What we love to do and where we live are some of the most personal things about us. We believe that creating a home that nurtures your passions and hobbies is a home you can thrive in and outside of. In recent years, growing numbers of people have made efforts to adopt new outdoor hobbies as a way to stay active and spend more time in nature. Whether your version of outdoorsy fun is leisurely walking the dogs, embarking on hikes, or catching waves, the home you live in can accommodate the life you like to lead. If this sounds like you, read on for some practical solutions to integrate your hobbies into your home.
If you’re a devotee to outdoor living and you’re not afraid to get dirty, you might be craving an area dedicated to your preferred practice. For some, that’s a purpose-serving utility room where wellies can be pulled off and clothes can be tossed in the washing machine after a long squelchy walk before stomping muddy footprints through the rest of the house. For others, it’s a place to store crampons and walking poles without causing clutter. Whatever you feel you need more room for, it’s worth considering making, well, an actual room for it! Here are some tried-and-tested ideas for building that sought-after space.
Basement conversion
If you’re in possession of valuable unused basement space, converting it to suit your needs could be a great opportunity. This is an especially appealing option if you’re planning to use it for utilities or storing kit because you’ll likely not require as many elements under planning as if you were hoping to transform it into what’s known as ‘habitable space’ (like a games room or a bedroom). For a deep dive into basement conversions, read our guide into building underground basement conversions and to explore your options further, try out our Quick Quote Calculator to see how much it could cost you.
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Garage Conversion
Your garage might not be the first area of your property that comes to mind for creating a brand new room, but if you’re lucky enough to have one, they open up huge possibilities – take a look at this project for some garage renovation inspiration. It’s one of the cheapest ways to convert unused space and can add long-term value to your property as well as improving your day to day life. As with any renovation project, it pays to do your homework and decide whether it’s suitable for you.
Prefabricated room
A prefabricated can be constructed off-site and then installed into your property. They can be built in a relatively short time frame compared to traditional extensions so, if you’re struggling to find the time to commit to your renovation project but you’re keen to create a new space for nurturing your hobbies, this could be a fantastic solution for you. If you have enough room in your garden to house a prefabricated room, it could be a great opportunity to create a separate space with a superb view of your garden.
If you’re curious to learn more about the rise of prefabricated rooms and houses, we recommend this thought-inspiring piece by House Beautiful.
Creating an extension
Rear extensions
Rear extensions are a hugely popular way of creating extra space in your home and there are a vast amount of options available so you can find the perfect one for your property. So, whether you’re hoping to create a storage room for your surfboard or a place to keep camping equipment, it’s worth considering. If you have access to garden space and you’re wondering how to gain a brand new room (or two!), explore our guide to all things rear extensions for some inspiration and insight.
Side extensions
If you have a property with unused space to the side of it, a side return extension (also known as a side infill) can allow you to stretch out into an alleyway, increasing the space. It’s a brilliant way for you to take advantage of unused space and reimagine it for your hobbies, without cutting into your garden.
Outdoor showers
If you love nothing more than heading out on a long hike or an outdoor swim to get your heart pumping, an outdoor shower could be an asset to your activities. They’re a refreshing treat in warmer months and, for the more hardy among us, a revitalising rush in winter – the perfect way to finish a long day of exercise without trailing dirt through the house. Depending on how private your garden is, you might opt for one with a door for peace of mind. We love these innovative ideas from Gardening etc.
Practical sports racks and shelves
For those of us that don’t have a huge amount of space to work with and aren’t in a hurry to splurge on a renovation project, investing in racks or shelves for any sporting equipment is an easy way to organise your space. Explore Pinterest for storage ideas or Wayfair for free-standing shelves that suit your existing home and style.
Whatever your outdoor hobby may be, we hope that by opening up your home to dedicate an area to it you can thrive. If you’d like to explore your options further, don’t miss our Quick Quote Calculator to see what options may be available to you.
