Creating a gaming/office space in a flat

[benimaru7]

I live in a two bed flat in London with one main bathroom (bath/toilet) and an en-suite with shower/toilet. We recently had our old boiler removed along with the water tank which freed up a small airing cupboard that backs onto our en-suite.

Since I work from home and the second bedroom is my sons I often tink about how to utilize the space better. I had an idea of using the old airing cupboard as a separate toilet and redoing the en-suite as an our main bath/shower wet room. Access to both can be from the hallway (I’d need to add a door for the bathroom in the hallway as it’s currently an en-suite and block the door in the bedroom).

I could then change the main bathroom into an office/gaming space. The main bathroom backs onto two storage cupboards. So I could extend the office into those cupboards for more space also.

The main question is whether this will devalue my property since I’m removing one toilet and one bathroom? I’d be gaining a good size room for an office/play area for my son. My wife seems to think it would devalue the property but I’m inclined to think the extra space would be a benefit especially to those who work from home. It couldn’t be a bedroom since there’s no window. I intended on having sliding glass panels. No idea on cost to do this which could be a big factor.

 

[69er]

I live up north and a rural location but I occasionally watch homes under the hammer program on bbc..

Maybe if it’s your forever home it’s your comfort choice but if you plan to ever move? Then might be an idea to get a value estimate off a friendly local estate agent because you are ‘thinking of selling’ and have some proposed changes fully drawn up ready for their visit and see if they could say as an opinion , if it would be a benefit or depreciation on the flat value

Maybe a stupid idea altogether as if your flat is leasehold the landlord freeholder may not allow such changes and building regulations that may exist in the area? Especially if it’s a period property in the city? Just a suggestion I am no expert .

Depending on room size you have there are some small game cabs available take little space and easier to get up stairs and through doorways !

 

[Retroman839]

New door way - £1000 I would think,

Get a diy book on carpentry

First 1.
Make sure wall isn’t load bearing where you are going to cut through for the door .

Do it your self save your monies. If you can use a hand saw you can do it..

2. Wires and pipes ,
Use cable finders and metal detector for pie finders, you will have nails in the timber studs if it’s timber ?,

Regarding reducing value of the flat .. I would say no .
Because new owner will buy the property for your asking price if they like it 👍

If they want a bathroom in that space they will ..
If they want a gym they will

If they want a solerium they will

Point being sometimes a blank canvas is preferred from a new buyer

You could cap all the services só they remain ..

Or better still utilises in your games room. Kitchenette ,,
Cuppa tea / slice of toast with your mates whilst you’re enjoying your games .. don’t need to trouble the missus when she’s making dinner 😉.

This way your still using your pluming preserving it at the same time for potential new owner , for a simple re usage into a bathroom 👍…

I’m west London marlowbuildingcarpentry.com

 

[eliotcole]

Alternative is a nice, large (king, cali king) murphy bed, with your monitors, desk, etc, underneath it.
Gaming/office work when bed up, sleep/sexy when bed down.
Win. Win.

 

[benimaru7]

Thanks for the tips guys!