odd shaped extended bedroom

[MamaChocoholic]

We are hoping to build a 2 storey extension on the side of our house: utility downstairs and extend a very tiny boxroom upstairs so the dc can have a useable bedroom each. However, it seems that to put a big enough hole in the side of the house would require lots of structural work, adding up to 10k and putting it beyond our price range. The alternative is to put a 4" hole in the wall, beyond which would be a (just over) 4" x 10" space, window at one end. The box room then becomes small bedroom plus study/dressing area. Personally I would have loved this as a child, and am inclined to go ahead on the grounds we will live here for a long time, and it will make life easier. But, would an unconventional extension like this put you off a house? Don't think we'll be adding much value, but don't want to decrease it.

[PhyllisDoris]

Assume you mean 4' not 4". Or are your DCs very small?

[MamaChocoholic]

Argh! All the " up there are supposed to be ' - the extension will be 4 feet by 10 feet internally, not 4 inches.

[PhyllisDoris]

Ps, I think it sounds ok for a small child, but not so ideal for a teenager, who might want more space to hang out with friends

[MamaChocoholic]

Well they are quite small, but even they wouldn't fit in 40 sq inches

[FishfingersAreOK]

I think you would constantly find it frustrating and restricting. Is it something you could amend later if it did...and would it then cost even more to do retrospectively?

[nextphase]

Well, your not going to be making the current box room any smaller, so your not making the space any smaller.

But, is the 10K definite? Would a different builder make it any cheaper? Anywhere else money could be temporarily removed from the extension, to allow the steelworks to be done, and then the other bits could be done as you have the money? I'd try and find a way to get the structural work done, personally.

[MamaChocoholic]

We will definitely check with another builder. The cost arises because the cheaper option is to use SIPs, which don't need very deep footings. The builder (who I trust) said if we need to build out in brick for structural support, then that whole wall needs to be brick, necessitating 6-8' footings in this area, so I don't think it could be amended later.

I don't think there's space to remove money from anywhere else, we are not doing anything fancy or expensive.

The alternative is to wait a couple of years and try and save, but the thought of a utility room is lovely, and a downstairs toilet should make the imminent twin potty training a little easier.

[VivaLeBeaver]

So you'd have a 4ftx10ft space jutting out of a box room?

I'm guessing the box room is big enough for a bed, bedside table. Chest of drawers?

So the extra space could fit in a desk, shelving, maybe a wardrobe?

It wouldn't put me off and I do see an appeal in quirky shaped rooms. As a kid I'd have loved it, having a little snuggle, secret space. But I'd think carefully, do a proper diagram to scale working out how usable the space would be, what you can fit in. I'd probably go to ikea and look at their mocked up rooms, they have some fab ideas of how to squeeze a lot in a little space. I guess you could always put a single bed in the new space and leave the box room bit for other furniture?

[beth12345]

If you do mean a small space off the box room I had a similar bedroom arrangement as a teenager and loved it. I had my bed in one section and a small sofa and tv the other space and it felt like my own little den.

[MamaChocoholic]

Yes, exactly what I mean. Although perhaps jutting out suggests the wrong angle. Long edge of new part will be along side of house, with the hole connecting the two in the middle of the long side, although at one end of the existing box, as new bit about 4" longer than box. So it would be an L shaped room if we could open the wall fully.

Builder's dad likes making 3d models, so we can play with layout before final commitment. Should be possible either to have bed etc in existing box part and desk etc in new bit, or bed + wardrobe in new part and use existing box bit for chill out/play room.

It's something I would have loved as a kid, but am also aware parents and not kids will be buying this house when we need to move.

[cavell]

It sounds quite good to me. People won't be put off as long as they can see a use for the space, IMO. It will have a window, right? Then you could either put a bed in it or use it as a study area. It makes a box room seem like the kind of space a child or teenager might like.

[MamaChocoholic]

Thanks for the positive replies. Feeling more positive about it now :)

[betterwhenthesunshines]

It depends how you plan to use the space. 4 foot is very narrow and you won't fit anything lengthways eg a full size single bed is 3 foot so you'd only have 1 foot on one side of it which isn't enough to stand next to it to make the bed.
Or a 4 foot small double of course :o

It could work if you put a desk across the short side at the end though? I presume you'll have a window in that space? In which case it could be a nice separate area from the bed area.