They make it look so simple, but renovating to add value to your home is more complicated than DIY home renovation shows would have you believe. There is also a great deal more design, planning and money involved — so you want to make sure that you are investing your money into renovations that will eventually see returns.
The question is, how do you know you are investing in the right improvements?
My experience in home renovations has allowed me to gain a high degree of insight into the modifications to client’s homes that will add significant value to their homes. Let me share some insights with you.
Open-plan living features
The issue of open-plan living is a common discussion point. A balance of open spaces (e.g. kitchen and family room) and enclosed spaces (e.g. bedrooms) needs to be achieved.
With young children, visual supervision is important, whilst with older teenagers, acoustic separation may be desirable.
It is never as simple as combining two rooms to achieve an open-plan because there are always ongoing ramifications of any change that is made.
Between the inside and the outside
The zone between the inside of your home and the garden is best described as a “TRANSITIONAL ZONE”. It is a progression from the refined, structured, rectilinear forms to a natural organic space.
The Transitional Zone is the interface between the built environment and the natural environment. Frank Lloyd Wright understood this concept and designed along these principles a long time ago, for example his Prairie Houses.
This transitional zone is where light, space and materials all transition from man-made interior materials to organic natural elements, such as lawns, shrubs and trees. Knowing the mature height of plants allows you to achieve a cohesive design when your garden is established.
Planning your garden becomes an integral part of your home renovation. Plant to have flowers blooming at various times of the year. Utilising sympathetic garden design adds appeal to the garden and the home.
If budget and space permit, adding a small plunge pool or a barbecue area with seating, creates an additional entertainment area.
Design features that make a significant difference
A well-placed skylight can add significant appeal
The air flow through the house to allow cross-ventilation enabled by a minimum of two windows in a room, especially for the bedrooms where possible.
How you capture the light will depend on the aspect of the property. Skylights can successfully bring light into a house.
It is important to plan your renovations for the changing stages of a family, as this will appeal to a wide range of future buyers.
Focusing on functional spaces
Dual functionality of your kitchen and family room to accommodate your everyday living and offering an inviting, casual entertaining area can go a long way towards raising the value of your home.
Selecting quality materials, appliances and finishes will give you longevity in your own home and these can make your home highly saleable when the time comes to sell. Select the best you can afford and stay within your budget.
Engaging advice from an experienced, professional Designer can save you a great deal of time, money and inconvenience over the course of your whole renovation. Your Designer can guide you to make decisions that combine return on investment, personal preferences and “good design”.
If you’re in Sydney’s northern suburbs and planning to undertake a substantial renovation, give us a call. Let us work with you to determine how to best approach your home renovation so you get the most out of your investment.
Related Tags: Home Renovations Sydney | Home Extensions Sydney
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