Skip to content
Sponsored Content

How to find more space in the home you already own

Room for the kids? Room for parents? The basement can hold the key to both
31927721_web1_230227-Impress-GNG-MACRenovation_1
More and more, Greater Victoria families are finding innovative solutions for the housing crunch, including maximizing space they already have: an underused basement. MAC Renovations photo

With today’s tight real estate market, paired with higher interest rates, it’s no wonder that West Shore families are looking to find more space in the home they already own.

And it’s not only parents of teens and toddlers who are looking for room to grow.

More and more, families are finding innovative solutions, whether it’s adult children wanting to enter the housing market, or retirees wanting more free time (and less upkeep) without leaving the neighbourhood they love, explains Ken Lydiatt, Project Leader with MAC Renovations.

In that case, the parents might create a bright, inviting suite downstairs, maximizing an underused basement, while the kids and grandkids enjoy the more spacious upper floors. The parents are free to travel, fish, volunteer … spend their time however they like, and the second generation has the space they need, and a more affordable entry into the housing market.

“No matter what your family’s needs are, whether it’s a work-from-home space away from the kids – or a kids’ space away from your home office – or something longer-term, like a full suite for university-aged kids or older parents, the basement is one of the best places to maximize space you already have,” Lydiatt says.

“And with multi-generational living the norm in many places around the world, it makes sense that more families are embracing it here.”

Goodbye dreary basement laundry! This space shows how the right design can make a basement bright and beautiful. MAC Renovations photo
Goodbye dreary basement laundry! This space shows how the right design can make a basement bright and beautiful. MAC Renovations photo

So, you’re ready to renovate. What comes next?

  1. First things first, consider your needs today and what they’ll be five years down the road. It’s easy to embark on a renovation based on your current frustrations, but children grow and needs change, so the right reno is usually one that takes a longterm view as well.
  2. With your goals in mind, what’s your budget? From a rec room to a full suite, plans will consider factors like lighting, plumbing, electrical and structural needs, along with elements like soundproofing and heating.
  3. Starting outside, the MAC team will scope the perimeter drains to ensure they’re in good shape, with no indication of moisture problems for the foundation or basement.
  4. Moving inside, the team will ensure a proper vapour barrier is in place and consider where improvements could boost comfort and efficiency, such as increasing insulation, sound-proofing and replacing older windows. Depending on the basement’s current use, and its intended future, furnace capacity and configuration may need to be reviewed – increasing living space can tax your heating and cooling system’s capacity. Appropriate task and ambient lighting is also key for a basement, and can make a big impact.
  5. With the vision for your renovation in place, a trades walk-through allows plumbing, electrical and HVAC teams to review the space and plans. Here, they can alert the MAC team to any potential challenges and highlight possible savings or efficiencies.

Ready to explore ways to maximize space in your home? Visit MAC Renovations online at macreno.com or call 250-384-6091.

Innovative space-savers like a hidden ironing board maximize the square-footage of a basement suite, whether for college-aged kids or retired parents. MAC Renovations photo
Innovative space-savers like a hidden ironing board maximize the square-footage of a basement suite, whether for college-aged kids or retired parents. MAC Renovations photo

READ MORE: 5 ways to keep your home renovation on budget and on point

READ MORE: Planning for a new home addition? Start here!