How easy to split a bedroom into two?

KaratePigeon

Me and my 3 kids currently live in a large house so they are used to having their own space. Unfortunately I now need to downsize and struggling to find any 4 bedroom houses in the area that I can afford. I'm going to view a 3 bedroom, 3 storey house this week, 2 of the bedrooms are quite large so I think this could work for us? I'd really like to make this into 4 bedroom by the easiest/cheapest way possible. The house is on a fairly new development built about 7 years ago so I don't know if there's any rules about making changes like this. I might need to add a window?

I've hopefully attached a floorplan! The 'study area' is the landing for the bottom of the stairs so probably not useful. the rectangle in the master bedroom is a roof light but I'm guessing I'd need an actual window too if I split that one. The house is semi detached so can't add any windows on the right hand side. I don't need 3 toilets so happy to loose one if useful.

seanfos

How old are the kids?  The quickest and cheapest way could be to create a divider using beds to give each child in the room their own space. Something like the below, though likely a simplified version, would maybe give you what you need but without a big spend when you first move into the house. You can always see how things go and how you use the space before committing to a larger project

Sean

KaratePigeon

Thanks, I've seen things like that but my kids (aged between 8 and 13) especially the older 2, really want the privacy of being able to close a door to their room. 

FreeBear

The master bedroom is the only one large enough to split in to two without it feeling like a rabbit hutch. A couple of velux windows would help to get light in, and it could be done relatively cheaply... There are various building products that could be used - Europanel (a plasterboard composite) plus some steel channels. Or timber stud wall.

KaratePigeon

Thanks, would I need a proper window for building regs though?

FreeBear

KaratePigeon said: would I need a proper window for building regs though?

You would need to discuss that with your local council planning dept and/or an architect - Although, for a simple room divider, I wouldn't bother with an architect.

knightstyle

Remove the en-suite and put a jack/jill one in the middle of the master bedroom to create two bedrooms with shared en-suite. Plumbing is below there so easy to do. Apply for an extra window where the wardrobes are.

slm6002

I am currently in the process of this. In my council area, I asked but did not need planning permission for the extra window, but have had to get building regulations to make sure all was / is completed to standard.  My home is 2 story semi detached and the front bedroom is the one being split (master room) for my 2 DD's.  The rooms are fairly small but big enough to get the basic furniture in.  We needed to add radiator to the second room and electrics.

Like others from the plan I would split the top floor master bedroom and either get rid of the ensuite completely or move it in between the 2 rooms like another person mentioned.

bris

Only real option is to get rid of the ensuit and creat a small hall at the top of the stairs with a door going into each bedroom.

Section62

KaratePigeon said:

I'd really like to make this into 4 bedroom by the easiest/cheapest way possible. The house is on a fairly new development built about 7 years ago so I don't know if there's any rules about making changes like this.

Depending on the local planning policies, converting a 3-bed into a 4-bed may require the provision of an additional parking space. Whether the planers insist on this or not can't be predicted until you talk to them.

The rest of the house, especially the kitchen doesn't look that big - although it might work for you, you need to account for future potential difficulties in selling a 4-bed property without the supporting space in other rooms.

dimbo61

Agree with knightstyle about splitting the master bedroom in 2 and installing a Jack and Jill shower room. Toilet and sink on one side and 1/1.2meter shower enclosure on the other.