Homeowners across Perth are spending big on improving their properties, with renovations valued at more $560 million recorded in the last financial year.
According to Limnios Property Group director Irene Limnios, it is important that home owners who are planning on selling their property do not undertake renovations for only emotional reasons.
If you spend thousands on your home without considering the resale value of the works done, when you come to sell in the current market you may not be able to recoup your expenditure.
Limnios’s top tips for home renovators include:
1. Focus on the front of the home as this will improve the street appeal of the property. For example, render older style dark brown brick facades and replace old guttering. Also, invest in fresh landscaping.
2. Inside, focus on the bathrooms and kitchen. Improvements in these areas traditionally deliver high returns when it comes time to sell.
3. Visit display homes for ideas. These will showcase the latest in home design trends and can provide inspiration on everything from paint colours to floor coverings.
4. Focus on outdoor living spaces as much as the indoor ones. WA home buyers are increasingly demanding a usable alfresco entertaining area. Consider integrating this with the main living areas for a seamless indoor/outdoor transition.
5. Ensure that you have local government approvals for any major renovations, such as for an extension, new outbuilding or pools.
6. It is useful to check that any builders and tradespeople working on your home are part of a professional building organisation such as the Housing Industry Association or Master Builders Association. You should also ask to view any recently completed projects to get a better idea of their quality of work.
If you wish to book a trades or serviceman, check out your local specialist on Look Local WA.
