Owning and moving into a new place is always on the mind of every person, especially after staying in one place for quite some time. However, what if there was an economic and stress-free alternative to moving into a new place altogether?
Remodeling your home rather than moving into a new one can significantly enhance your living space and cut on relocation expenses. In addition to making your surroundings more suitable for your needs, it can increase the value of your property.
A new survey shows that most Australians prefer renovating their existing homes rather than building new ones. Renovation spending has risen in the past five years, while new private residential construction is at the lowest level since 1987-88.
If you live in Australia’s Perth region and have considered custom home renovations—be it brick wall removal, window and door opening cuts, or a complete home upgrade, we’re here to guide you through what you should consider.
Let’s dive in!
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Understand Local Building Regulations
Before you hire a home renovations Perth professional, it is always advisable to acquaint yourself with the city’s building rules and regulations.
Most home renovation projects begin by obtaining approval from the municipal council if the structural changes or extensions to your home significantly alter its exterior.
To begin with, refer to the well-set-out City of Perth guidelines on Planning and Building for houses of all types. For complex home renovations, get a home renovation expert to help gather all necessary permits and approvals.
Keep in mind that heritage-listed homes in Perth have additional restrictions. If your property is among the latter, you may have to retain some of its architectural features under renovation.
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Consider Perth’s Climate
Your renovation plans need to focus on Perth’s Mediterranean climate, which is pretty harsh, with hot summers and mild wet winters. For example, your renovations should consider energy efficiency, especially during the summer, which could save you a lot from utility bills.
A few things you need to keep in mind are as follows:
- Insulation: Consider appropriate insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floors to keep the heat outside during summer and retain warmth during winter.
- Cross Ventilation: Design your layout to maximize airflow within, limiting dependency on AC.
- Include Solar Power: With the sun being so frequent in Perth, this is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly upgrade you can incorporate into your renovation.
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Set a Realistic Budget
One of the most important and consequential aspects of any home renovation is setting a realistic budget. The first step is to take a thorough inventory of your design wants regarding the renovation project at hand, then prioritize each one based on need and resources.
Do not forget to:
- Create a contingency buffer: Allow 10–20% for unexpected costs.
- Consider the professional fees from architects, engineers, and council applications.
Comparing the quotes from different local contractors in Perth will provide a better quote and help you set a budget. However, remember that quality renovation work will cost you more and may save you, in the long run, the cost of subsequent repairs down the line.
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Choose Materials Carefully
The type of materials you will select can make or break your renovation project. Where possible, consider durable and weather-resistant materials that can take elements in Perth’s somewhat harsh climate.
Here is what you should consider for different aspects of your home renovation:
- Outdoor Spaces: Weather-resistant materials such as composite decking or natural stone are highly effective for your home’s alfresco areas under intense summer sun.
- Paints and Finishes: Incorporate UV-protected paints with relevant finishes on interior and exterior surfaces for their moisture resistance.
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Pay More Attention to Functionality
A renovation should improve the functionality of your home and make it more comfortable for you and your family. According to a recent Australian poll, 71% of participants responded that updating the style and functionality was the major motivation for renovating their homes.
Remodeling a home allows you to consider ways to improve it and make it more functional for daily needs. First, consider the ‘pain points’ of the present layout: For example, is the kitchen too small, the storage insufficient, or does the configuration block natural light?
That gives you a clear picture of the functional upgrades to consider, such as:
- Open-Plan Layout: Removing non-structural walls to adequately make your home feel larger and more modern.
- Adding Smart Storage Solutions: Inset cupboards, under-stair storage, and cleverly crafted pantry designs will maximize every property nook.
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Work with Seasoned Professionals
Lastly, know that you can’t do it yourself if you want to modernize your house’s functionality, look, and appeal. The difference between using a professional and doing it yourself comes when you begin to observe the results, as pros know how to get results the best way possible.
Professional home renovators have eyes for details and are trained for every design. They will make your dream a reality and solve the design-related problems you’ve been struggling with.
Start by choosing licensed Perth home renovators to ensure better success in your renovations. You can ask for referrals or visit completed projects to assess the work quality. Remember, investment in the right team pays dividends later, both in quality and added value to your home.
Final Thoughts
Renovations are probably the best chance and ideal to enhance your home’s functional ability, style, or value. If you’re in Perth, understanding the local building regulations, having realistic budgeting, and choosing appropriate materials will put you in a position to achieve what you have in mind with your house.
That said, the most important consideration should be partnering with home renovation Perth experts who understand the region better. They can help you with most of the things on the list and turn your dream home renovations in Perth into a reality.