Time for an UP-FIT!

I think our houses are a little bit like our bodies.  Every once in a while our bodies need a new uplift in some way, shape, or form.  Doesn't have to be major -- I'm not suggesting facelifts or breast augmentation, but maybe a new haircut or clothing style.  The same can be said for our homes.  Every so often your space warrants an up-fit.

Next month will mark our 10th year of living in this house.  I can't believe we've been here long enough to double our previous record of home ownership!  Jim built this house, and one would *think* he designed it free of 'faults'.  Maybe fault isn't the appropriate word, but hopefully you are with me on this.  For those of you who might think building your custom dream home will be the solution to all of your needs and wants, think again.  You'll always find something you'd like to change along the way!

As for me and my house, we've made a couple of changes in our ten years here.  One of the changes was significant.  Jim took my existing laundry room, and turned it into a full-fledged mud room.  Where did my laundry room go?  We had some "extra" space in our garage that Jim was able to tie into our existing home as a new laundry room.

The process is not one I'd recommend you challenge as a homeowner.  You definitely need the skills and expertise of a qualified licensed general contractor.  Our remodel involved the removal of walls, and structural changes that combined the existing floor joist system with the new additional living space.  It involved the addition of new plumbing and electrical services, and the removal of the old existing plumbing from my former laundry room.

If you feel like you're ready for a change, and don't know where to begin - you are not alone!  This article in Houzz offers a great place to start.  There are many ways you can make changes to the space you're already in without having to move.  Some are simple, and some are more involved, but these are some ideas to help get you going!  Have fun with it!

PS - I'd like to post before and after pictures -- give me a day or two to find them and upload :)