Now working from home? New baby arriving soon? Caring for an elderly parent? If you’re looking for more—or just more-functional—living space for your family’s changing needs, you don’t necessarily have to move out. You can repurpose the space you already have!
Sure, garage conversions are the most obvious choice, but many can have untapped potential. Do you have an unused flat roof, an old shed, or a neglected patio? Transforming these spaces can add value to your property and enhance your everyday enjoyment of your home.
Imagine turning an ordinary space into an extraordinary one—breathing new life into your home and creating a more functional and aesthetically pleasing spot to use and enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re looking to expand your living area, create a personal retreat, make room for a new family member, or simply make better use of your existing space, there are endless possibilities for transformation.
Check out these cool and creative conversion ideas to help you envision the possibilities for your home… and be sure to call us if you need help making your dreams a reality.
From wasted space to enclosed storage
This one is from my own home! When we bought our house, the old deck had just bare, useless dirt space below. Some lattice surround at least shielded it from view, but it was serving me no purpose. When Quality Built Exteriors remade my deck, they suggested walling in the base and installing a door, so we could store things below, completely out of sight. It’s been great having a spot for spare siding, the window screens we removed from the front of the house, and other items that can withstand the elements and would use too much room in my shed. You can also enclose the area beneath the staircase of a two-story deck, making a closet.
From deck stairs to outdoor shower
Since people don’t tend to hang out below an outdoor staircase, it becomes wasted space. But the dimensions are perfect for an outdoor shower! Especially for those who live near the water or get too filthy from yardwork or sports to even enter the house, outdoor showers are not just a luxury for the wealthy. You don’t even need to run a water line… you can add a hose splitter to your spigot for under $30, then use your normal garden hose separately from a new one that goes to your shower (if you want warm showers, buy a heated hose that plugs to your outdoor outlet). I love how the first example here repurposes fence boards, and the second repurposed wood pallets and sheet metal.
Using pavers over a flat roof is a durable solution, which creates new usable space that integrates seamlessly with your home’s existing architecture.
From flat roof to roof-top deck
Imagine sipping your morning coffee while enjoying a panoramic view of the water. Converting an unusable flat roof into a rooftop deck is a fantastic way to maximize your outdoor living space, especially for homes with scenic views—which are abundant in Hampton Roads. This transformation not only provides a new area for relaxation and entertainment, but also increases your property’s appeal and value.
When it comes to rooftop decks, not all materials or companies are created equal. Most standard roofing materials are not intended for everyday use like walking and placing furniture (doing so will typically void the manufacturer’s warranty), so be sure to choose a contractor that is experienced in flat AND usable roofing systems and installation. In the example above, Quality Built Exteriors added railings and rubber pavers designed for roofs.
From patio to covered space
A patio is a wonderful outdoor feature, but it’s unpleasant during rain or peak summer sun. By adding a cover, you can enjoy your patio more often while also giving it added beauty. Whether you opt for a pergola, retractable awning or permanent roof, a covered patio offers shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, creating a versatile space for dining, lounging or hosting gatherings. They can be freestanding or extended from your home, so talk with your contractor about your options.
From covered patio to screen porch
Screened porch additions are considered luxuries in some areas, but in Hampton Roads, they’re more of a necessity! The low-lying, waterfront properties here attract swarms of mosquitos, making it a challenge to enjoy the great outdoors.
Converting your covered porch into a screened porch is the perfect solution. Screening in your porch allows you to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views without the hassle of insects. This upgrade can also add a layer of security and privacy, making your porch a more comfortable and inviting space.
If you already have a deck or covered area, it’s a budget-friendly place to create your new screened porch. If not, consult with a reputable contractor to determine the best location for a new build.
From useless niche to enclosed garden
This is another example from my own house. The area to one side of the screen porch never grew grass properly, was too far from the door to hold any useable sitting/grilling area, and was set back too much to add to my kids’ running space. Many yards have recessed spots like this, and I see few people putting them to use. But I noticed that my niche got great sun exposure most of the day, and since it was already enclosed on three sides, I realized it would make a perfect vegetable garden. I installed raised beds, a rain barrel and a pointed screen fence to tall enough to deter rabbits but low enough to step over. My veggies have flourished and it’s even an attractive feature in its own right!
From freestanding garage to… well, anything!
When most homeowners think of transforming existing areas into added living space, garage conversions are what typically come to mind. Garages are a wide-open, versatile blank slate.
But why limit yourself to the typical game room, gym or man cave? Garages offer endless opportunities for reuse. Separate garages are perfect for a guest house to host visitors, elderly parents or the all-too-common boomerang children!
Turning your garage into a fun and functional space can be as simple or elaborate as you like, from adding flooring and insulation to installing a bathroom and kitchen. A converted garage can serve as the ultimate retreat for relaxation, hobbies, or welcoming friends and family. For some truly incredible inspiration, check out this article from HGTV!
From shed to backyard escape
Don’t overlook that old shed in the backyard—it has the potential to become your personal sanctuary. Transforming a shed into a she-shed, man-cave, art studio or home office can provide a quiet, dedicated space for work, hobbies or relaxation. You don’t necessarily need electricity or anything fancy to create your retreat, but you can go as far as your budget allows—with proper insulation, lighting, and décor, your shed can become a stylish and functional extension of your home.
Whether renovating an older shed or purchasing a brand new one, if you have the budget and space in your backyard, take advantage of this trend that’s likely here to stay.
From sunroom to family room
If you have a screened porch or sunroom that’s seen better days—or doesn’t meet your needs—consider converting it from an exterior spot to an interior room by making it a climate-controlled, integrated space. When my friend bought a much older home in York County, she knew the old sunroom (above) had more potential than its current use. This spot had the best view in the house, but its lack of heat and air-conditioning, combined with its uninviting flooring and furnishings, left it underutilized by the former owner. My friend needed a spot where her family could watch TV and hang out, since the older home lacked a den or family room. After removing the sliding glass doors separating the space from the main structure, adding a mini-split HVAC unit, and installing plush carpeting and couches, the room is now the family’s main lounge in the home.
From back porch to laundry & bathroom
My friend also needed a first-floor bathroom in her home, so she decided to remodel an existing enclosed porch into a combination mudroom, laundry room and full bathroom. The space is now functional, beautiful and, as she says, “worth every penny!”
Every family’s needs for space and function are different. When you buy an existing home, 99% of the time, the space won’t check every box on your wish list. This is especially true when you purchase a fixer-upper or an older home that was built way before modern conveniences became standard. Needs can also change over time, with the addition of new family members, new hobbies or even new careers. (How many of us really anticipated the work-from-home craze before the pandemic?). Even if you’ve lived in your home a long time, your needs can change. But above all, like with my niche garden or space under the deck, sometimes a space that’s doing no harm is ripe for doing some good.
If you resolved to make your house work harder for you this year, then these cool conversions could be just the thing to help you accomplish that goal. If you need a bit of help with your transformations, call Quality Built Exteriors today. Their experienced team is happy to provide a free estimate on the exterior upgrades seen here and on any interior modifications you may need to enjoy and make the most of your home.