See Your House in a New Light

Before you pick up the phone to call a contractor or an architect, let's look at your house in ways that you probably never have before. This will allow you to gain a true understanding of your house and how you live in it, beyond its obvious pleasures and annoyances.

1) Take a Step Back

Actually, take 100 steps back, and take a good long look at your house. You might want to squint so that you see the house in its entirety as opposed to distracting specifics. Look at the three-dimensional space. Is there one symmetrical mass that's of a piece? Or is there one main shape with one or several smaller shapes? Does an addition stand out in a pronounced way, marring what is otherwise a symmetrical house? You are going for the big-picture view here.

2) Come a Little Closer

Now, take out your binoculars. Look at your house from a close and far distance. You may be surprised at the details that you see, that you have unconsciously overlooked. There may be a design detail that you like especially that you might want to incorporate in your planned home renovation.

3) Get Ready to Get Dirty

Those tattered trousers you may still be holding onto will come in handy here. Add a long-sleeved shirt and sneakers or work shoes and you're dressed for the job at hand. Grab a clipboard, tape measure, hammer, jackknife, and flashlight. The screwdriver's optional. There's a good chance that you'll have to inspect those out-of-plainview spaces such as the cellar and the attic on all fours. Remember, the most inexpensive way to expand your living space is to finish unused areas, but in order to do that, the areas will have to be dry, properly ventilated, and adequately spacious.