Your home’s layout can have a huge impact on how you live—affecting everything from how you entertain to how easily you move through your space. Unfortunately, many homes (especially older ones) are filled with inefficient, outdated, or downright frustrating floor plans.
At AEM Construction & Restoration, we work with homeowners to fix these layout flaws through smart, functional remodeling. If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this wall here?”—you’re not alone. Here are some of the most common layout mistakes we see, and how we help fix them.
1. Closed-Off Kitchens
The Problem:
In older homes, kitchens are often separated from the living or dining areas. This creates isolation for whoever’s cooking and limits natural light and social interaction.
The Fix:
Open up the space by removing non-load-bearing walls or adding a kitchen island that connects the space visually and functionally to adjacent areas. Open-concept layouts remain one of the most requested updates—and for good reason.
2. Wasted Hallway Space
The Problem:
Long, narrow hallways that serve no real function waste valuable square footage and break up the flow of a home.
The Fix:
We redesign layouts to shorten or repurpose hallways, often by expanding adjacent rooms or creating built-in storage or workspaces within the corridor.
3. Poor Bedroom-to-Bathroom Ratio
The Problem:
Too few bathrooms for the number of bedrooms—especially in homes with additions—can create stress and reduce resale appeal.
The Fix:
We help homeowners add bathrooms or convert underused closets or corners into ensuite half-baths or full bathrooms, particularly in primary bedrooms or guest areas.
4. Awkward Entryways
The Problem:
You walk straight into the living room, or there's no place to hang coats or store shoes—sound familiar?
The Fix:
We transform entry points by building functional drop zones, small mudrooms, or installing partition walls that create a sense of arrival without needing a full foyer.
5. Lack of Storage
The Problem:
Many homes have poor storage—especially for families. No place for linens, cleaning supplies, or seasonal items leads to clutter.
The Fix:
We incorporate built-in shelving, under-stair drawers, custom closets, and hidden cabinets wherever possible. Remodeling is the ideal time to carve out hidden storage opportunities.
6. Tiny Laundry Rooms or None at All
The Problem:
A cramped laundry closet or no laundry space at all makes an everyday chore even harder.
The Fix:
We reconfigure adjacent closets or unused corners to create a proper laundry room or combined mudroom-laundry space, complete with cabinetry, counters, and utility sinks.
7. Bad Flow Between Common Areas
The Problem:
It’s hard to get from the kitchen to the dining area, or furniture can’t be arranged naturally due to narrow walkways or oddly placed doors.
The Fix:
We look at how you use your space and rework traffic flow through smart layout planning. This might include widening doorways, shifting openings, or combining two small rooms into one cohesive space.
8. Oversized or Underused Formal Spaces
The Problem:
Many homes have a formal living or dining room that gets used maybe twice a year, while other areas feel cramped.
The Fix:
We can reimagine these rooms—opening them up to the kitchen, turning them into offices, playrooms, or even main-level bedrooms depending on your needs.
AEM Construction & Restoration: Layout Experts You Can Trust
We know how important it is to feel comfortable in your space—not just aesthetically, but functionally. If your home layout feels awkward, inefficient, or outdated, we can help. Our team listens to your daily routines and designs layouts that reflect how you actually live.
From minor reconfigurations to major structural redesigns, we bring both design and craftsmanship to every project.
Let’s Fix the Flow of Your Home
Is your home’s layout holding you back? Call AEM Construction & Restoration at 770-694-6485 today to schedule a consultation and explore what’s possible. The right layout can completely change how you live in your home—and we’re here to make it happen.
