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.

If you have decided to renovate your home or build a new home, one of the last things you are likely thinking about is the hallways. While the importance of having hallways in a home cannot be denied, they are one of the least exciting parts, to many, when it comes to home design. When you are updating or building a new home, your hallways should not be forgotten. They are used daily, usually multiple times, and give you a great opportunity to showcase artwork, mirrors, and other focal points. This may not be a question you have considered yet, but how wide should a home’s hallways be? Let’s review.

How Wide Should a Home’s Hallways be?

The width of a home's hallways can vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner; however, a general rule of thumb is that hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate people and furniture comfortably. There are actually rules regarding the width of a home’s hallways. The International Residential Code specifies that a hallway needs to be at least 36 inches wide, which is 3 feet. Local cities and jurisdictions may also have specific requirements. Your local home renovation or building team can help you better understand what is needed where you live.

Rules and guidelines aside, how wide a home’s hallways should be, depends on the people living in the home. While there may be a minimum requirement, many people opt for larger and more spacious corridors. There are things you should consider when deciding how wide your home’s hallways should be:

• Home’s Occupants: If the hallway will be used by someone with a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or walker, it is recommended that the hallway be at least 42 inches wide to allow for easy passage.
• Additional Use of Space: If the hallway will be used for multiple purposes, such as seating, storage or displaying artwork, a wider hallway may be necessary. Think about if you want to add a table or other furniture to the space.
• Doors and Openings: It's also important to consider the layout of the home and the location of doors and other openings when determining the width of hallways. Typically, you will want to allow enough space to have a door open and for people to be able to comfortably get by.
• Flow and Floor Plan: Hallways should be wide enough to allow for easy movement between rooms without feeling cramped or cluttered. Think about what areas of the home are connected by the passageway and things that will need to regular go through the area. If the hallway is by a laundry room, will the laundry basket comfortably go through?

Ultimately, as long as your home is up to code, how wide your home’s hallways should be, really depends on you.

Can a Bigger Hallway Make a Difference in Your Home Design?

Bigger hallways can make a home appear more spacious, as they provide a sense of openness and flow between rooms. A wider hallway can also make it easier to move furniture and other large items through the space. Keep in mind, the overall size and layout of a home will also play a significant role in how spacious it appears.

When it comes to designing your dream home in Northeast Ohio, Sanctus Builders can help. Our experts can guide you through all of the decisions, even how wide your home’s hallways should be and what we recommend based on their usages and the overall look and feel of the space.

At Sanctus Builders, our team of knowledgeable professionals, general contractors, and skilled tradesmen, with over 70 years of combined experience, has worked with hundreds of homeowners in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties to ensure that they have the home of their dreams. We have integrity in all that we do, are honest and respectful, and will treat your home like it is our own. We strive for excellence and accountability and aim to provide high quality and affordable services and outstanding customer service.

Bring your vision and we will deliver with passion. Bring your plans and we will bring them to life. Bring your ideas and we will build them. Contact us to get started today.