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The Fashionable Housewife

The Fashionable Housewife

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Tips for Expanding and Renovating Your Home for a Growing Family

Modified on December 10, 2022 at 11:56 PM

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If you’re like most families, your home is your haven. It’s where you make memories, relax after a long day, and host friends and family for holidays and special occasions. So, when it comes to expanding or renovating your abode to accommodate a growing brood, it’s essential to do your research and plan to avoid any stressful surprises. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of tips to consider before taking on any big home improvement projects.

Create a Budget and Stick to It 

Whether planning on doing all the work yourself or hiring a contractor, it’s essential to create a budget and try your best to stick to it. Start by listing all the materials, supplies, and labor costs you’ll need to complete the project. Once you have a general idea of how much everything will cost, add a cushion of 10-20% for unexpected expenses. Often, things come up during home renovations that you didn’t plan for, so it’s always better to be prepared with a little extra cash. In addition, if you’re planning on taking out a loan to finance your expansion or renovation, shop around for the best interest rates and terms before signing anything. 

Get Familiar with the Permits You’ll Need 

Before breaking ground on any significant home improvements, you must check with your local municipality about the permits required for the work you’ll be doing. Depending on the project’s scope, you may need multiple licenses, so it’s best to err on caution and get everything squared away before getting started. In addition, some cities have specific regulations about noise levels and hours of construction activity allowed in residential neighborhoods, so be sure to familiarize yourself with those rules. The last thing you want is to get fined or have construction workers show up at 6 am because you weren’t aware of the city’s noise ordinance! 

Get Help From An Architect or Designer

Suppose you’re making significant structural changes to your home. In that case, it’s best to consult a professional architect or designer who can help ensure everything is up to code and will be safe. They may also be able to suggest ways of maximizing space that you have yet to consider. In addition, they’ll be able to provide detailed plans for contractors and other professionals involved in the project, so everyone is on the same page about what needs to get done.

Remember to factor in the cost of hiring contractors and other experienced professionals who can help bring your vision to life. It may cost more upfront, but getting expert advice and having someone on-site throughout the process will help ensure a successful outcome.

Consider the Impact On Your Home’s Resale Value

If you’re planning on selling your home, consider how any renovations or expansions might affect its resale value. Make sure whatever changes align with local trends so that potential buyers will be interested in your property. You may also want to look into ways to make your home more energy-efficient or eco-friendly, as these types of upgrades can help attract buyers and increase how much you’ll get for your investment.

Choose Low-Maintenance Materials

When selecting materials for your expansion or renovation, consider opting for low-maintenance options that don’t require extensive upkeep. For instance, durable tile flooring is much easier to keep clean than carpeting and stainless steel appliances last much longer than their less expensive counterparts. In addition, you can save on costs over the life of your home by investing in energy-efficient windows and doors that will help keep your utility bills low.

Stay Flexible

When taking on any significant home improvement project, it’s essential to remain flexible throughout the process. Things may sometimes go differently than planned, so it’s best to be prepared for setbacks or changes. After all, renovations are often messy and chaotic — but with a bit of patience and preparation, you can ensure these projects succeed!

Design with Your Future in Mind 

If you’re planning on staying in your home for many years, it’s essential to design your expansion or renovation with your future needs in mind. For example, if you’re adding an extra bedroom now because you’re expecting another child but plan on becoming an empty-nester in 10-15 years, consider making it a multifunctional space that can be used as an office or hobby room down the line. That way, when your kids move out and your needs change, you won’t have wasted valuable space in your home that could have been used for better. Similarly, if you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom now but think you may sell the house in the future – go with classic design choices that will appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers instead of opting for trendy fixtures that may only appeal to a small segment of home shoppers. 

Be Mindful Of Where You Place Outlets 

If you’re renovating an existing room or adding to your home – be mindful of where outlets are placed and try to incorporate them into your design plans accordingly. Often during construction projects, outlets get covered up by drywall or new additions like cabinets or countertops, making them inaccessible and requiring expensive rewiring work down the line. By being proactive about outlet placement during a renovation -you can save yourself the headache (and money) later. 

Via Pixabay

Make Sure Windows Are Placed Strategically 

Another essential factor to consider when expanding or renovating your home is window placement. Where windows are placed can affect everything from how much natural light enters a room..to how efficiently heated or cooled air stays inside..before finalizing any construction plans – take some time to think about how different window placement scenarios would work best for each unique space in your home. 

Find The Best Deals On Building Materials

 Shopping around for the best deals on building materials when planning an expansion or renovation is essential. ArchiPro is an excellent resource for homeowners looking to save money without compromising on quality. ArchiPro allows users to compare products, read reviews and get quotes from multiple suppliers in one place, so you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible every time.

Make Sure You Factor In The Upkeep Of Your New Renovation

When making any significant changes to your home – be sure to factor in the cost of maintenance and upkeep for your new renovation into your budget. This includes regular cleaning and any repairs or replacements needed down the line. Doing so will ensure you don’t get stuck with an unexpected expense after the project is finished, and you can enjoy your expanded and renovated home for years to come.

Invest In Clever Storage Solutions

When taking on a big home renovation project, it’s essential to make sure you’re creating enough storage space for your growing family. Investing in clever storage solutions is critical – think built-in cabinets, pull-out drawers and wall-mounted shelves that can be tucked away when not in use. In addition, plenty of designated storage spots will help keep clutter at bay and ensure everyone’s belongings have their place.

Factor In A Laundry Room

If you’re looking to add an extra bedroom or bathroom to your home – remember to factor in a laundry room. A dedicated space for washing and drying clothes can help keep the rest of the house clean and organized. Whether you build it as part of an existing renovation project or opt for a more basic setup like a stackable washer/dryer combo – be sure to include some form of laundry area in your plans

Be Open To Creative Solutions

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when expanding or renovating your home. Consider creative solutions that may not have been thought of before, like building up instead of out if you’re limited on space. Or look into unconventional materials like shipping containers or reclaimed wood that can be used to form creative, cost-effective design elements. Researching and exploring different options could help you discover a unique outcome for your project.

Make Sure There Is Enough Bathrooms

If you’re expanding your home to accommodate a more prominent family – make sure you factor additional bathrooms into the equation. We all know how inconvenient it can be when there’s just one bathroom for everyone to share – so be sure to plan accordingly. Depending on the size of your family, installing an extra half or full bathroom may be necessary and worth the investment.

Take The Time To Enjoy The Little Moments During Your Project

When it comes to an extensive home renovation project, remember to take the time to enjoy the little moments. From watching your children play in their newly expanded bedroom to gathering around the dinner table with extended family in your newly renovated kitchen – there are plenty of opportunities for creating special memories during such a big undertaking. So make sure you’re taking advantage of these simple pleasures and cherishing them for years.

Undertaking a home renovation or expansion is no simple task – but with a bit of planning, creativity and patience – you can create an inviting and functional space that your growing family can enjoy for many years to come. Taking the time to research and budget accordingly, factor in storage solutions, invest in creative materials and make sure there are enough bathrooms will help ensure a successful outcome and give you plenty of moments to cherish along the way. Good luck!

Related posts:

How to Get the Best Contractor for Your Renovation ProjectHow to Get the Best Contractor for Your Renovation Project Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Home Renovation BusinessEverything You Need to Know About Starting a Home Renovation Business Everything You Need To Know About Remodeling Your HomeEverything You Need To Know About Remodeling Your Home How To Gussy Up Your Bathroom On a BudgetHow To Gussy Up Your Bathroom On a Budget 5 of the Best Bathroom Renovation Ideas5 of the Best Bathroom Renovation Ideas with the Highest ROI

Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on December 1, 2022 at 11:13 PM
Filed Under: Home Improvement
Tagged With: bathroom renovation, home renovation, home renovations, Kitchen Renovation, renovating, renovation, renovation project, renovations

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
I’m addicted and I just can’t get enough 😂🫣

I’m loving my no -toxic, non-stick cookware from @caraway_home  It’s as beautiful as it is easy to cook with. And it makes my kitchen look prettier too! 💁🏼‍♀️

Want to learn more about why I’m obsessed with these pots and pans? Visit my blog and search CARAWAY! Or scroll through my feed! 🥳

#homemaker #housewifelife #homestyler #momlife
Today was my due date for Dylan. Considering he w Today was my due date for Dylan.

Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

The grief doesn't just go away, even if you try to ignore it, it's still there. Like the sun. You don’t have to look at it to know it’s there. You can turn your back on it but it will still warm your skin. 

The grief from losing a child is unbearable. 
It is unpredictable.
It is unforgiving.
It is relentless.
It is all-consuming.
And it completely shatters you when you don’t expect it. 

You don’t get over it. You don’t forget. You simply learn to live with it. And I’m learning to live with it every day. 

It’s been 137 days I’ve had to live without my baby. 

Lord Jesus, please… hold me extra tight tonight. 

#babyloss #babylossawareness #babylosssupport #babylosscommunity #babylosssurvivor #stillbornstillloved #stillbornawareness #stillbirth #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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