Making better use of wasted space

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Home buyers dream of that perfect home with just the right amount of square footage, but for many, that dream will never become a reality. Even if your home has less square footage than you had hoped for, opportunity often exists right under our very noses. In most homes, up to 20 percent of the available space is underutilized.

For some, it’s a long, narrow hallway or an attic employed only to store Christmas decorations. For others, it’s a formal dining room used only twice a year. To find more room where none appears to exist, you need to rethink the way your space is used!

A small unused bedroom can easily be converted into a perfect walk-in closet. If the master bedroom is next to the room, make an opening in the wall so it can be accessed from inside the master. Now imagine that room with shelves, shoe racks, and rods custom-built for your lifestyle. Another option would be to convert the room into a master bathroom with that walk-in shower or jacuzzi you’ve always wanted.

Oftentimes, there are little nooks and crannies hidden all over your home that can be turned into never-before-thought-of space. Many homes have interior staircases, and in many cases, the space under the stairs is either dry-walled closed or used as storage. Why not open up the space under the steps completely, install a couple of cabinets or book shelves, or place a small desk against the wall?

Now back to the dining room that I spoke of earlier. Granted, you do use the space once or twice a year, but what about your day-to-day life? In today’s fluid work world, many of us either work from home or take work home with us. Your formal dining room can be easily converted into a home office, a place where the kids can do their homework, or even a place to pay your bills and keep your home life in order.

Take a walk around your home and take a good look! I’m sure there plenty of hidden treasures in terms of unused or underused space. The possibilities are endless!

For more, call 847-292-4700, e-mail gz@zerillorealty.com or visit www.zerillorealty.com.

About Giuseppe Zerillo

Giuseppe Zerillo is the managing broker and owner of Zerillo Realty Inc. He is active on many boards, serving as village trustee of Harwood Heights and corporate secretary for Casa Italia. In 2011, he received the IANU Foundation's 2011 David Award for outstanding promise in the field of real estate, and in 2012 he was honored by the Illinois State Crime Commission for his community outreach. Constantly seeking opportunities to give back, he donates to several charities and raises money for children with disabilities.

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