic, being a place of unity, togetherness, work, fitness, and leisure. While life may be back to normal, Britons are still considering bringing their homes to the next level. Yet, the typical expansion project is proving ineffective. Too many homeowners are concerned about the inconveniences of building an attached extension. From dirt to insulation issues during the construction period, homeowners are looking at alternative expansions that will keep their homes pristine, clean, and quiet. What can you do to add more living square footage without disrupting your day-to-day life at home? Hopefully, these few ideas can get you started.
By Team Savant
Image: Roberto Nickson
A Detached Garage
The number one lesson we've learned during the pandemic is that our vehicles don't handle well being left untouched on the drive for several months. Aside from rust appearing on the brake pads and discs, the bodypaint has been developing damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays. So, the addition of a garage can seem like a good idea.
Building an external garage presents multiple advantages for the household. First of all, insulation is not a problem. Often, the garage is left non-insulated, creating a pocket of cold air that could come through the house if they have a common door. Secondly, building a garage attached to the property requires sufficient space next to the house, which can be tricky. Therefore, a separate and lockable garage in the garden can be a game-changer in protecting your car.
An Isolated Home Office
With more and more remote work positions, it makes sense for homeowners to create a permanent home office. However, not everyone has a spare room that can be transformed into a productive workspace. Therefore, using an external structure, such as fully furnished and insulated used shipping containers, can create a quiet location for remote workers. The container can be fitted with a security door and a lock, so your equipment is safe. Additionally, zoom calls will be considerably more enjoyable, as there's no need to blur the background or apologise for any pet or child that appears behind you.
A Playroom Away From the TV
A treehouse is the dream of every child and many adults too. Building a small treehouse in your garden can serve as a useful playroom for children. It can be a place for them to keep their games or read in peace without being distracted by the TV screen. Indeed, too many families are concerned about the alarmingly high screen time of young people. More often than not, children find it hard to avoid watching TV because it is part of the living room. You can't relax on the sofa without facing a screen, so you might as well turn it on. Playing in their treehouse, they can spend more time developing their imagination away from the screen.
Adding a new room to your home doesn't have to be a hassle. These few ideas show different strategies to create more space without affecting your interior style.