When it comes to those all-important home improvements needed before putting your house on the market, projects such as remodeling the kitchen, renovating the bathroom, or even installing a brand new roof are normally at the top of the to-do list.

However, not much thought is usually given to a home’s ‘spare room’ – which is often left either empty or crammed full of boxes (as well as that once-used exercise bike).

With a little bit of imagination and a small budget, transforming any unoccupied space is a great way to add some extra functionality and personality to your home. Make your listing stand out from the crowd with these 5 easy and affordable ways to convert a spare room.

Walk-in closet

Aside from the pantry, it’s likely that your spare room is the smallest one in the house. Luckily, your new walk-in closet doesn’t require much floor space. In fact, all you really need is a touch of paint, free-standing clothing hangers and some well-picked furnishings (a full-length mirror is a good start) and you have yourself a functional and rather luxurious new room.

For those with a larger space and a more generous budget, consider the option of having custom-made storage space installed professionally. In this case, you’ll need to pick between wall-mounted and floor-mounted storage units, with cabinets and fixtures available in any color and design imaginable.

Home office

Statistically, more of us are working from home than ever before, meaning there’s a greater chance of a home office actually being utilized by a potential buyer. The work involved to convert the space should be quick and straightforward, too. Do bear in mind these quick tips:

• Maximize the room’s natural light by installing sleek blinds (plus, these feel a lot more ‘officey’ than heavy curtains)
• Don’t try to skimp on costs when it comes it furniture; a solid desk and comfy, ergonomically-friendly chair can make or break your office space
• A touch of personality can be a good thing – you don’t want the room to feel sterile… like an actual office. That said, try not to go over the top when it comes to loud colors
• Think about what you’ll see when you glance away from the computer screen. If it’s a wall straight in front of you, you might want to consider rearranging the layout. For example, positioning the chair-desk-computer setup near to a window or looking across the room from a corner might be a better idea.

A ‘half’ bedroom

Imagine yourself, as a potential buyer, looking around a two-bed property in which you’re interested. As you head upstairs to inspect the rooms, your real estate agent clarifies, “well, technically this is a two-and-a-half bed property”. And just like that, the property’s room occupancy has just jumped up by 25%!

Okay, so a compact single bedroom may not seem like something particularly worth boasting about, but for potential buyers, it’s definitely an added bonus. For example, some may have friends or relatives who tend to visit alone and are in need of a place to stay for the night, while others might be looking to lease out the property to tenants in the future. Depending on the size of the room and the work needed to be carried out, you may wish to outsource the work, especially if there’s new wiring or flooring involved.

Fitness Studio

So, where’s the nearest gym? Let me show you upstairs!

Installing a home gym sounds like a lot of expensive work, but it doesn’t have to be. Nowadays, there’s a huge range of second-hand equipment available online while prices for basic treadmills, elliptical machines and indoor bikes are surprisingly affordable. And remember, a functional home gym doesn’t have to be packed full of state-of-the-art equipment that can calculate how many calories you’re burning while simultaneously streaming Netflix. Instead, go for the basics like dumbbells, yoga mats, and resistance bands to keep costs down. One last thing to remember: if your spare room has a carpet, it will need to be ripped up.

A ‘Den’

The main specifications of a den room are that it is cozy, private and comfortable. However, before you start planning your new den’s layout, décor or furnishings, the first thing you need to ask yourself is ‘what is the room’s main function’? For example, as reading room, you’ll want to make sure there’s natural light and plenty of space for books; gamers, on the other hand, should be less worried about the lighting and more so the soundproofing and connectivity. Here’s some quick den-spiration via Pinterest!