When your home is no longer big enough or comfortable enough for your family, looking to move is often the most obvious solution. However, it is not necessarily the best one. Finding a new and better home in Melbourne within the same price range as the one you have can be very difficult and you would usually have to compromise in some way. Additionally, moving costs themselves stack up and you may end up spending a pretty sum of money for not a whole lot of improvement.
On the other hand, investing in your own property tends to be cheaper and more effective. Plus if you do it right, you can increase your home’s value, giving you a lot more to work with if you do decide to move later down the line. We have already talked about adding value to your home with an extension but today let’s look at other ways you can improve your quality of life and your property value at the same time.
Upgrade the Facade
Any real estate expert will tell you that curb appeal is one of the key factors in attracting potential buyers. After all, your front porch is the first thing they are going to see. Updating it, as well as the rest of your home’s exterior is one of the most effective methods of increasing value. Even simple things like a new coat of paint or adding some landscaping elements to your front lawn go a long way towards improving your home’s standing in Melbourne’s property market.
Repair the Roof
A good roof over your head is always a nice improvement. Even if your current roof doesn’t have leaks or needs repairs, many of the older roofs suffer from bad insulation meaning that they can’t keep the heat inside during winter and get too hot during summer. A well-insulated roof is always a good investment as it makes your home more energy efficient and saves you money on bills and climate control. Check out our roofing guide as well as our article on innovative materials for a durable modern roof.
Raise the Ceilings
While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about ceilings too. Higher ceilings make your room feel more spacious and airy, adding more light and longer sightlines. If your roof has good insulation, you can even get rid of the ceilings entirely and install roof windows to maximise the sunlight.
Open Up the Floor
Open floor plans are one of the most sought-after features in modern Melbourne homes. It makes the most of your space making it bigger and more functional. Consider knocking down a couple of internal walls to open up your space. It will transform your home in all the right ways and add a lot of value to it. Just remember to consult your Melbourne extension builder before you take up a sledgehammer. Bringing down load-bearing walls would require reinforcing the rest of the structure and, depending on how much you want to open your space, you may need to install columns for extra support.
Update the Windows
Much like with roofs, windows have changed tremendously over the past few years, becoming a lot more energy efficient and strong enough that you can now build a whole home extension with glass. Windows also deteriorate with time, performing worse after 10-15 years. If you have double-glazed windows but they no longer keep the warmth in or seal properly, you’ll need to replace them.
Connect with the Garden
Properties that connect the indoors and the outdoors organically are also in high demand in Melbourne’s real estate market. Installing large windows, sliding or bi-fold doors or adding an alfresco extension all help you bring your garden and home together, as well as adding nice views – another value bonus.
Convert the Space
Loft, garage and basement conversions are among the most popular ways of adding an extra room without building an extension. If you need more space in your home but can’t commit to building an extension, you can instead transform your attic into a spare bedroom or home office or turn your garage or basement into a family room.
Increase the Storage
No matter how big or small your home is, thoughtful storage space is a must to keep it tidy and cosy. Clutter can eat away at your rooms, making them feel cramped and uncomfortable. If your home tends to get cluttered often, it may be the time to install additional storage units in the most messy areas.
