Home renovations and extensions must be planned very carefully, and can increase the value of your home significantly. This means that you need to be very strategic in your approach when planning your renovation or extension project.  It is important to balance your desired changes with purposely adding features that are likely to increase the value of your property.

How Much Value Do Extensions Add?

Home extensions are a highly popular way to add living space, or additional bedrooms and bathrooms to your home – from expanding your kitchen with a single-story extension to building a full two-story extension. One thing you need to ask yourself when considering adding an extension is how much it is likely to add to the value of your house.

The amount of value that your house extension will add to the total value of your property will vary considerably depending on the style, size, and complexity of the extension as well as where the property is located. 

How Much Value Do Renovations Add?

Renovations can transform an average property into the house of your dreams, but another reason to renovate is to increase the value of the property. A properly done renovation can significantly add to the value of your home, making your property a valuable asset for you. 

The amount of value that a renovation can add to the value of your property will depend on the type of renovations and the amount invested.

Factors that Impact the Cost of a Home

The cost or value of a home will depend on what willing buyers in the market are ready to pay for it, but each buyer is different. Here are some of the most important factors that can influence the cost of a home:

• Location: The proximity of the property to everything from local amenities to local freeways can dramatically affect its value. Oftentimes, the proximity of a property to city centres, tourist destinations, a body of water, and public transportation options are all factors that determine how popular a certain location is for potential buyers.
• Square Metres and Yard Size: The size of your home and perhaps even the outdoor space is a key factor in determining the value of your home. 
• Condition: Location and square meterage aren’t everything when it comes to the value of your property. The overall condition is also an important consideration. 
• Renovations: Have you made any renovations to the property since you bought it? As we have mentioned above, renovating your home can increase value and make your home more desirable to potential new buyers.
• Real Estate Comps: This real estate term refers to properties with similar characteristics, which makes them comparable. If you would like to know the value of a property, check the sale prices of comparable properties sold in the area recently. Properties could be comparable in terms of type, age, square meterage, location, etc.

How to Find the Right Design Professionals

Finding the right design professionals is an integral part of the success of your project. You need to take plenty of things into consideration. Here are some tips to help you find the right design professionals for your project:

• Experience: The design professionals you choose need to be highly experienced. If you want high standards of workmanship to get the job done, experience is key. Experience allows the service providers to be readily adaptable to uncertain situations.
• Communication: It is important to find design professionals that you can communicate well with right from the beginning. A building project has numerous decisions that have to be made and small details to be discussed.
• Reliability: The design professionals you choose to work with should have a solid reputation in the field of construction and should be reliable. You can check their past work and references to confirm whether they have successfully delivered their projects to a very high standard.
• Customer Service: You should choose design professionals that manage projects in a professional way and deliver a high quality finished project. Find professionals that prioritise customer service above all else.

Final Thoughts

A renovation or extension has the potential to add to the value of your property significantly. If you are considering undertaking a home renovation or extension project, it is important to find the right professionals to work with using the criteria provided here.

Hire Custom Renovation and Extension Experts!

If you are undertaking a renovation or extension project in Melbourne, Period Extensions & Designs would love to help you. We are a well-established company with more than 30 years of experience. Our professional design and build team is ready and waiting to help you with your next home renovation or extension project. 

Please call Period Extensions & Designs today on (03) 8658 1340 or make an enquiry.

When it comes to period home renovation, it is critical that you take your time and plan out everything thoroughly. Therefore, it is important to be aware of possible home renovation mistakes that can occur so that you will be able to avoid them during the project.

If you want to learn the top 10 renovation errors you should avoid, then please feel free to continue reading below.

1). Not Keeping An Open Mind

When pursuing a home renovation project, it is important that you consider your house as a whole. This is especially important if you plan to add an extension. It may be easy to focus on the dream space, but it must be able to fit in well with the rest of your home once the project is completed. 

If you have bigger plans for your home extension in the future but need to phase the build, then consider this very early on and what impact that will have if you plan to renovate in the short term. It is important to keep an open mind, think ahead, and understand your house as a whole unit.

2). Following An Unrealistic Schedule

Sometimes, it is difficult to rush building work, especially when you consider that most things take longer than anticipated or expected. More importantly, there can be a lot of unpredictable or unforeseen changes that may occur. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these from the beginning of the renovation project and to somehow incorporate them into your schedule. This is so that you aren’t disappointed if things don’t work out accordingly. 

3). Rushing The Planning Application

To avoid this mistake, consulting with a professional is recommended so that you can accomplish planning permission without any stress. Professionals know what they are doing and will do what they can to ensure that your application does not fail. 

To help with this process, it is suggested to wait until you have a design that pleases both you and your architect so that you can achieve planning permission smoothly. It is also worth noting that not all work requires planning permission, so this is something you should ask your architect.

4). Upsetting Your Neighbours

Before carrying out renovation plans, it is respectful and polite to talk with your neighbours and be transparent about your plans. This is because building work can be quite disruptive to neighbours. By establishing transparency with your neighbours from the beginning, you will be able to continue your project without surprising them and causing unnecessary conflict. 

5). Working With An Unreputable Builder

Working with an unreputable builder can be tempting especially if they offer cheap quotes for building work. While it is your decision on who you choose to carry out your home renovation, it is always recommended to seek the services of a professional and reputable contractor. 

Receiving a detailed quote and a thorough explanation of the contractor’s process is critical. If anything unexpected occurs, you need reassurance that it will be handled properly and according to your budget or contingency fund. Therefore, it is recommended to seek references from previous clients before proceeding with building work. 

6). Unspecified Budgets

Running out of money will be the worst mistake you can make when it comes to renovations (or anything, for that matter). To prevent this, acquire fixed quotes and estimates from your building contractors. Make sure to also have a contingency fund just in case unexpected expenses arise. 

7). Being Indecisive

Sometimes, changing a few elements here and there may not be a problem. However, it will become a problem if it requires additional costs and updated planning permission applications. Make sure to take time with your design and be more decisive with the elements you want to include to avoid these inconveniences.

8). Choosing The Wrong Materials

It is important that you choose materials that are compatible with the building that you own. Make sure your materials are suitable, aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient, and most importantly budget-friendly. Consulting with the renovation team can help you with this task.

9). Choosing The Wrong Windows

This may seem like a small mistake, but it can actually make or break your renovation project especially if it is an extension project. Research all your options and make sure the style of windows you choose fits your property well. 

10). Not Insuring The Project

When you begin your renovation project, your existing home insurance policy may not be valid. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider and ask them for advice before beginning the design process. This will give you more time to plan around the policy. 

Furthermore, if you engage a builder to carry out the project, it is mandatory for them to carry builders insurance so make sure you check that they have a current policy in place. Don’t just ask them, make sure they show you the policy and make sure you understand what is covered under the policy.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for some period home renovation help, then please speak to us at Period Extensions & Designs. Our award-winning designers have a plethora of experience when it comes to designing extensions and renovations from period-style homes, right through to contemporary structures.

We will listen to what you want and use our knowledge and experience to turn your vision into a truly exquisite design, which we will then bring to life.

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.

Period home renovation companies are designed to help bring your vision to life. However, choosing the right period home renovation company for you means that you have to consider various factors. After all, it is critical that you are able to develop and build trust in the renovation company for what is such a significant undertaking and investment. 

With this in mind, you may be wondering what factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing the best period home renovation company. If this is an issue you are currently experiencing, then we’re here to help provide you with some guidance!

If you want to learn more about what you should consider in choosing the best period home renovation company, please feel free to explore this in more detail below.

Choosing The Right Company

When choosing the right renovation company, there are a few steps that you can take to help you make the right choice. Here are a few recommendations you can consider during this process:

1). Do Online Research

Online research is one of the best ways for you to learn more about renovation companies. This is a useful resource that allows you to learn more about the reviews and testimonials of other fellow consumers. Finding out what customers have to say about a company is instrumental in your decision-making process. 

Videos of reviewers can also be useful as you can identify the reviewer’s body language and tone of voice. This allows you to determine whether that reviewer’s testimonial is genuine or not.

2). Examine Their Previous Work

Viewing some of the company’s renovation work allows you to see the standard of their work. If you like the work they have already done, then you can give them a phone call and ask if they can deliver what you are looking for. 

It is also helpful to find work they have done that represents what you want to accomplish. Talking directly to previous clients can also help you see whether they were happy or not with the quality of the work. A reputable renovation company will be more than willing to connect you with these individuals.

3). Check Their Registration And Insurance

It is critical to ensure that the builder you choose is both fully licensed and insured. Once you come into contact with a home renovation contractor, make sure to ask for the details of their license and insurance. Remember: asking questions is important if you want to secure a higher degree of protection. 

Many states and territories have policies in which building projects above a certain value will need to be completed by a specially registered building practitioner. In the case of Victoria, for example, this is applicable for projects that cost more than $10,000. Make sure to check in with a local authority to learn more about what the rules are in your state or territory. 

4). Find Out If They Release Written Contracts

It is critical that you obtain a physical, written contract before beginning any type of building work between you and the building firm. The contract should state the agreed budget and details of all the work to be carried out. In essence, it provides a binding set of requirements and expectations between you and your contractor.

5). Check If Their Work Is Covered By Warranties

When you begin investing in home renovation, you want to ensure that the quality of their work will last for a long time. Therefore, it is important that you secure a binding guarantee that the building firm will fulfil for you. More often than not, reputable building firms will cover structural and non-structural work with a warranty to ensure that if there is something wrong with their work, they will pay for the damages.

6). Ensure That They Understand Your Vision

Your home extension is an extension of your personality as well. Therefore, it is important that your home extension is able to help bring your vision to life. It is critical that the right home renovation company understand what you want from the project, and can, most importantly, offer their expertise, knowledge, and experience to deliver this. 

One step towards this is to schedule a detailed consultation. Make sure to discuss your general ideas for the project, as well as practical and workable solutions. Ensure that you provide a very detailed plan so that they can see how you want the project to look when it is finished. 

It is also worth noting that the builder should keep you informed at every stage of the project until it is complete. Transparency is important if you want your vision to become a reality.

If you are looking for some period home renovation ideas, then please speak to us at Period Extensions & Designs. Our award-winning designers have a plethora of experience when it comes to designing extensions and renovations from period-style homes, right through to contemporary structures.

We will listen to what you want and use our knowledge and experience to turn your vision into a truly exquisite design, which we will then bring to life.

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.

Are you deciding whether or not you should renovate your home or just build a completely new one? There are various conditions that you must consider when it comes to choosing either option including your budget, space, intended use, resources, and more.

If you are still undecided on which is better – renovating or building – then please explore your options with us below.

Building A New Home

Building a custom home of your own definitely has its own benefits. One of the main benefits is that you will be able to live in a home that completely feels like your own. 

Additional benefits include that everything is both new and under warranty. Maintenance and repairs should be minimal and you’ll have the chance to utilise sustainable materials for an environmentally efficient home.

Expanding technology such as upgrading your electrical system is also an option when building a new home. Design is very flexible as you can choose a floor plan and structure layout that fits you and your preferences. 

Some conditions where you can consider building a new home include:

1). There Are Available Lots

If you love the neighbourhood you are in, and you don’t like the house you’re living in, and there is an available lot, then you could consider building a new home. 

2). Unable To Make Changes

If you want to make changes to your existing home but can’t due to limited space or unapproved permits, then you may consider building. Some neighbourhoods can be strict with renovation changes, so building a house can provide more flexibility at your end.

3). Stress

Living through renovations may be stressful, so if you are unwilling to put up with this then building a new home may be the best option for you. 

Renovating Your Home

While there are certain conditions and benefits of building a new home, renovating your home is also something you should consider. In fact, the benefits of renovating your home can actually match the benefits of rebuilding a new home.

For example, one benefit of building a new home is that you can customise your home’s structure and layout. However, this benefit also applies to renovating your home. You can make your existing home feel more personalised by customising your home and adding simple touches.

Likewise, a similar benefit that renovating has to building from scratch is that they both allow you to upgrade your home in various ways, whether it be to install the latest home technology or to improve your home’s interior design. 

Clearly, most of the benefits of renovation and building are quite similar. However, one primary importance of renovating is that it can be much cheaper than having to build a whole new home for yourself. 

More importantly, by renovating you are able to retain a home that already is full of so many memories and has served as your comfort zone in previous years

The conditions in which you can renovate your house may include:

1). Location

If you already love your current neighbourhood, then renovations are just for you. Location is a big factor in choosing the right home, so why leave your neighbourhood when you can simply renovate your home?

2). Increasing Property Value

You can make a bigger return on your investment if the property value is increasing in your neighbourhood considering your initial financial outlay. Checking with a realtor so that they can advise you on what the market is like within your neighbourhood can help you decide if you should renovate or sell. 

3). Emotional Attachment

Of course, emotional attachment is a big consideration when it comes to renovations. If you have an emotional attachment to your home, and cringe at the idea of moving, or don’t have enough money to build a new home, then renovating is the way to go.

However, it is important to ensure that the renovations you plan to make align with local policies. Consulting with a professional can help clarify these requirements for you.

4). Time-Efficient

Building a new home from scratch can take a lot of time. If you do not have a lot of time to spare, renovating is the best option for you. Renovations are generally shorter in time compared to building new houses depending on the amount of work you want to be done. 

Final Thoughts

There are individual benefits to both renovating your current home and building an entirely new one. However, many benefits of building a new home match the benefits of renovating your current one. The difference is that there is a high chance that renovating your home is a more economically viable option.

If you are looking for some home extension or renovation ideas, then please speak to us at Period Extensions & Designs. Our award-winning designers have a plethora of experience when it comes to designing extensions and renovations from period-style homes, right through to contemporary structures.

We will listen to what you want and use our knowledge and experience to turn your vision into a truly exquisite design, which we will then bring to life.

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.

House extensions are a great opportunity to add space to the home that you have come to love. However, you might be wondering what you need to consider before getting a home extension.

Whatever intention or goal you have in mind, it is important that you carefully plan ahead before you carry out a home extension project. There are many things to consider things such as budgets, logistics, legalities, and a whole lot more.

If you want to learn more about what you will need to consider when getting a house extension, then please keep reading as we discuss this topic in more detail below. 

1). Visualise What You Want

You may have the faint goal of creating an extension, but you have to thoroughly visualise what you want. If you create the extension, what is it for? Where will you place the necessary appliances? Will the extension address the needs of your house? Where will you place the extension?

Try to make your goals more tangible when getting a home extension. This way, you will get as much value as you possibly can.

2). Keeping Up With Costs

Of course, the cost is a big factor that you will need to consider when getting a home extension. One helpful tip is to try to be realistic and honest with the money that you have available. The location, the size of the extension, and even other conditions such as soil will affect the total cost of your extension project.

3). Securing Planning Permissions

This consideration is often overlooked, but it is imperative that you consider this. Before you begin your extension project, make sure that you have secured the correct planning permission. In some cases, you may not need one; however, it is always better to be ready and prepared. 

You can find out if planning permission is required by heading over to your local council’s website or a permitted development rights system. Or, you can consult with a professional to help you learn more about this.

4). Securing Building Certificates

You also cannot forget to secure building certificates. Once all the building work has been accomplished, make sure that you talk to your builder or contractor to help you acquire all the necessary certification. 

Building certification may include building control certificates, electrical and gas safe certification, etc. Without securing these certificates, it could be challenging to sell your property, later on, if you ever plan to do this. 

5). Budgeting Time

The time it will take for your home extension project is another important factor to consider. Depending on the size of the extension, it could take as long as 3 months to complete so it is important to plan how you will adjust to this.

You need to also account for possibilities such as additional requirements that need planning permission and building control approval that could extend the time of completion. Therefore, it is important to consider time as an element in home extensions to avoid further disruptions.

6). Coping With The Process

You must also consider the day-to-day logistics that you will have to adjust to as the project is carried out. There could be a lot of dust or noise that can serve as a disruption to you. You can choose to find temporary accommodation for the meantime or simply find ways to adjust to the construction process.

However, other ways that you can prepare for the construction process is to invest in dust sheets, move belongings to storage, or take your family out for dinner to escape the mess.  

7). Considering The Neighbours

While you are free to build your own extension in the way you envision it to look, considering the neighbours is also another important responsibility. Even if your planning permission has been granted, it would be courteous to inform your neighbours that you have building plans. 

Things to consider might include: Are there problems with overlooking? Could neighbours complain about their “right to light?” “Who owns the boundary fence?” “Would your extension overshadow their garden?” All of the questions are important questions to ask your neighbours when getting a home extension.

Final Thoughts

Building a home extension can be a great commitment. However, it is important that you carefully consider these important factors before building an extension. 

If you are looking for some home extension or renovation ideas, then please speak to us at Period Extensions & Designs. Our award-winning designers have a plethora of experience when it comes to designing extensions and renovations from period-style homes, right through to contemporary structures.

We will listen to what you want and use our knowledge and experience to turn your vision into a truly exquisite design, which we will then bring to life.

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.