Building an Addition to Create Your Perfect Space

After completing the decluttering process, many of Marie Kondo’s clients find a new direction and are able to make big decisions and even lifestyle changes. Sometimes that means we outgrow our spaces, or even that we have further needs from our homes. In that case, finishing your basement or building an addition could be the perfect solution.

But let’s face it; an addition can quickly become another place to throw things, cluttering the rest of your house. You don’t want your brand-new space to be the new dumping zone! If you follow the KonMari™ method from the beginning, you can keep your additional living space clean and tidy by setting a purpose and intention for the room from the start. (And understanding that creating a new space is not an excuse to buy tons of new things!)

Taking the time to envision your space and the life you want to live in it is an essential part of the KonMari™ process. With that in mind, we have put together four ideas for your addition or finished basement that can help you keep your home tidy and clutter-free.

Children’s Play Area

Marie Kondo suggests having an area where kids can store all of their things, giving them more responsibility for their items. This independence can become a motivator to keep their things tidy. A play area separate from the bedroom or more adult spaces like the family room gives kids somewhere that they are responsible for. Designating a place to keep all toys, craft supplies, and even homework also keeps the rest of your home clutter-free.

Home Office

More and more of us are working from home these days, and the office space is often one that becomes cluttered with papers and what Kondo categorizes as “miscellany.” First, make sure to declutter everything that you do have in your office by doing things such as digitizing the majority of your paperwork and cutting down to only the supplies you actually use. Once you know how much space you need – for example, how much desk space or if you need built-ins for books – you can start designing a home office addition that works perfectly for your everyday life.

In-Law Suite

Do you have family visiting often, or perhaps college-aged kids and beyond that are staying in your home for an extended period? Putting an in-law suite into a finished basement is a great way to extend the square footage of your house and give everyone their own space. It also adds value! Adding additional bedrooms and bathrooms to your home’s footprint is a great way to increase its value when you decide to sell your home. When people are on different levels, everyone has more privacy and more room to keep their things.

Home Gym

Sports equipment is something that we often find cluttering the basement and garage. Take into account the pieces of equipment you use for your workouts. Once you know how much space you need, finishing a room in the basement, or creating a workout space in a new addition is a great way to have somewhere to keep all of these items together. Not only will this make your workouts more efficient, but you’ll also have a permanent home for your weights, yoga mat, and the Bowflex that’s currently taking up space in the garage!

If you are considering finishing your basement or creating an addition, schedule a consultation with a specialist from Brothers. For over 30 years, our home remodeling experts have helped homeowners envision and bring their dream spaces to life.