Fight cabin fever, convert unused space with these home upgrades

With winter coming and in a year when you’ve probably been inside more than usual, it’s an ideal time to rethink how you use your existing space.

You can find many uses for those areas of your home that may have gone to waste until now. Combat cabin fever with these relatively simple home upgrades.

As an added bonus, contractors who do this kind of work are in the middle of their slow periods, meaning you can often hire quickly and get a good deal on materials and labor.

Reclaim your crawlspace

Repurpose this overlooked corner of your home by turning it into a storage area.

The most important step is installing a vapor barrier, which will stop moisture from entering your home through the space’s damp dirt floors. This option isn’t for everyone, so consult a professional waterproofing service to see what’s possible for you. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for this service.

Upgrade your spare bedroom

Walk-in closet — A guest bedroom can be converted to a spacious walk-in closet.

Dreamstime

Convert your spare bedroom into a space you and your whole family can enjoy. An interior decorator can turn your long-delayed dreams into a reality with a decor plan, materials and installation.

Your options can include a workout room, craft room, a meditative reading area, or any other idea you can think of.

You can even convert a spare bedroom into the luxurious walk-in closet of your dreams.

Rethink your unfinished basement

Sauna — A sauna is one idea for a basement remodel.

Star Tribune

If your basement is unfinished and underused, don’t wait any longer to maximize its potential.

Set up that home theater you’ve been dreaming of, or add a guest bed and bath to take full advantage of the extra square footage. Alternatively, install a game room for family time and relaxation.

Basement refinishing costs an average of about $10,000, but it’s well worth it due to the comfort and utility it adds to your home, not to mention interest from buyers if you ever sell.

Odd nooks and crannies

Perhaps you have a large bedroom and dream of an elaborate window seat. Maybe a well-placed breakfast nook could breathe new life into your kitchen.

You can install built-in shelving in otherwise unused space to add both functionality and beauty. A remodeling or interior design pro can help create a space that’s both eye-catching and functional.

The do’s, don’ts of affordable family room upgrades

DO: Create a furniture configuration around a focal point in the room.

DO: Add cozy elements such as toss pillows and throws.

DO: Try to use commercial or hospitality grade fabric on upholstery pieces.

DO: Anchor a space with a large area rug.

DON’T: Fill a family room with too many special or breakable pieces.

DON’T: Just select dark and drab fabric colors.

DON’T: Forget lighting.

DON’T: Use your family room as a discarded space or storage area.

DON’T: Forget to create a multipurpose space.

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Fight cabin fever, convert unused space with these home upgrades | Home & Garden