Tips for Opening Up a Traditional Floor Plan

September 23, 2021 6:24 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Open floor plans have been an interior design trend for decades, and they will continue to be far into the future. An open floor plan encourages communal activities, bringing together the kitchen, living and dining areas to create a completely open space that works well for today’s families.

However, many people who live in older homes don’t get to take advantage of the open concept until they decide to invest in a remodel. As you work with a residential remodeling contractor to transform and modernize your home, here are some key tips to follow.

Decide on a functional design

The first thing you need to do when updating to an open floor plan is settle on a design that works best for you and your family. Of course, working with a professional residential remodeling contractor is important even during this early step of the process. They’ll be able to help you determine what walls can and should be moved, how utilities (including electricity) need to be routed, how HVAC systems need to be routed and how to address many other important concerns.

As you develop a layout, consider how you’ll use the space. Maybe you want a huge kitchen island for entertaining, or a quiet corner for studying and working from home. Think about defining individual spaces in an open plan—the right layout is especially important when you’ve knocked down interior walls and are working with a wide-open space.

Pay attention to existing infrastructure

It can be costly to change the existing infrastructure of a home. Features like drain pipes and structural beams are hidden in the walls, and you often need to design around them. While it may seem simple to remove walls, there’s a lot more to it than simply knocking them down.

It may be wise to create half-walls that can double as dividers between rooms and a place to hide plumbing, electrical and HVAC features. Consider your budget and whether it’s feasible to reroute existing utility infrastructure in your home.

Let in the light

Every homeowner wants a light, bright space, which means you need to consider both natural illumination and the placement of fixtures as you make renovations. It’s best to think about lighting in layers: ambient, task and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides general lighting for the space, while task lighting fixtures direct light onto countertops, islands and other surfaces where you’re working. Finally, accent lighting like wall sconces and table and floor lamps can add ambience and warmth to the space.

Plan from the ground up

As you work with a residential remodeling contractor to transform your living space, consider the changes you’re making from the ground up. Get a good idea of the foundational limitations of your home. Have the foundation inspected for any weaknesses, as well as water issues and other concerns. If any structural problems are found, it’s best to take care of them at the start—you’ll save money, time and headaches.

If you’re looking for the right residential remodeling contractor to modernize your home with a well-designed open floor plan, reach out to Buhrt Builders Inc. Using our decades of experience in the remodeling industry, we’ll help you create a more livable, functional home.

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