Are you a professional or aspiring artist in Winnipeg? Do you own your house? Then an “art studio in home” installation/addition makes perfect sense. It’s the dream scenario for artisans, but there’s a lot more to it than adding an easel to a spare room, at least if you want it done right. We encourage you to realize this dream and optimize your ability to create paintings, sculptures, photographs, or whatever your medium may be. Read ahead for tips on how to add the perfect home art studio to your property.
6 Tips for Professional Artists Who Want to Add an Art Studio to Their Winnipeg Home
Renovation or Expansion to Add Art Studio
If you have a spare room in your house, a renovation that abides by the considerations laid out below makes sense. But what if you don’t have the interior space to spare?
If exterior square footage allows, a traditional extension that will be completed by removing an exterior wall and adding an expanded foundation, three walls, flooring, and a ceiling (plus electrical, etc.) over available exterior square footage is viable. Another alternative for those with available yard space is to build a detached art studio addition on the property.
If there is no yard space to pull from, then you might consider a second or third story (as applicable) addition. With the right home expansion expert (more on this below) it’s a lot less complicated than it sounds. Another option is to convert an existing garage into the art studio. Homeowners convert garages into living spaces all the time, and an art studio is really no different (easier, in fact). What about your vehicle? If space allows, you can build a covered carport instead, which can open into your art studio (if desired).
Add Natural Light
Aside from photographers who need a dark room, art is best created in an environment with ample natural light. It allows the artisan eye to see the true nature of colors and textures, unfiltered by artificial lighting. If undertaking a renovation to add an art studio in the home, your contractor can open up walls to add large windows. Alternatively they can open up the ceiling to add a skylight so that natural light extends evenly within the space to mitigate the presence of shadows. If undertaking an outright addition/expansion, your contractor can measure which side of the space will receive the most natural light exposure through all four seasons and create openings accordingly.
UV Safeguarding
There is another consideration to note for those who plan to display their photographic works, drawings, and paintings on the walls of their home art studio. While natural light is idyllic when creating your works, the sun’s UV rays can be harmful, fading images and colors over time. This should be considered when designing the space. You can ask your renovation/expansion expert about installing UV-filtering glass on the windows. It acts as a protective barrier that either reflects or absorbs (depending upon type) UV light and safeguards artisan pieces from deterioration. UV protective glass is chosen by museums and art galleries around the world, but there is no reason for Winnipeg homeowners with their own art studio to not do the same.
Installing Proper Ventilation
Whatever your medium may be, there are generally chemicals and compounds in the materials used to create works of art. Even if organic in nature, they can negatively impact the breathability of the space. For this reason alone your contractor must ensure that the home art studio is designed with proper ventilation. Further, artisan works may be sensitive to interior climates, and so this too must be considered when installing HVAC systems. Smart-home HVAC installations that can be scheduled and adjusted to account for varying temperatures and humidity levels will be critical. A contractor will need to work without subcontractors charged with these installations to ensure that your art studio maintains optimal breathability and a controlled internal climate.
Choose a Residential Renovation / Expansion Expert
Adding an art studio in the home is not the DIY project many people think that it is. Considering everything above, you need to secure the services of a home renovation/expansion expert who specializes in building home workshops, which directly aligns with the requirements above. While you may have concerns about the financial investment required, the final tip below can help put your mind at ease.
Write it Off!
As a professional or aspiring artist in Winnipeg who does or plans to earn income (of any amount) from selling or exhibiting work, you’ll be pleased to know that a significant portion of the renovation, expansion, or detached addition along with installations (electrical , HVAC, etc.) can be written off on current year taxes. If you don’t have the cash on hand, can free up the capital required using existing home equity and then use your tax return to pay down the loan. It’s a win-win for a professional artisan!
Vulcan Construction makes home art studio additions easy. Reach out via the contacts below for your FREE consultation and quote.
GET A QUOTE ON A HOME ART STUDIO
(Winnipeg Homeowners)