Renovate Or Move?

I am frequently asked for advice on this question usually in the context of estimating whether planned extensions will recover their cost in increased value. The correct answer depends on a lot of individual factors but here are some considerations.

First and foremost, will the proposed extension actually solve the problem? There is little point merely adding a couple of rooms if more will be required soon after, or if there are other things that one does not want (such as the garden being too small or a noisy location).

Secondly, can the extensions be done cost efficiently? For instance, going up may involve losing a room downstairs so that net gain is small. The ideal is being able to add on at the rear leaving the main existing structure substantially unaltered.

Thirdly, will it work well? Despite architectural drawings it is difficult for many people to conceptualise how the extensions will turn out. Having paid for it, one is stuck with the result or the necessity of doing costly variations. Architectural practice varies greatly and an architect can only try to interpret what their client wants. Planning is all important but so often compromised by being in a rush or trying to accommodate Council.

Fourthly, is the estimate of costs accurate? Everyone will have heard horror tales of "cost blow-outs". The fact is costs have increased dramatically of late for a variety of reasons and there is really no such thing as a "cheap extension". The budget also had to allow for additional expenses especially landscaping and maybe living somewhere else through the process.

Finally, is one able to handle the stress with equanimity? Having the time is really the key and then. If the answer is yes to the above questions, it probably is worth staying put. The advantages include substantial savings in relocating cost, such as stamp duty, marketing, agent and legal fees, retaining connections with a familiar neighbourhood and being able to have one's own taste reflected in the new work.

If you are considering renovating and want to discuss it especially with a view to maximising value, please feel free to call us.


Connecting Home And Lifestyle

'Artarmonites' are putting more money into their homes than ever before. Recently this has been a better investment than shares but the primary purpose is to have a nicer home. I enjoy discussing proposed extensions with people and have successfully completed a number of projects personally. Naturally everyone asks how best to spend their renovating dollars, so here are a few of my general recommendations.

It should all be about your lifestyle. For every room you must consider how you would use the space. For instance, is the kitchen a place where the family congregates and the kids do their homework, or a designer showpiece? Do you entertain a lot and if so, how formally? Are you looking to display art or family photos? The tendency is for Artarmon people to stay put rather than aspire to other areas. If this holds true for you then you should design an extension that can cater for changing needs, whether these be the family expanding or contracting or even diminishing mobility.

The floorplan needs to flow well and have good proportions to each room or space. As a rule, close to square is best for it to "feel right." There are also matters of practicality. Can you place the furniture sensibly and without tripping over it? How do the groceries get from the car to the cupboard? Can the bathroom, kitchen and laundry surfaces be easily cleaned? Aspect of course is crucial. This does not mean the property has to face north to rear (though it helps). It does however require placing rooms to suit their uses and passive solar consideration. A family room might have glass to the east with a full brick laundry restricting heat absorption to the west. A favourite issue of mine is lighting. A house should not need lights on during the day nor be excessively heated by skylights. It is crucial to make an equally pleasant environment when the sun goes down. A blaze of halogens beaming light in spots around a family room is not condusive to relaxing or entertaining.

Also worth considering are current trends to smaller, sleeker kitchens, bigger and more luxurious bathrooms, larger laundries, easy clean and non-allergenic flooring, cabling and home automation, and especially open floorplans that integrate living areas with sunny, level, low maintenance gardens.

Finally, design and decorative elements should be carried through the whole home and must create isual interest. Don't be afraid to be bold. Thankfully the days of decorating in beige and grey are over. At the end of the renovating process your home has to be the place where you want to be.

  • Consider how you would use and furnish each space
  • Allow for changing needs and mobility
  • Provide a pleasant environment at night as well as day
  • Follow the trends to lower maintenance living
  • Ensure the finished home is the place you want to be

Disclaimer: The information and figures in this brochure have been compiled from information provided to us by our Principals and third parties. We have not independently checked any of that information which we merely pass on. We make no comment on and give no warranty as to the accuracy of the information contained in this brochure which does not constitute all or any part of any offer or contract. Prospective purchasers/lessees must rely on their own enquiries.