When you are building or renovating your home, what do you consider an important upgrade? There are certain features which many homeowners refer to as upgrades when they are actually a “need. “ You and your family will likely live in the same home for many years to come, so set out to really make it your own with these essential upgrades.
Sustainable Home Design
You want a home that will last – that should be a given. If you are building a new home, passive design elements that take advantage of the environment and climate will help save you money. This can be achieved by maximizing natural sunlight, investing in proper insulation and ventilation, adding roof sarking, and using materials that are suited to the weather and can resist pests. If you want a sustainable home, it is essential to hire a builder who understands passive design and the materials needed to make it work.
The importance of these additional features cannot be underestimated. By insisting upon design elements such as insulation that ups the R-Value in your attic, you will see a reduction in energy bills.
Home Conveniences
When designing a new build, think about the functionality of your spaces. Most people concentrate on the kitchen; however, the other rooms in your home are also important. For instance, think about where the laundry is located and the ease of access to your outdoor drying area. A home with convenient design makes keeping it cleaned and well maintained a much easier task. On that note: have you thought about adding additional power and phone outlets?
In a busy home with kids you will want to make sure there are plenty of places to plug devices in and an additional telephone point may help cut out any fights over not being able to connect to consoles or laptops.
Living Zones
While it is well known that humans are social creatures, we also like our own space. Creating living zones is a great way to help ensure a happy home. If you have the space, a living room and lounge creates two distinct living zones where family members can relax. While the kids are watching TV in one room, mum can take a load off and read a book in the other. For bedrooms, think about the level of functionality that you need. School age kids will benefit from a room that is designed with separate study and play zones. For example, a built-in work space will give kids a designated place to do homework. Every room should be designed according to your lifestyle.
While these features may seem extravagant, there is no price too high for a harmonious household that provides functionality and convenience.
Storage Space Upgrades
If you have never lived in a home where storage space was a struggle, you really haven’t lived. Most people who are shopping for a home will place storage space high on their list of priorities. For new builds, resist the urge to compromise on storage space to make other rooms marginally larger. You will kick yourself when you end up spending most of your time trying to find a place to store the kids’ toys. Aim for enough storage space to accommodate all your future plans. Think about toys, laundry, cleaning products and kitchen items when designing a new home or renovating.
If you are planning upgrades for your home, Houspect can provide detailed reports which are easy to understand. Reach out to our offices today if you would like to learn more about the building inspection options for your project.
