By Monica Thomas
Once a trend, open floor plans have become a staple of most modern homes. An open floor plan generally means the living room, kitchen, and dining room are combined into a large space or great room. Before taking a hammer to all interior walls, it's important to know the structure of your home, as well as the benefits and ways you can accomplish an open concept.
Benefits of an Open Floor Plan:
Space
Small, cluttered homes can be transformed into airy, more breathable spaces by knocking down a few dividing walls. A demolition project may seem daunting, but the average cost is just over $3,000. Just be sure to have a professional take a look before wielding a sledgehammer. Hiring a structural engineer will cost you about $500, but you'll save yourself the headache of rebuilds, fines, or structural problems.
If you're not sure where to start, take a look at this article on HomeAdvisor and find out when to hire an engineer. Once you have a professional's input, you'll be amazed at how much larger your home seems.
Natural Light
Without walls blocking the windows, natural light is able to stream in your home, making the open space seem even larger and more airy. Along with knocking down walls, you can bring natural light into your home by connecting the outdoors to your home's interior with large patio doors. On average, you can install glass doors for about $1,600. You may even consider widening your windows to allow more natural light into your home.
Inclusivity
It's right there in the title: an open floor plan means more openness and inclusivity in your home. When you're preparing dinner in the kitchen, for example, you won't be closed off from the rest of the house. This is great for both entertaining and every day. When you're entertaining, you can still be a part of the party, even while preparing food and drinks. And as an everyday solution, you're able to keep an eye on children, pets, or—let's be honest—the TV, while still going about your daily tasks.
Open Floor Plans and Storage
The benefits of an open floor plan are clear, but what about storage? It's easier than you think to create creative storage solutions in your open floor plan design. Consider spaces that may be wasted in your home. Corners are a great place to start:
- Look for corner storage units with shelves and cabinets to store your things without detracting from your open concept. Wall storage units are another great option.
- Add shelving and cabinets to a large wall to utilize vertical space up to the ceiling. This will make your great room appear taller, adding to the airiness of the design.
- Add drawers or cabinets beneath a staircase to maximize storage in what is often wasted or inaccessible space. This project can be done for as little as $200.
- Opt for convertible furniture. Consider dual solutions like an ottoman, bench, or a coffee table with built-in storage. By getting creative, you can enjoy all the benefits of your open floor plan without sacrificing storage.
Attics and Basements
Many homeowners have had success opening their attics and basements to the rest of the home. The cost to convert an attic into livable square footage is an average of $49,500; however, a 2015 report by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) found that attic conversions retain 61 percent of their value at resale. The same is true of basements. See how one homeowner opened their basement to the rest of their home.
The extra space, natural light, and social inclusivity of an open floor plan continues to appeal to buyers. In fact, increasing the light and space in your home can increase the resale value of your home. Get creative with storage, consult a professional before you knock down any walls, and enjoy your light and airy space!
