January 15, 2025

Evolve Your Home Through Upsizing or Downsizing

Upsizing or downsizing are widespread terms in real estate. However, did you know these terms also apply to the remodeling world? 

Upsizing or downsizing in remodeling mean that existing square footage is added to, repurposed, or opened up to allow homeowners to have the right amount of living space. Whether it’s a homeowner who needs to adapt empty children’s rooms into useful space or a new family preparing to welcome a new addition, remodeling for life milestones can save homeowners the hassle of house shopping and add value to their current real estate investment. Even if you aren’t sure where to start, our team of experts can help transform your day-to-day into a functional space that makes sense no matter what stage of life you are in. 

Check out our helpful upsizing and downsizing tips below from our team of experts.

Starting the Process

Before we put pen to paper and start drawing out your plans, we must understand what your space offers now and what you would like to see achieved. During the consultation stage of the process, our designers will ask questions like:

• Why are you looking to upsize or downsize?
• What is important about the space and how would you like to use the space?
• What do you want to improve in the space?

These questions help us ensure that we include everything you need to make daily life in your home seamless and that there’s room for everyone and everything. 

Common Way to Downsize

Downsizing remodels can sometimes be misconstrued as taking space away. However, we use the term “downsize” to mean “simplify your lifestyle.” Homeowners looking to downsize their homes have often gone through a significant life milestone, like children moving out. While it may be a bit bittersweet to find your nest empty suddenly, there is the joy of now having extra space to create the living environment of your dreams. 

While not common, the most typical downsizing remodel we see is turning a pre-existing bedroom or space into an extended living area, home office, library, or at-home gym. If you plan to have grown children, grandchildren, or other guests visit frequently, you can also utilize this space as the perfect guest room. 

We also commonly remove rooms to allow for other rooms to expand by knocking out walls and opening up the space. Although this doesn’t technically remove any square footage from your home, it can reduce the number of rooms in your home you have to keep clean and maintain. 

The most important thing to keep in mind when planning your downsizing remodel is to consider the future and anticipate how you’ll use your home. If you expect adult children to visit often, for example, you might want to save at least one extra bedroom to use as a guest room. 

If you have a multi-level home but desire to age in place, we can create a remodeling plan that ensures all of your daily needs are met on the first floor or include an elevator for the future when navigating stairs regularly might become an inconvenience. 

Common Ways to Upsize

Upsizing remodeling projects are far more common, as many people will purchase older homes with the intention of updating them or find that their daily life could use a little more functional space. Sometimes, upsizing remodels include creating extra storage space in the kitchen, adding to the existing structure, and even expanding the porch to create more outdoor living space. 

If you aren’t looking to add more square footage to your home with a pricey addition but are simply looking to maximize what you have, there are several methods we apply to give you a little more breathing room. 

When renovating a space to have a new function, we often recommend labeling it as a “flex” room. Also, to ensure you can call the space a bedroom if you decide to sell your home, we always include a closet, no matter the room’s purpose.

If you’re upsizing on a budget, there are a few things to remember:

• Work within the roof: Additions can cost extra, so if you’re looking to save, try renovating within the space you have and avoid adding more square footage.
• Re-invent: Consider your day-to-day and how you want your home to function for you. You might find that you need a larger laundry room or a butler’s pantry. Get creative with the rooms you have, and don’t be afraid to transform a traditional room into something less conventional. 
• Remember your investment: Ultimately, remodeling a home will often cost significantly less and be much less inconvenient and time-consuming than moving. Don’t cut corners, and remember that the sweat and money you put into your home now will be worth the long-term investment in the future, which will help soften the blow of spending upfront. 

Upsizing and Downsizing Challenges

Like with any project, there are pros and cons. It’s essential to be aware of any potential negatives when planning to ensure the end product is precisely what you want. 

While downsizing ensures that you aren’t wasting extra space in your home, it’s essential to make sure that you don’t decrease your home’s value with any renovations you plan to make. Removing a bedroom to make another room bigger, for example, can reduce the value of your home.

Upsizing obstacles can vary depending on the extent of your remodel and where you live. 

Some HOAs have rules or regulations regarding the exterior of your home, and acquiring the correct permits might take some time. Be sure to factor this into your remodeling plan’s timeline. Correct permits also need to be considered when determining how long a project will take, and some are difficult and time-consuming to obtain. 

Above all else, patience is the key to surviving any renovation project. Some stages take longer than others, and sometimes delays, weather, or other unforeseen events can stall the process. Remember that you are investing in your most expensive asset, and with that comes a little time, cost, and hard work. 

Creating Space on Your Own

There are also ways to make use of your existing space without having to knock down walls. 

Organization and decluttering are the first steps to feeling like you have more space. Donate or throw away things you don’t need, invest in practical organization that makes everything you need tidy and accessible, and watch as you suddenly have more storage and functional space than you imagined. 

Multipurpose rooms and furniture are also a great way to ensure your current space will serve all your needs without adding more. A TV room with a couch that can convert into a pull-out bed makes the perfect guest room for family visits. Make your at-home office even more functional by adding bookshelves and seating to create a cozy library as well. A bunk bed with a combination desk below will help that overcrowded kid’s room feel much more spacious and functional. 

Keeping rooms flexible with neutral-colored walls and multipurpose flooring can create a “rec room” that can serve any purpose, from a place to set up a yoga mat for a home workout session to a place to host a movie night with a silkscreen that can be hidden away when not in use. There are many unique ways to make a space multipurpose, and our experts can help you think outside the box. 

Other simple ways to create the illusion of space in your home are simple remedies like choosing light paint colors to make a space feel open and airy and re-configuring layouts.

Sometimes, all it takes is moving where your fridge and stove are in your kitchen to open the room and suddenly make it feel larger. Play with where counters and cabinets are, and don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and move around the furniture in a room. You might find a completely new layout gives you all the space you need. 

Upsizing or downsizing in remodeling can allow you to transform your home to suit your evolving needs better. Whether you’re looking to repurpose underutilized areas or create a more extensive, functional environment, strategic remodeling can significantly enhance your lifestyle and your property’s value. Our team is here to support you every step of the way with practical tips and guidance so you can embrace the journey of creativity and let your home evolve alongside you. 

Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!