9 clever space opportunities to spot on property viewings

If you’re searching for a new home because you want more space, know that every building has hidden potential.Whether you’ve set your heart on an extra bedroom, more outdoor space, a special place to do your daily yoga or a home office to call your own, scratch beneath the surface when you view a property and let your creativity - and your curiosity - take over. Perhaps there’s a basement that can be brought to life, a flat roof to be cultivated, a wall to be knocked down or a hidden nook just waiting to be transformed into a glorious living or working space.

The trick is to keep an open mind on property viewings. Get ideas about what's possible by looking at how other homes nearby have been extended or reconfigured. And remember to arm yourself with a tape measure so you can size up on the spot.

For our ultimate guide on unlocking your next space, see our Space Out A-Z. Meanwhile, here are 9 space opportunities to keep an eye out for.

If you’re looking at a property with a loft or roof space, lift the ceiling on your imagination and picture a whole new room - or even a whole new floor - for you to work, sleep or play in.

“Loft conversions are particularly popular for adding extra bedrooms, bathrooms or home-based offices,” says Jenny Harborne of RIBA chartered practice IMAGO Architects. “And one of the joys of a simple interior loft conversion is that planning permission is not necessarily required.”

Whenever you’re considering any alterations, it’s always wise to first check what you’re allowed to do with your local authority, says Harborne. The planning portal can be a helpful place to find out more.

For a room with a high ceiling or unused roof space, a mezzanine - an intermediate level between two floors - can also be a stylish way to add floorspace.

A simple mezzanine could be an enlarged landing area overlooking a stairwell or a raised sleeping area in a bedroom. A full mezzanine level requires more work - you’ll need stairs and secure flooring.

A basic structure starts from £1,000 but it can easily get into five figures for a large mezzanine.

Basement developments can completely transform a property (and add tremendous value too), so check out what’s under your feet.

“A teen’s den or an exercise room might fit happily in an underground space, “ says Harborne. “But if you’d like to install a new kitchen or living area, critical issues such as light, ventilation and plumbing need serious consideration.”

Making a subterranean cavern feel ‘un-basementy’ can be a challenge, but an architect will help you turn it into a place you love.

“One way of making a basement into a nice space is to extend the excavations outside, to create a patio. This will bring in daylight and can vastly improve the feel of a living area. Of course, this will eat into your garden space, but if that’s not an issue then it’s well worth considering.”

Under-garden basement extensions are also becoming increasingly common as people seek to create more space, says Harborne. These have several advantages: they are less of a structural risk to your property (and your neighbours'), and you can create glass ceiling windows to bring in light. Basement renovation costs vary massively. Conversion of an existing cellar, where no excavation is required, will cost anything from £750 – £1,400 per square metre, according to structural specialists LABC Warranty.

With clever design solutions, a hidden built-in storage cupboard or area under the stairs could be converted into the perfect work space.

“Small spaces can present a challenge in terms of interior design, but there is plenty that can be done to make these tricky spaces practical to use, as well as beautiful,” says Emma Sims-Hilditch from the Sims Hilditch design practice.“Instead of using a glaring overhead light, for example, why not install thoughtfully placed wall lamps to create a soft glow?” suggests Sims-Hilditch, a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. “Hanging a large round mirror will reflect this light around the room, making it appear larger, too.”

Window seats are visually pleasing and provide extra seating space as well as storage when fitted with drawers, cabinets, or a simply-hinged bench top.

“Smart storage is particularly useful when space is at a minimum. Bespoke joinery built around unsightly pipes and awkward corners can be used to slot wicker baskets in, for example, providing an attractive way to keep the area tidy,” says Sims-Hilditch.

Spotting clever space opportunities doesn’t just mean looking at the interior. A converted roof terrace can become a second living room, a relaxed chill-out zone, an exercise space, an alternative garden, or the ultimate entertaining spot.

The extra 'wow' factor will increase the re-sale value of your home. In London, estate agents estimate it adds between 10% - 25%.

Before you start planning your dream terrace, there are several things to bear in mind – from structural design and load-bearing considerations, to safety and compliance and crucially, planning permission.

According to Jo Thomson Garden Design, a roof terrace can cost anything from £7,500 to more than £40,000.

Building outwards on a rear ground floor, perhaps to create a new kitchen or dining space, is also worth considering.

And, the government's new laws make it easier for homeowners to extend their properties.

The cost of an extension depends on how much work is required. A simple rear extension can cost around £2,000 per square metre. 

If a property has a rear outdoor area, a garden studio can be a splendid way to get that extra room you crave.

There are lots of glorious styles and designs to choose from, from contemporary studio huts to traditional ‘wendy house’ buildings. Some garden studios are large enough to incorporate a kitchen or even a bathroom.

“A garden room will allow you to expand your home without intrusive and sometimes complicated extensions, while simultaneously adding value,” says Rachel Wichall of eDEN Garden Rooms.

It also has the flexibility to become whatever you want it to be, whether it’s extra family space, a quiet place to work away from the home or a personal gym.

Sometimes, creating extra space can simply mean making a room work harder - perhaps by giving it more than one function. A living room could be used as a home office by day and a room to relax in by night, for example.

Dividing a space up into specific areas can also work well, says Harborne.

“Pocket doors, which slide away into the walls, are perfect for flexible space use - you might want to keep them closed for your working day and then open them up to create a bigger family space in the evening.”

Knocking through walls can also be a great way to create extra space. When you’re viewing a property, check the walls - if they sound hollow, they are most likely stud walls which can be easily removed.

By adding or removing walls, you can reconfigure a space with relative ease at a low cost - opening it up or dividing it to suit your needs.

• 12 super space-saving tips and tricks for your rented home

• Maximising small kitchen spaces: tips and tricks

• How to zone your open-plan room