Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.

Are you Empty Nesters?

You spent your life caring for your kids, making sure they made it to school on time, taking them back and forth to sports practice, and ensuring that there were enough snacks in the house. Now the last one has graduated from college and they are off to make their own life leaving you with a house that may be a little more than you need. Many parents embrace this new season of life by downsizing their home or reusing the space they have. Let’s explore the possibilities of your new potential living space.

Guest suite

Now that the kids are gone you have more room for friends who are visiting in the area to stay with you for the weekend. Consider making it a little retreat by having a separate bathroom and even a small seating area for them to relax if they want.

Hobby room

You took care of the kids’ needs and invested in their interests for so long that you may have even forgotten what you liked to do in your spare time. Now that they are gone, it makes for the perfect opportunity to get reacquainted with the things you enjoyed doing. Some ideas for this space might be:

  • An art studio
  • Craft room
  • Wine tasting room
  • Writers corner
  • Photography studio
  • Sewing room

The possibilities are endless and will allow you to get those creative juices flowing, who knows you might even make a little extra doing it.

Expanded Master bedroom

Even though the whole house could be considered your space there is something special about creating a unique retreat in your home just for you. Some fun and even practical things you can think about adding would be:

  • A larger bathroom: ever wanted a shower and soaker tub? Now’s the time!
  • Walk-in closets for both: that would be a big plus.
  • A sitting area for those peaceful Saturday mornings or quiet evenings.
  • Expand the square footage of the entire room and maybe make room for some new furniture. 

Your master bedroom is your space, meant to be a place you can unwind after the day or simply relax before going to sleep.

In-law suite

Sometimes when the kids move out your parents are in a place that they need to move it. Having a space where they can still feel independent but are near enough to have help when they need it is important for everyone’s peace of mind. Consider including this in the design:

  • A small kitchenette where they can prepare their own breakfast, beverages, and snacks.
  • Keep it on the ground level to avoid any potential falls
  • Wider doorways to accommodate a walker or wheelchair
  • Make the bathroom easy to use such as a walk-in shower or tub.

Many homes have begun to add or include a space for the in-laws making it a great selling point.

Consider the future

When planning your new renovation it might be wise to think about the future since doing major renovations later may not be as simple then. Here a few things you might want to think about when planning your renovation.

  • Slip resistant flooring and minimal transitions
  • Wider doorways for potential future needs
  • Minimize the stairs
  • Exchange door knobs for handles.
  • Reevaluate the kitchen, consider lowering some of the countertops and adding extra drawers which are easier to access.

Considering the future in your current renovation is not a bad thing and could save you additional time and money on another remodel down the road. Talk to your designer to ask their input on the matter, they may have some helpful tips based on past projects they have completed.

Increased Home value

Many of these renovations can add tremendous value to your home and make it easier to sell if you choose to move out at some point or wish to downsize. Families often look for unique and functional features to assist them with their daily routines. The more you can help them see themselves in your space the easier the sale will be and may even begin a bidding war.

Lots of potential

Our team is ready to help you create a space that is perfect for your lifestyle and routine. We have assisted hundreds of clients discover what they needed and designed a space that was not just good but great. We don’t want to simply please our clients, but wow them with a finished project that is exactly what they desired. We proudly serve over fifteen counties and are continuing to grow as our clients share the wonderful experience they had with us. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions you may have.