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Building a Home Design Dilemma Bedroom

DESIGN DILEMMA - 5TH ROOM vs Walk in pantry sitting room/study

7 years ago

Hi all,

I have a design dilemma.

I'm tossing up between creating a definitive 5th bedroom, vs splitting that space up so I could have a walk in pantry next to the kitchen, and a sitting room/ formal lounge room / study which can flow onto the dinning room.

5th bedroom (2.5m x 3m) means extra value in the property.

Walkin pantry (1.2m x 1.6m) + Study/sitting/play room (2.2 x 2.2m) will make the property feel more luxurious. Though there is only 4 bedrooms in this option.

Please see the below diagrams.

What are your thoughts.

Thanks

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Comments (5)

PRO
Alistair McLean
7 years ago
I think it depends on your market. A bedroom that is only 2.5metres wide is pretty cosy, and has limited options. In addition the average Australian household size is getting smaller so the demand for five bedroom houses is reducing. I would debate if a tiny fifth bedroom would provide more value than your other options, especially if it comes directly off the kitchen area. Remember good design can help sell a house, whereas poor design can hinder a sale. I can't see any good design in your three options so I would be calling in a professional designer who knows your location and market to help clarify your thinking and approach.

Best of luck

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls
Newbie thanked Alistair McLean
PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago
As what Dr has noted.

My personal opinion is if I was in the market for a property I wouldn't even look at a 5 bedroom house unless it was in my price range. I just don't need that many rooms.

Don't fall into the 'real estate' trap of more more more and bigger is better. Australian houses are usually oversize because of building this way of 'more value because its bigger'... rather than smaller, good design and quality.
Newbie thanked MB Design & Drafting
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PRO
Paul Di Stefano Design
7 years ago
There is a difference in proposing changes for the purpose of your own functional needs, as opposed to speculative value-adding purpose. The latter is always a roll of the dice and trying to 2nd guess potential buyers, which is (IMO) never a sensible approach to a building project. Without understanding the entire house/scenario, it's impossible to offer judgement one way or the other. Design decisions should always be considered in the overall scheme of things, and as always balanced against your goals and of course costs involved. A Bedroom straight off a dining room will not be very appealing, however potentially a small study space could be deemed a logical /practical space. If you're serious about it best seek professional design assistance to help you work through your options.

Cheers PD :)
Newbie thanked Paul Di Stefano Design
mummagabz
7 years ago
2.5x3m bedroom, would only fit a single bed (let alone a wardrobe) I can’t imagine many would think that that would be value adding.

Whereas a study area near the kitchen/dining would be useful for most families, and of course most women would want a WIP!
Newbie thanked mummagabz
oklouise
7 years ago
if short term profit is the major goal then a project house would be much more cost effective than a custom build and the major attraction will usually be location and price and not an extra tiny room
Newbie thanked oklouise

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