A ranch house remodel for modern times.
In this era of 2,500 square foot homes and larger, you may not remember that during the 1950s and 60s, the small ranch home was ideal. Built on a footprint of under 1,200 square feet with two or three bedrooms, a single bathroom and without a second story or a dining room, somehow millions of American families grew and thrived in these smaller homes. Instead of viewing a ranch house as a liability, rethink its potential as a home that is economical in fuel use and easy to maintain due to its modest size. Does this Spark an idea?
Beginning at the Front Door
Just because a room was designed for sleeping, doesn't mean it has to keep that purpose. Consider the people who live in the home, their ages and activities. Get more use of limited space by making rooms multipurpose. A guest bedroom can double as a home office or den with a daybed that masquerades as a couch. If TV watching is confined to the den and a formal living room is a waste of space but an open kitchen with a dedicated dining room is a long-cherished dream, there is no reason the floor plan has to be stuck in the past.
A small ranch that has three bedrooms but only requires two might be reconfigured to create a master suite with its own bath by combining two of the bedrooms. Most older ranch houses have real hardwood floors, If carpets are covering up this asset, remove them and refinish the floors to their original luster. Small rooms mean small work of sanding and finishing.
Kitchens
Update cabinets, install new countertops and sinks, and trade out old appliances for a contemporary kitchen. If there isn't a lot of counter space, install an island with bar stools for dining instead of having an eat-in kitchen. If space doesn't permit an island, a rolling cart can provide a welcome new prep area and increased storage space.
Cellars and Attics
A remodeled cellar or attic can nearly double the square footage of a ranch house. For maximum floor space, replace an oil tank and burner with gas heat, and create a new family room.
Insulate the attic, and add a shed dormer on the rear of the house if the roof pitch compromises the usable head room for larger bedrooms and an extra bath. Run water and sewer pipes up from the kitchen or downstairs bath area for minimum plumbing expenses.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms benefit from a facelift too. Instead of a pedestal sink, find a vanity that will provide more room to store towels and bath gear. A small linen closet can be redesigned with clever inserts, making them efficient and tidy. Resurface the tub if necessary, and install new water-saving shower fixtures.
Tags: ranch house, dining room, three bedrooms
