Taking on a home renovation project is exciting but can also be intimidating. Unless you have an unlimited budget to cover everything that may go wrong, you need a good builder who will ensure your project will be on budget and on time.

Before you start any renovation project, you have to make sure that you are 100% committed and are ready to invest both time and money into it. Uncertainty about what you want can lead to multiple design changes, delays, and mistakes that can cost thousands of dollars.

We have put together a list of easy steps you can use as a guide when undertaking your own remodelling project. This list can be used as a guide to help you avoid the many pitfalls experienced by others.

Planning

Planning is perhaps the most important part of the renovation process. In fact, it is the most important part of any build. This is where you consider all the factors relating to the build, including design, budget and duration of the build.

• Budget – make sure you have enough money to cover the costs plus some contingency in the budget in case there are delays, accidents, and mistakes during the build.
• Timeline or Schedule – It is important to set a timeline for the completion of the project. This will help you stay within budget and achieve a cohesive build.
• Design – Sit down with your designer, architect or draftsman to come up with the design of your dreams that also falls within budget and can be completed within the time allocated.
• Choose the Right Contractor or Builder – Hiring the right builder or contractor means being able to stick to the budget and timeline while achieving a high-quality build. Put quality of work ahead of price when it comes to hiring a contractor. Check out their previous projects and talk to former clients. Don’t just jump at the cheapest option.
• Demolition – We highly recommend you hire professionals to carry out the demolition and subsequent build. A professional will have the expertise to do it right and avoid any mishaps. Furthermore, they can dispose of the building debris more efficiently than perhaps you may be able to. You also need to be aware of the presence of asbestos on your property, which will require professionals to demolish and dispose of as per the regulations.

Electrical and Plumbing

Once the space is cleaned and is ready for the next stage, you or your builder can start installing the HVAC, electrical wiring and plumbing system. This is important because the site will require an inspection of your electrical, HVAC, and plumbing system before you and your builder can continue the work. Make sure everything is in order so you will pass the inspection and avoid any delays and re-dos.

Drywalling and Framing

Only when you have passed the electrical, plumbing and HVAC inspections can you start the following:

• Installing the drywall
• Moving and constructing walls
• Adding new support beams
• Putting in door and window openings

Painting

The painting process should be the fun part if you are DIY-ing your renovation. You have a blank canvas to paint and design your dream space. Choose the right paint that will complement or contrast the existing building so you can get a cohesive and unique area.

Cabinets and Fixtures

Allow the paint to dry completely before you start installing cabinetry, lighting and fixtures including sinks, faucets, showers etc.

Installing Doors and Windows

When all else is done, you are ready to install your doors and windows before you can start bringing in the furniture and decorations and putting in hardwood floors.

Install Flooring

The flooring is one of the last things to be installed so it doesn’t get scratched, or damaged during the renovation process. Once the flooring is done, you can then install the carpets or laminate tiles or whatever finish you have decided upon.

Clean and Finish

Once you are done, make sure you work on the finishes and clean up so the space is ready for moving in.

Decorate

The room is not completely finished until you have brought in the furniture and accessories. This is where you can add a personal touch to the newly renovated space. Make it yours.

Congratulations, your renovation project is complete!

Final Thoughts

Home renovations can be exciting but they can also be overwhelming and a lot can go wrong if you don’t have the necessary experience.

Professional project managers know the dos and don’ts that can help keep you on budget and on schedule, not to mention deliver the best results.

For all your renovation and extension projects, trust only the best in Melbourne. At Period Extensions & Designs, we combine award-winning designs with down to earth service that is second to none. Let us help you bring your vision to life!

Please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Doing a home renovation project is a big decision and can be daunting at times. However, overseeing the project yourself can be more overwhelming, to say the least. At Period Extensions & Designs, we understand how big a responsibility it is to project manage a home renovation.

We also understand that most homeowners do not have the luxury of time and expert knowledge to manage a construction project. This is why we offer a one-stop service where we take care of your needs from start to finish.

Whilst you may think it is okay to personally manage your own renovation project, we do not recommend it. Without the experience and expertise, you can overlook a lot of factors that might end up delaying the project, jeopardising the budget and compromising the finish.

Construction and design mistakes are costly and the project can become a money pit if you are not careful. Our advice is that you engage a professional company to design and construct your renovation project. Following are the benefits of hiring a professional team:

Remove The Stresses Of Building

Hiring a professional does not mean you do not have a say in the running of the project. A project manager will consult with you during the build process and while making your vision a reality.

They will organise and lead the team from inception to completion while regularly updating you and coordinating with you and the team of trades. You still have full control over the project, you just hand over the day-to-day tasks so you can focus on more important things.

The Project Manager Can Coordinate The Timing And Phasing Of The Project

Coordinating the timing and phasing of the project so you can finish on time is a big challenge. Most projects rarely run on schedule even with professional project managers at the reigns.

It will be so much more difficult for a homeowner to coordinate this. A good project manager knows how to spot potential issues and organise the trades and schedule to get the project running as smooth as possible. 

Managing Trades

Managing trades is a complicated task that must be handled and coordinated properly. The project manager has to make sure that the carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc are brought in at the right time. Coordinating and managing various tradespeople is time-consuming, stressful and difficult at times.

A good project manager must be good at handling all kinds of people and getting them to stick to a strict schedule to make sure the project is delivered on time and on budget.

OH&S

The project manager is also in charge of the safety protocols during the build which is probably the most important consideration of all. This is a highly regulated sphere with immense responsibility and requires specialist training. 

Keeps Your Project On Time And On Budget

A project manager’s number one goal is to make sure that the project is completed on time and on budget without compromising the quality of the build. This is a big challenge because even the most experienced project managers know that delays, accidents, problems, and unexpected surprises can happen at any time.

These situations can delay the project and can cost a lot more money than planned. A good project manager can anticipate and work around these challenges so the project runs smoothly and is finished on time and within budget. 

While most projects do not always stay on budget and on schedule, finishing within or near the targeted completion date is doable when you have a reliable and experienced project manager.

Final Thoughts

Most homeowners think that they can save more money by overseeing or managing the project themselves. However, most of the time, you end up spending more when you do so.

When you are overly involved in your own reno project, you are bound to make abrupt changes often based on emotion and not practicality. And as we mentioned earlier, when you do not have the experience and patience in handling tradespeople, you might cause more delays and jeopardise the project even more. 

Let the experts handle your build. Professional project managers know the dos and don’ts that can help keep you on budget and on schedule, not to mention deliver the best results. 

For all your renovation and extension projects, trust only the best in Melbourne. At Period Extensions & Designs, we combine award-winning designs with down to earth service that is second to none. Let us help you bring your vision to life! 

Please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Home renovations can be a big challenge and can easily turn into a nightmare if they are not planned and implemented well. However, if done right, it can also make your dream renovation ideas come true.  

A few renovation mistakes can mean blowing your budget or delaying the project. It is important to know what to watch out for and focus on.

In this article, we have come up with a list of common but costly mistakes for you to try and avoid when you start your renovation project.

1). Choosing The Cheapest Contractor Or Builder

The cheapest almost always does not equate to ‘the best.’ Some companies give cheap quotes just to get the job. They then cut corners or provide you with materials and labour that are not up to standard. Remember that quality costs money. When you choose a building contractor, consider at least three written quotes.

Then, proceed by researching and checking their past projects and asking their previous clients for reviews. Stick to your budget without compromising the quality. When you go cheap, you get low-quality results. This, in turn, means you will regret the decision you have made later down the track. 

2). Lowballing Your Budget

Set a reasonable budget, that is making sure your budget matches the size of your project. When you set a very low budget, expect nothing but low quality. Do your research by asking others who have recently done a home renovation. Remember that the cost of materials is always on the increase and consequently, so is the cost of the build. 

Set aside 15% of the total budget as a contingency. Some unforeseen costs are bound to come up during the build. A damaged wall or electrical and plumbing issues can happen unexpectedly. It is important that you have a contingency budget available to fund these extra costs and avoid delays.

3). Skimping On Things That You Can’t See

Most of the components of your home that make it efficient can’t be seen. The foundation, insulation, plumbing and heating, termite treatments, etc. Just because you can’t see them does not mean you can skimp on quality. 

4). Measuring For Cabinetry

Measure twice and cut once. As the saying goes, accuracy in measuring cabinetry cannot be underestimated. Most homeowners buy cabinets without taking any measurements.

So when they buy and install, they realise it does not fit in their kitchen or other appliances such as their fridge don’t fit. When purchasing or having custom-built cabinetry, always measure and remeasure. 

5). Order Extra Flooring

Do not order just enough flooring to cover what you need. It is wise to order 20% more than what is actually required so you have enough on hand to allow for wastage when cutting the tiles to fit the area as well as to replace any damaged ones down the track.

This is important because tiles are hard to match should you need them down the track, because for example, they may stop manufacturing that design or style. There is no guarantee that you will find the exact match or similar pattern when you may next need them.

This can be applied to timber flooring as well. It takes weeks to order and receive flooring materials. Delays in a renovation project may end up costing you more money.

6). Not Putting A Floor Drain In The Laundry

This small detail is often ignored and omitted from the plan. Imagine if the hose of your washing machine breaks, you could end up with a flooded laundry and possibly the rest of the house. This can lead to problems with your flooring and can potentially cause mould growth in the future. 

It has become popular to install a floor drain but most people try and install it themselves to save money. This is a big mistake. A laundry drain must be installed properly by a plumber. Floor drains direct water to the main drainage system and if not done right, laundry water can end up in the bathtub drain or kitchen sink.

7). Choosing Hardwood Flooring Without Considering Your Lifestyle And Needs

Hardwood floors add a touch of luxury and earthy tones to a home but it is not for everyone. If you have small kids and dogs, your hardwood floors will suffer more wear and tear.

Pet nails can scratch and damage the hardwood. Kids can spill food and drinks and cause all kinds of damage too. Hardwood floors are expensive. Consider using single board laminates or tiles for busy houses.

8). Not Changing The Bathroom Layout

When you renovate, consider the best possible options and look to improve the natural flow of the space. Older bathrooms have awkward floor plans and most of the time, they do not work with the modern amenities.

Do not get intimidated with the task of changing the floor plan. It is usually not as difficult as it may seem. Moving the shower, toilet and sink can mean a more spacious and clutter-free bathroom.

9). Getting Too Trendy

The more you follow the latest trends for your home renovation, the quicker it goes out of style. Then you will need to redo it to update it. Stick with the classic and timeless styles and pieces and don’t go overboard with appliances.

10). Insisting On Granite

There are a wide variety of options for your benchtops rather than just granite. Some non-granite options are plate steel, butcher block, or a nice laminate. These are more practical and cost-effective choices.

When renovating your home, it is important to balance the quality and the cost. Plan it right and get it done with the best results so the changes will provide you with many years of comfort and joy.

Period Extensions & Designs is an award-winning home extension and renovation specialist based in Melbourne. We can design, build and project manage your dream space without going over budget or over time.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Taking on an extension or renovation project is a major undertaking and can be massively overwhelming.

Some homeowners may like the challenge of personally overseeing the whole process while others are hesitant because it is such an intimidating task.

Many of those who choose to project manage an extension or renovation often find that it ends up costing more due to their lack of expertise and experience. 

The aim of this article is to give you a greater understanding of what’s involved in the entire process and why you should consider outsourcing the task to a professional.

The cost of hiring a professional builder may seem on the high side, however, they are worth their weight in gold as they can get the work done faster and with fewer mistakes and delays.

Let’s take a look now at what’s involved when it comes to project managing an extension or a renovation.

Design And Drafting

Having a clear design concept is the first step. Consulting a designer or architect to help you design and plan the renovation or extension will help you to come up with a design that is functional, practical and cost-effective.

When you have finalised the design, make sure you stick to it. Avoid adding or changing things along the way. A lot of homeowners tend to make changes and additions to the original design as they go along.

This is mostly because people tend to browse around or continue researching for designs even after the build has commenced. Avoid changes to the plans as these constant changes will add more time and cost to the project.

Plan! Plan! Plan!

Turning a dream space into a reality is not as easy as taking a clip from a magazine and breathing life into it. It takes a lot of planning and consultation with experts. The following items are a good starting point:

• Write down all your must-have design ideas.
• Make a list of the items you absolutely require.
• Set a calendar of activities and tasks.
• Use a planner so you don’t miss your schedule.
• Research local suppliers and vendors. 
• Get quotes. Do not be afraid to negotiate.

Set A Budget

Controlling your budget is the most important aspect of any extension such as ground floor extensions or second storey extensions or any renovation projects. Dedicate a certain amount of money towards the project and stick to it.

It is also practical to set a contingency budget just in case but stick to the original budget as much as you can. You can do this by:

• Sign a fixed-price contract with your builder. This way, you are making them accountable for the budget too.
• If you choose to go ahead as an owner-builder:
  • Choose materials, furniture, fixtures, and accessories in advance.
  • Order materials in advance. Delays are mostly caused by hold-ups with material deliveries, and damage to materials like cracked or broken tiles and benchtops.
  • Make sure all your materials and everything else you need are on hand when you start the build.

Choose A Reliable Builder And Tradespeople

When you choose to do it yourself, you will find that a major cause of delays can be the trades that work for you and material suppliers. Research and take your time in choosing the right tradespeople.

Hiring the wrong people can lead to increased costs, delays and other problems.

Set A Schedule

Make sure that everyone is aware of the schedule.

• Work to a job time schedule. 
• Discuss progress regularly. You can set daily, weekly, and monthly progress meetings with your tradespeople. 
• Make sure that you are all on the same page when it comes to the design, budget, and schedule.

Be Detail-Oriented

Stay on top of everything by knowing and understanding all the specifications, the full scope of work, the plans and documents involved, etc.

A good project manager should know every single aspect of the project, as well as being able to delegate, monitor, and perform quality control among other things.

Aside from all of the above and taking responsibility for the build, it is also the project manager’s job to:

• To oversee the work of the contractors and subcontractors, tradespeople, etc.
• Deal with the local authorities like permits, planning, health and safety.
• Contract administration.

Coordinating with the design team and other professional consultants like:

• Structural Engineers
• Architects
• Historical Building Specialists
• Ecologists
• Landscapers and other professionals. 

Tools And Equipment You Also Need To Purchase:

• Printed Plans (Pinned on the wall)
• Tape Measure (for checking dimensions)
• Scale Ruler
• Camera (to record progress)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – hard hat, boots, work gloves, etc.
• Cleaning materials.
• Portable toilet for workers.

As we can see from the above, project managing an extension or renovation is a big responsibility and will take up a majority of your time and can be very stressful.

You will have to sacrifice a significant portion of your own time and overall, it can be a very overwhelming experience. 

Why take on a major task when you can entrust the job to experienced professionals who can get the job done right, within budget and within schedule?

Period Extensions & Designs is an award-winning home extension and renovation specialist based in Melbourne. We can design, build and project manage your dream space without going over budget or over time.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Home renovations and extensions, when done right, can significantly increase the value of your property. An upgraded modern bathroom or even some classy floor tiles can make your home look and feel that much more luxurious.

And when you are planning to sell your property, the aesthetics cannot be underestimated.

While some buyers look for properties with great potential, most look for a clean, well-maintained and ready to move-in homes. And in a very competitive market, upgrades, unique features, and luxurious additions can put you ahead of the competition.

These things and more can help sell your house fast and at the price you want. When selling a property, it is not just the resale value that matters, it is also important to close the sale as fast as possible and this is where renovations can help.

Important Considerations Before Investing In Home Renovations

1. What are your renovation goals?
2. Understand which parts of the home yield the highest returns.
3. Set a budget.
4. Work with an experienced design and build team. 
5. Will your design concept and style still be relevant after five to ten years?
6. Plan and set goals.

Renovations are major projects whether you are just renovating a single room or the entire house. It has to be planned and executed correctly in order to gain maximum benefit.

Let’s take a look now at what renovations and extensions can potentially give you the best ROI.

Open Concept Floor Plans

Open concept homes are very popular and will continue to be so for a long time to come. You can open up your space by taking down walls to create an open space concept.

You can keep the original features of your home like wooden beams while you take down walls and barriers that make the space look and feel cramped.

A majority of buyers in today’s market are looking for open concept floor plans and a large kitchen. 

Expected ROI: 50% – 95%. 

Kitchen Remodel

There are so many things you can do to upgrade your kitchen and completely change the vibe of your home. The kitchen is the heart of the home so a major upgrade or a minor renovation can improve your resale value significantly.

Here are some improvements and changes you can make that can increase your property value:

• Update the floor plan. Older kitchens usually have floor plans that no longer work with today’s modern technology and innovations. Keep your floor plan open and as simple as possible. Plan the space so that you have a good flow so your new kitchen will function smoothly.
• Consider upgrading old tiles to marble floors. Marble floors add a touch of luxury with its shine and radiance. This simple upgrade can make potential buyers fall in love with the space.
• Upgrade your kitchen splashback. Remove your outdated tiles and put in subway tiles to give your kitchen an updated modern look. Updating your splashback can make a big difference to your kitchen’s overall appearance.
• Restore or add new granite benchtops. Sometimes a single element can elevate an entire space. Benchtops take up a big space in the kitchen and can become the centrepiece when you choose the right design and materials.
• Add more storage. More practical storage spaces can help to keep the kitchen organised and function better.
• Install new, modern, and practical furniture, appliances and fixtures.
• Use creative lighting and modern lighting fixtures.

Expected ROI: 80% – 90%

Garage Renovation

Sellers usually underestimate garage spaces. In fact, we usually don’t give it too much thought. Your garage can increase the value of your property if you are able to maximise the space and add more functionality to it.

Add more cabinets and drawers for enhanced storage options. You can also replace your old garage door with a modern automated alternative.

Expected ROI: 90% – 98%

A New Deck

Outdoor living spaces are also a major factor that attracts buyers to a house. Outdoor living spaces add functionality and give you more options when it comes to entertainment.

Outdoor spaces like a new deck help buyers to imagine using the space with their family and loved ones. A potential buyer needs to be able to see and imagine themselves using the space.

Design a deck where families can eat and cook a BBQ. Install a hammock or comfy furniture where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. To really enhance the space, consider building a veranda or installing sail shades or some form of shelter.

Expected ROI: 75% – 80%

Bathroom Upgrade

Bathrooms are one of the biggest considerations for buyers when looking for a new house. When renovating, upgrade the bathroom and give it a new modern look.

There are so many options with bathrooms. Shower screens, taps and fixtures, tiles, skylights, cabinets behind mirrors – you are only limited by your imagination.

Expected ROI: 80% – 92%

Final Thoughts

Home renovations are major undertakings that take a lot of planning and expert knowledge of construction and design to get the best results.

Although DIY projects are okay, hiring professionals who have years of experience in renovation and design is always the best option. 

By doing so, you can stick to your budget and design concept without making major design and building mistakes, which in turn lead to delays and other issues which can end up costing a lot of money.

Are you planning to renovate your home? At Period Extensions & Designs, we have updated our business processes so we can continue to serve you during the COVID pandemic.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Have you just moved into a new home and want to start some renovations? Or do you simply want to give your home a complete makeover, but don’t know where to start?

If this sounds like you, please keep reading as we take a look at the best place to start your renovation project.

Undertaking a renovation or extension of any size can be an overwhelming task. There are so many things to do that sometimes, you don’t know where to actually start.

That is why we have created this simple step-by-step guide on where to start when your entire home needs renovating. We hope this guide can give you some perspective on the project as a whole along with the best palace to get started.

1). Identify The Problems

Renovations are often exciting because it’s an avenue for you to spice up your home and add some personal touches of your own.

However, renovations must also be practical and targeted to address your specific needs. There are a lot of things to consider first.

To being with, it is important to identify any existing problems with your house. It could be a lack of storage, it could be lack of space, it could even be systematic defects.

You should answer questions such as “Is the space in this room sufficient enough?” or “Do I really need more storage, or can this high traffic area flow better?” 

However, more importantly, the main question you should ask yourself is “What is the most urgent area in need of a renovation?”

Try to identify the most important issues that can be addressed before you proceed too much further with the planning.

When doing this, don’t just look at the renovation or extension itself, but also how these issues impact the rest of the house.

Remember to stick to the fundamentals. Address issues that pertain to things such as electricity, plumbing, insulation, space etc. 

Working together with a professional design and build team should be prioritised to help you professionally gauge which parts of your house should be addressed.

2). Draw Up An Action Plan

Once you’ve been able to identify the problems your home renovation intends to address, then create an action plan.

Make a list of things that you want to be renovated, whether it be floorboards, ceilings, lights, furniture, or anything else that stands out. 

After you are able to create this list, prioritise which room or renovation is most urgent. Which room has the most urgent issues? What problems are the most important to address?

Arrange your list according to priority, and then execute from there. This is meant to give you a clear vision of your action plan. You can even create a design layout.

Sketch out what you want your home to look like and then identify which areas of your home should be prioritised. This way, you will be able to have a clear vision of how you want your house to look and where to start. 

3). Budget Realistically

Often times, we tend to go overboard with home renovations. After all, who doesn’t want their home to have a fresh look and feel as close to perfect as possible! However, we must also be realistic in terms of the expenses. 

Budgeting is another realistic encounter when it comes to home renovations. Once you’ve been able to prioritise which rooms are more urgent to renovate, estimate and allocate a budget so that your home renovation is not only beneficial but economical as well. 

4). Try To Be Resourceful!

Sometimes, there are a lot of more suitable alternatives compared to our original renovation ideas. 

Perhaps you wanted to purchase a specific type of floorboard from a shop you had in mind, but maybe you can find a cheaper, more sustainable alternative from another shop.

Therefore, it is important to make sure you keep your options open. Do some research and try to find great alternatives for your home renovations.

This way, things that you once thought were urgent may have had a better alternative that can be easily carried out later on. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to renovating, our excitement often overwhelms us and it becomes difficult to find a starting point. However, don’t forget our four-step guide:

1). Identify the problems, so that you can keep in mind the problems your home renovation should address

2). Draw up an action plan, so you can prioritise your renovation ideas based on the urgent problems and then execute a plan

3). Budget realistically, so that you can make your renovation pursuits both practical, realistic, and economical

4). Be resourceful, so that you can find worthy alternatives to help make your action plan more doable. 

If you are looking for experienced and trustworthy professionals to help you out with each and every step of your period home renovation or extension, look no further than Period Extensions & Designs.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Home renovations are expensive so you have to plan them very carefully. When done right, renovations can significantly increase the value of your home.

This means that when you plan your renovation project, you need to be strategic in your approach. As you are investing money on the renovations, you might as well plan it so you add value to your home.

Balance your desired changes with purposely adding features that will increase your property value. We have listed here 8 features you can add to your home when renovating. We hope this helps.

1). Update Your Kitchen

The kitchen is perhaps the most important part of the house that adds the most value. When renovating your kitchen, make sure that you get the most out of your investment.

Some things you need to focus on are:

• Kitchen layout – a free-flowing space, an open layout is ideal. It makes the kitchen look more spacious and feel bigger.
• Repaint – Use neutral clean colours like white, light blues, and the like. Neutral colours make the space appear bigger and cleaner. It is also easier to furnish and decorate.
• Modern appliances – Update all your appliances so your kitchen becomes more modern and functional. Choose some appliances that have bright or attractive colours so they can be both stylish and functional. 

2). Update Or Add Bathroom

A simple bathroom update can elevate your home value significantly. Adding a new one, even more. A few modern touches make a big difference.

An outdated bathroom(s) is a turnoff for homebuyers (just in case you decide to sell). It also does not do you any good aesthetically.

3). Update Your Doors And Windows

New modern doors and windows can totally change the whole look of your home. This is a stylish and affordable way to increase the value of your building and update the aesthetics.

Some popular styles are:

• Metal framed doors and windows for that industrial look.
• Sliding doors
• Entry door windows for a dramatic look.
• Bay windows 
• Skylight and high windows
• Fabricated metal doors
• Carved wooden doors
• Many others

4). Adding A Deck

Adding a simple deck, if allowed, can make your backyard more appealing. It is also practical. Decks can be used as an outdoor living space like outdoor dining, BBQ area, a reading space, exercise deck, etc. They can also add considerable value to your home.

5). Curb Appeal

Your home facade and the front yard is the first thing your guests and potential buyers see – a good first impression is a major influence factor. So make sure you do the following:

• Painting the exterior to give it a fresh look and feel.
• Pave your driveway.
• Landscape your lawn.
• Add outdoor furniture.
• Use feature lighting and nice lighting fixtures.

6). Attic Renovation

Attics are mostly used as a storage space. It is usually a space that you do not show your guests because it is usually messy and full of junk.

If you have an attic, you can turn it into a guest room or a playroom. Make it into a conversational piece, a highlight feature instead of a space that you hide. A simple conversion like this can add so much value to your home.

7). Add a Family Room

Adding a new family room can increase your home value between five to ten per cent, maybe a little bit more if it is done well. 

Providing a versatile room where the family can hang out, watch tv and spend most of the time relaxing and enjoying each others company is a great investment and renovation idea.

8). Update Rooms

Small and simple updates to your rooms will greatly increase your home value. Here are some things you can do to change the look and overall aesthetics:

• Update the paint job. Some fresh new colours will make a big difference.
• Update or paint the doors and windows.
• Change outdated lighting fixtures. Invest in great lighting. It makes your rooms look a lot more classy.
• Update the upholstery on your furniture.
• Update your appliances.

Important Tip:

Find a high-quality builder that you can consult with and include in the design, planning and building stages. This is important so you can set a realistic budget and stick to it. Engaging with a professional design and build team is the best option.

If you are looking for experienced and trustworthy professionals to help you out with each and every step of your period home renovation or extension, look no further than Period Extensions & Designs.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.