- 1). 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.
- 2). 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.
- 3). 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.
- 4). 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.
- 5). 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.
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