Renovating your home is an exciting time but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many questions to consider which will be influenced by budget, lifestyle requirements and specific needs. Some of the most important ones are:
- How should I renovate to avoid demolition and re-building?
- If I renovate should I go up, out or both?
- Can my existing home be made more sustainable?
- Is my budget enough to achieve what I want to do?
- What construction systems can I use to save money?
- How long is the project likely to take?
- What can give me short term capital growth?
Below is an infographic showing a number of ways you can add value to your home. It’s always important to speak with an expert before diving in though, and ensure careful planning so you don’t overcapitalise.
Sustainable home design
Making your home more energy efficient not only improves your lifestyle and reduces your carbon footprint but also helps save you money. Working alongside an experienced architect can help you identify the best options to make your home more sustainable. Certain features include solar panels, energy efficient heating and cooling, and double glazed windows. Battery storage can also maximise your free energy from the sun, allowing you to store it to be used at any time of the day.
Modernise your kitchen and bathroom
Your kitchen and bathroom are 2 of the most highly used rooms in a house and as such, should be a priority when performing an upgrade. Not only will it improve your lifestyle but will help resale value as they are both highly scrutinised areas by potential buyers. Enhancements may include better use of space, increased storage, walk in shower, heated towel racks and a double vanity. A custom design will add value to your home.
Create space out of thin air
The top and bottom of a home is underutilised by most households. By this we are talking about the attic and the basement. Converting your attic into a new room or loft essentially gives you another living area or retreat. Or at the very least, a place for extra storage! While not every house has a basement, many homes have the space to create room below the floor. This provides a perfect opportunity for a wine cellar. Not only is this an added luxury that will improve your lifestyle, it doesn’t take away from the existing space in your home.
Upgrade the essentials
The roof is one of the first things a person will see when visiting your home. Whether you’re selling or not, investing in a roof restoration will add value to the property. Flooring is a high-traffic part of your home and can deteriorate over time. Before replacing floors, you can look to clean, buff, sand and refinish the surface and potentially save you money. If replacement is necessary, hardwood floors are long wearing and visually appealing. Walls are another feature that deteriorate over time and repainting is where you can add value very quickly. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the aesthetics, both from a livability standpoint and a selling standpoint.
If you’re not sure where to begin, Archicentre Australia’s Design Consultation is a great way to start the process and find out what your options are. Our experts can guide you in the right direction so give us a call on 1300 13 45 13.
