As the cold weather settles in in the Cleveland area, spending more time indoors becomes inevitable. Homeowners often find themselves looking for spaces that offer both functionality and coziness during the colder months, when most of us are trying to avoid the brisk breezes and changing weather outside. If you're fortunate enough to have a bonus room in your home, you have the perfect blank canvas to create a retreat of warmth and comfort. We are going to explore some ideas to help you come up with things you can do with that bonus room in your home, so you can create a space where you can fully enjoy and ride out the colder temperatures.

What is a Bonus Room?

Most people are familiar with all of the rooms in a home; however, the bonus room can be one that leaves you wondering what it is and what you can do with it. A bonus room, unlike other rooms in the house that have designated functions, such as bedrooms, a kitchen, or a home office, offer flexibility in their use. In essence, a bonus room is a room defined by its lack of purpose or the fact that it has no specific function. Normally, bonus rooms do not meet local building code definitions for traditional rooms. For example, codes will typically require that a bedroom have a window, closet, and a certain number of electrical outlets (Wikipedia).

Basically, a bonus room, also known as a flex room, is an additional space in a home that serves a versatile purpose and does not have a predetermined use. It is typically an extra room that is not designated as a bedroom, kitchen, living room, or other specified room. Bonus rooms can be any size and located on the main floor, upper floor, or even in basements or attics; they are a “bonus” space in your home no matter where they are located.

What to do With that Bonus Room in Your Home

The beauty of a bonus room is that it can be transformed and adapted to suit the changing needs of the homeowners over time. Whether it becomes a cozy retreat during the colder times in the year, an entertainment hub, a functional workspace, or a versatile multi-purpose room, the possibilities are endless. The flexibility of a bonus room allows homeowners to maximize the potential of their living space and create a customized area that enhances their lifestyle and meets their specific requirements.

When the weather outside is less than desirable, it’s the perfect time to turn your home’s bonus room into a useful space that may become one of your favorite places in your home. Below we explore some ideas for things you can do with that bonus room in your home.

• Home Office and/or Homework Space: One of the most common ways homeowners use this flexible space is by transforming it into a home office or homework space. You can convert your bonus room into a functional workspace that inspires productivity. Quiet and free from distractions like TV and video games, a few comfortable chairs, desk, proper lighting, and storage items, can turn a big, empty room into a peaceful and inspiring place for both kids and adults.
• Library: Often times, due to their lack of purpose, flex rooms are created with weird angles, low ceilings, and sometimes what a homeowner may believe unusable areas. No matter what the layout, an awkward room is great for books, so why not turn the space into a home library? You can store books and/or movies, add some lamps and seating, and create a great place to escape the day-to-day to catch up on some reading.
• Game Room: Game rooms come in really handy during the times when people tend to be inside more. For those who love gaming or enjoy hosting game nights with friends and family, a bonus room can be the ultimate game room. Add comfortable seating, tables, ample storage for games and accessories, and whatever else you need to turn your bonus room into a hub of entertainment and friendly competition.
• Home Gym and/or Wellness Center: As temperatures drop, it can become challenging to maintain an active lifestyle. Convert your bonus room into a personal fitness and wellness center, encouraging regular exercise and self-care. Consider installing gym equipment, such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or weights, based on your fitness goals. Additionally, you can create a serene corner for relaxation, yoga, and meditation, complete with comfortable seating, soothing scents, and soft lighting.
• Craft and Hobby Room: The colder months in Northeast Ohio provide an excellent opportunity to explore your creative side. Convert your bonus room into a craft and hobby haven, tailored to your specific interests. Whether you enjoy painting, sewing, woodworking, or any other craft, dedicate a space where you can indulge in your passion. Install ample storage for supplies, a spacious work surface, and good lighting to create a comfortable and functional space for your creative endeavors.

When the colder months force us to spend more time indoors, having a well utilized bonus room can be a game changer. With a little imagination and creativity, you can renovate this space into an inviting retreat that enhances your indoor experience. The possibilities are endless.

Whether you are looking to add an addition to your home, so you can create that perfect bonus room, or wanting to remodel your space to make it into your dream room, Sanctus Builders is here. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help transform your Northeast Ohio home with a home renovation or addition.

It’s fair to say that the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the home and arguably one of the most important. The average person spends over two years of their life in this room, making having enough of them for your home and its occupants and/or guests, key to your home’s functionality. If you find yourself having to “wait your turn” or limiting your time in your home’s bathrooms, it may be time to add one, or more, onto your home. Can a bathroom addition make all the difference in your home?

How many bathrooms does the average household have?

If you are trying to determine if a bathroom addition can make a difference in your home, it is likely because you find yourself wishing you had more, or some in more convenient locations. Often times people opt to add bathrooms to basements, create an en suite to the primary bedroom, add one to a floor of the home that doesn’t have one, or just simply know that there are not enough in the home. If you are questioning if you have enough bathrooms in your home, you may be curious as to how many bathrooms the average household has.

According the United States Census Bureau, the majority of homes built in 2021 had three or more bathrooms; however, that doesn’t really tell us a lot. How many occupants were in the home? How large was the home? etc. The general rule, in the home building industry, is for homes to have at least two bathrooms for every three bedrooms. Larger and more upscale homes tend to have more bathrooms per person than smaller or more modest residences.

Can a bathroom addition make a difference in your home?

When it comes to your home, it is often hard to find one that is already built and is perfect for you and your family. How many bathrooms the home has can play a major factor into how much you love your home and whether it is perfect for you or not. The good news is, if the bathroom situation isn’t what you want it to be, you can do something about it. Bathroom additions are one of the most beneficial home renovation projects you can do for your home.

Adding an additional bathroom to your home can bring several benefits, including:

• Comfort and Convenience: An extra bathroom provides added convenience, especially in larger households or homes with multiple occupants. It reduces the need for individuals to wait for their turn to use the bathroom, making daily routines smoother and more efficient. It also enhances comfort by providing additional privacy and reducing waiting during busy periods. In older homes, there may not be a bathroom on the main floor, meaning that people have to go up or down stairs to reach this essential room. A bathroom addition to the main level can really be a game changer.
• Improved Functionality: As mentioned above, a bathroom addition can enhance the overall livability and functionality of your home. It can help distribute the usage of bathrooms throughout the house, reducing wear and tear on existing ones. This can be especially beneficial in homes with limited bathroom space or where the existing bathroom(s) are located far from certain areas, such as bedrooms or entertainment spaces.
• Increased Property Value: Adding a bathroom to a home can significantly increase the value of the home. Buyers often prioritize homes with multiple bathrooms, particularly in larger households. The added functionality and convenience of an extra bathroom can make your property more appealing and attractive to potential buyers, leading to a higher resale value.
• Guest Accommodation: Having an extra bathroom or bathrooms is extremely beneficial when hosting guests or accommodating overnight visitors. It allows visitors to have their own designated bathroom space, ensuring their comfort and privacy. This can be particularly valuable during holidays, family gatherings, or when you frequently host events. If you have people over often, if you notice a long wait period for the bathroom, it may be the perfect time to think about a bathroom addition.

A bathroom addition can make a difference in your home. Whatever the reason may be for you considering adding this additional space, when it comes to creating the bathroom of your dreams, Sanctus Builders can help. We specialize in bathroom remodeling and home additions. Making us the ideal team to create your perfect additional bathroom.

We work with experienced architects and engineers as well as employ a full team of framers, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists to ensure your home addition is built to modern building standards. Sanctus Builders is here for you and your Northeast Ohio home. Contact us to learn more.