How to Get an Extra Room Without Extending

Want an extra bedroom but can't extend? You may already have all the space you need.

Creating a new room from the space you already have can be a low-fuss way to make your home more practical - or more luxurious. Some of the most popular additions include another bedroom, an en suite, utility or dressing room.

You could even increase the value of your house, too!

The projects and permissions

First you need to check if you have enough space. There are no official guidelines to the minimum size of a room, but you need to be practical. For an en suite shower room, you'll need at least 180 cm x 80 cm.

What's involved?

If your original room is big enough, you can divide it into two by putting up a partition wall made up of plasterboard nailed to both sides of a wood frame and skimmed with plaster. Or you can carve out a space from two rooms to create a room in between. Before you knock down any walls, you'll need to call in a structural engineer to check if they are load bearing.

What permission do I need?

Contact your local building control department to ensure that your work meets safety regulations. If you live in a conservation area, a listed building, or need a window fitted to an external wall, you'll probably need planning permission, too. Check with your local council.

Can I do it myself?

A competent DIYer could add a partition wall - check out ultimatehandyman for advice. For most jobs you'll need to call in the professionals.

Time and costs

How long will it take?

If you're just dividing one room by putting up a partition wall it should be complete within a week. This assumes all the trades (builder, electrician, etc.) dovetail with the next. To create an en suite, add three more days to fit and tile.

How much will it cost?

Prices start about 500 to add a partition wall. For a finished en suite excluding sanitary ware expect to pay around 5,000. If you need planning permission or an architect, this will add several hundred pounds of fees

Top rooms to add

Bedroom

Adding a new bedroom will make your house more attractive to buyers but avoid making a double into a single. Also, the new room you create should be able to fit at least a single bed and bedside table.

Utility room

Using part of your kitchen to create a separate utility room is a good idea as long as your kitchen is left with at least a 3m run of cupboards and worktops.

Dressing room

This is a luxury and should only really be considered if you already have an en suite and four bedrooms - buyers would rather have an extra bedroom.

You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

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