Functional Home Design Renovations to Get More From Your Property

The pandemic has changed not only the way we socialize, but it has also changed our relationship with the place we are spending much more of our time, our home. If 2020 taught us anything, it is that nothing can be predicted. However, we can be sure that the pandemic’s impact will last for years to come.

Ideally, when it comes to renovations in 2021, you should consider two factors. First, what is needed for comfort now, and secondly, what investments will add value when and if you decide to sell down the line. There are several changes you can make in order to increase the value of your home while also increasing the quality of life for the people who live there. Remember that if you or a contractor will be doing any maintenance, waterproofing or painting on your roof, be sure to follow safety protocols by having a roof anchor point installation done ahead of time. 

Let’s take a look at just a few ideas that will not only make your home more functional but also add value in the process.

Planning In A Pandemic

Besides affecting investment markets, Covid-19 has greatly altered people’s lifestyles and priorities for the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is important that you consider this when planning your home renovations. The pandemic’s long-term effects have also made it more important to become more self-reliant and to make our homes more multifunctional.

Prospective home buyers continue to want open plan living areas with lots of natural light and energy-saving features; however, several trends have emerged as a direct result of the pandemic, which you should take into account with your new designs.

Create A Home Office

Many companies have moved to a hybrid work-from-home model that works well for many employees, so a comfortable home office is high on the wish list for many buyers.

Refresh Your Outdoor Living Space

As homeowners spend a good chunk of time at home, it’s no surprise that they’re looking for more living, dining, entertaining, recreational, and outdoor options within their own homes. Maximizing outdoor space for functionality and appearance will enhance value if you want to sell in the future.

The Kitchen Needs Updating

To realize the impact Covid has had on our lives, you just need to look at what Australians searched for most during Lockdown. It is pretty mind-boggling that “sourdough” and “baking bread” were searched nearly as much as “fires near me” or “Kobe Bryant”. A kitchen has long been seen as the heart of the home, but Covid-19 has put a new focus on this room’s significance.

Take Advantage Of Underused Spaces

Most homes have at least one area or room that is seldom used, and given that many families spend a lot of time at home, taking advantage of all available space makes sense. Think about what you need in your home, and repurpose accordingly.

Smart Features That Make Life Easier

As all of us spend more time at home, we’ve become more interested in features that facilitate greener living as well as added amenities. Complete integration of services and proper installation can certainly add value, both now and in the future when the time comes to sell.

A Clean, Healthy Environment 

The pandemic has created a greater concern about germs and diseases and, along with this, an increase in requirements for air purifiers and hands-free fittings. Don’t forget that a seemingly minor change in the guest bathroom, such as a faucet or lighting, can make a big difference now, as well as in the future.

A Few Things To Watch Out For To Ensure Your Renovations Are A Success

It is always a wise move to err on the side of caution before deciding on the scale of renovations to be undertaken, particularly if you plan to do more than just slap some paint on your home. Some pertinent questions to ask would be:

• Are the proposed renovations compliant with the planning laws?

• Are you planning to stay in your home for a long time? And,

• Once the renovations are underway, will you be able to live in the construction zone?

One of the biggest renovation pitfalls is over-capitalizing. Although we all would like the biggest and the best, it is sometimes our own downfall to try to outdo the Joneses in the renovation and home-accessory department. Aim to balance comfortable living in the now with common sense for future resale value to get the best result possible from your design renovations.