Monday, May 31, 2010

Another Master Bedroom Suite

A second bedroom suite makes your house more versatile and valuable.


You can increase your home's value by adding a second master suite. Many families find the extra space attractive for in-laws or adult children living in the home. A master suite is a good place to find privacy and relaxation away from the rest of the family. A home with two expanded bedroom areas will always find a unique place in the real estate market, since it provides a good solution for an extended family living under one roof.


Instructions








1. Look for room to expand your current foundation to accommodate a second master suite. If you have a large bedroom area and adjoining hallway, you might create a master suite without expanding your home's foundation. A master suite requires room for sleeping, sitting and relaxing, a large closet, and a bathroom area. By removing a couple of interior walls, you might find this space. If you remove any load-bearing walls, you'll need expert help in reframing the surrounding structure. Load-bearing walls literally hold up the house's weight.


2. Tear out any drywall areas to run additional outlets or light fixtures into the master suite. Decide where plumbing pipes and drains will enter the area. Frame all walls for the bedroom, closet and bath using 2-by-4-inch boards. Allow room for a garden tub, large shower and vanity area in the bathroom. Place wall studs on 18-inch centers. Run electrical wiring and any duct work to the area for heat and air. Install sub-flooring in the new master suite.


3. Cut through the home's exterior framing to place new windows. Hire an expert to help you remove brick and stone. Never cut through an exterior wall of any type without an expert carpenter on site. Install new windows and refinish the exterior of the house. Insulate the exterior perimeter walls and the ceiling area of the master suite. Enclose the interior areas in drywall. Finish with joint compound, and sand for painting. Install wood trim and crown molding in the area. Paint all drywall with flat or semi-gloss paint. Paint all wood trim and molding with semi-gloss or high-gloss paint.


4. Install wood flooring or tile in the sleeping area. Install all fixtures, plumbing and tile in the bathroom area. You can use carpet in the closet area if you desire. Put baseboard materials around all walls and inside the closet. Hang closet doors and the exterior doors of the master suite. Hook up all light fixtures and electrical outlets.


5. Add special touches such as high-end wallpaper, wood shelving or a fireplace to the room. Install wire shelving or wooden shelving in the closet area. Build a wall unit to hold a TV and media players if you desire. Add mirror tiles on one or more walls to add light to the space.

Tags: master suite, bathroom area, closet area, expert help, Install wood, light fixtures, second master