How to Design & Create a Bonus Room

Look for wasted space in a home's floor plan. Find space over a garage or in a basement area, for example. Figure out how much room exists for overhead ceiling space, closets, doorways or windows. Look for ways to access the new room via a staircase or wall opening.

Obtain city codes and a building permit. Go over your basic plan with city officials before investing time or money. Make sure you are allowed to construct a bonus room in a loft space, for example. Look for how visitors and family members will exit the space in case of fire. Plan to build a deck outside an attic, for instance, as one fire escape option.

Sketch the new room's framework. Plan wall studs and ceiling rafters on 16-inch centers. Design door and window openings in the planning stages. Review home design books for additional ideas to create built-in wall bookcases and closet systems while framing is underway. Plan the routing of electrical wiring and plumbing to the bonus room while you make various drawings.

Buy material for the construction process. Make a list of every item, including drywall, flooring materials, closet doors and light fixtures. Visit close-out sales to save on closet doors, light fixtures and paint, for example. Look for ways to save on materials, so you can use the savings to install high-quality hardwood flooring or tile.

Frame the room using 2-by-4-inch lumber boards. Lay the room's sub-flooring, usually consisting of particle board or plywood, to create a walking space for constructing the room. Install plumbing and electrical needs before nailing drywall into place. Use joint compound and sand drywall to a smooth finish. Paint the room and all trim, including baseboards, before installing the finished floor. Lay the finished flooring last.