Of all the room additions and alterations a homeowner can make, one that is enjoying a resurgence in popularity is the creation of a great room.
The recession has kept a lot of people at home and as a result many families found that, yes, they did actually enjoy spending time together.
The ideal great room ties a number of spaces - primarily eating, living, and recreational - together in a single area. Some newer homes are now designed along the great room concept but, if you want a great room in a more traditional house, it is very likely that some walls will need to come down.
Knocking out walls or demolishing columns that are in the way is a tricky business best left to the pros. You
may think that you know which are the supporting walls in your home but it will be a little too late to say "whoops" if, upon demolition of that dining room wall, the ceiling comes crashing down as well.
It is often well worth working with an architect as well as a good general contractor when planning the creation of a new great room. A good great room is as efficient and functional as it is attractive and an architect is just the person to help you get it all right. Even if you only hire one for a brief consultation (many architects are willing to do that) it is almost always money very well spent in the long run.
Once all of the basic planning and major structural issues have been squared away, it is then time to think about the fine detail. It's well worth remembering that the idea behind this remodel is that you and your family will be spending a great deal of time in this room, so seemingly minor touches such as hardwood floors, some decorative crown molding, or built-in shelves can really make all the difference.
