How to add a 4th bedroom?

[mccarthyelaine7]

Hello,

Interested in adding a wall in the front "living area" to create a 4th bedroom. Have read about this being a simple and straightforward low cost way to add value to your home.

Would you be able to provide any guidance on where to partition, and what else to consider? Really trying to keep this simple, functional and low cost.

Appreciate any thoughts or insights as we consider this option.

Thank you!

Elaine

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Hi @mccarthyelaine7,

Adding a wall to convert a living area into a fourth bedroom is a great way to maximise space and add value to your home with minimal cost. The key is to ensure the new layout remains functional and meets basic bedroom requirements. Ideally, the partition wall should create a space that’s at least 3m x 3m to be practical and comfortable. If possible, align the new wall with existing ceiling joists to make the framing process easier.

It’s also important to consider access and natural light. The new bedroom will need a door that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the home, so think about how the entry will integrate with the existing layout. Since the living area already has a window, that’s a major advantage, as natural light and ventilation are often required for a room to be classified as a bedroom. 

Beyond the wall itself, consider any electrical work that might be needed, such as adding a light switch, power points, or even an air conditioning vent if required. Keeping it simple and functional will help you achieve a budget-friendly transformation while making sure the space remains practical for future use. 

I've made an adjustment to your plan below, which keeps the full width of the hall. I also added a second, which would be more work but establishes a full-size master bedroom, larger than your other rooms.

Here are a few handy guides: How to build a stud wall, How to plasterboard a stud wall, How to install a door jamb and How to hang a door.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[mccarthyelaine7]

Hi Mitchell, 

Thanks for your input on the above - extremely helpful. Just wondering - can you make any suggestions regarding option 1, where a "movable" door / wall might work. So that we could open the wall and use the area as a second living room when needed and at other times pull the wall across and use it as an office / spare bedroom where more privacy is required. I would really appreciate any thoughts / suggestions on this.

Thank you, 

[Jason]

Hi @mccarthyelaine7,

Just wanted to give you a heads-up that Mitch is taking a well-earned break today and will be back on the site tomorrow.

Let me tag a few helpful members for their thoughts in the meantime: @redbournreno, @Nailbag, @2Belindas.

Jason

[Nailbag]

Hi @mccarthyelaine7 

Taking in some of the excellent points made by @MitchellMc and your requirements in your last post, please find below another option.

• Install a wall at the entrance extending inline with the hallway. The wall would incorporate a cavity sliding door with lockable option.
• Looking from the living room to dining, move the opening right by extended the left and reducing the right walls.
• Install a barn door to the living room to suit the style of the house to close off the living to the dining/kitchen.

This design is very cost effective as it allows you to essentially maintain the current floor-plan and flow of the home and no impact on services. To turn it into a quieter study space or bedroom is a simple matter of closing one or both sliding doors in a matter of seconds. This has the added benefit of never needing to move furniture etc.

Regards Nailbag

[mccarthyelaine7]

That's an awesome idea and really given us something to think about. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thank you.

[MitchellMc]

I love @Nailbag's idea too, @mccarthyelaine7; a practical solution indeed!

Mitchell

[Nailbag]

Thank you @mccarthyelaine7 and you're very welcome.

Nailbag