So you’re planning a major renovation? Whilst the focus should rightly be on the new layout of extra bedrooms, bathrooms and maybe a new kitchen, it is also the perfect time to include some creature comforts and the latest technology.
Here’s our top five – in no particular order – that will enhance your home, increase your comfort and make your life easier.
1. Air Conditioning System
Older Sydney homes are famously built to keep cool in summer, but you can’t forget the challenge of keeping your home warm in winter, especially at night.
Efficient air conditioning – be that a central or split system – can do both and also has the advantage of avoiding gas heaters that can be harmful to your home’s air quality.
And a good air conditioning system can also help reduce humidity versus other forms of heating and as we are seeing longer periods of wetter weather, this may help reduce issues like mould.
Air conditioning has become more cost-effective in recent years, but as this Choice article makes clear, the key is to buy the right size unit for your room or home.
2. Solar Panels with or without Home Energy Storage
Combining solar panels with a home battery can be a good investment in sustainability and energy independence.
Whilst we hope we can rely on the grid to deliver energy whenever we want it, as we have recently seen, extreme weather events can lead to outages. So, a home battery is a smart back-up as well as storing energy generated during the day for use at night.
It’s also worth considering that as many of us are working more from home, there is a greater chance we will use the energy generated by solar panels during the day, reducing the need for a battery.
3. Underfloor Heating
We find that underfloor heating is a particular favourite with clients who are adding or upgrading bathrooms as part of their renovation as this is best installed under hard surfaces.
There are few better feelings in winter than stepping out of the shower and into a space heated this way. It adds an extra level of comfort and luxury to your home.
While underfloor heating might cost more to install than other heating systems, their overall energy efficiency will likely deliver savings on your heating bills in the long run.
4. Smart Home Technology
Including smart home technology allows you to control lighting, heating, the front door and more from your smartphone when you are out, or via voice commands when inside your home.
As well as adding convenience and practicality, it also helps with your home’s energy efficiency as you can better time things like turning your heating and hot water on and off at exactly the right moment rather than preset times.
From a security point of view, you can keep an eye on your home, see who’s come to the door and even monitor your pets.
5. Light Wells and Solar Skylights
Light wells are a fantastic ‘extra’ for your home, especially if it feels dark during the day without lighting.
Whether you are adding an extra storey or an extension to your home, it’s likely that all or part of your roof will be removed and replaced, so it’s the perfect time to include these as part of your renovation.
By bringing in natural daylight through strategically placed openings, light wells can transform dark, enclosed spaces into bright, inviting areas.
This not only improves the ambiance but also reduces the need for artificial lighting, enhancing energy efficiency.
An alternative worth exploring are solar skylights because they can be placed where it isn’t possible to position a traditional skylight or light well.
They have some advantages over natural light wells as they can continue to work after the sun goes down, drawing instead on mains power, and they won’t contribute as much to the temperature in your home which is especially important in summer.
With either option, if you ever contemplate reselling, a bright home is a big tick when it comes time for home inspections.
Thinking of Renovating?
Incorporating all or some of these ‘extras’ into your plans can significantly increase the comfort and practicality of your newly renovated home.
Some will require an extra investment, but often this is returned with interest in the long run by saving you in running costs and increasing the value of your home.
As one of Sydney’s leading home renovation companies, Addbuild has a wealth of ideas and information that you can take advantage of. We’ve been in business since 1980 because we remain passionate about helping Sydney homeowners realise their dream of creating their forever home.
If you are thinking about expanding your home with a major renovation, we’d love to hear from you and share our experience.
Call our office on (02) 8765 1555 or send us a message using our contact form if outside of office hours.
Still researching? Have a look at our blog, consumer guide to home improvement and masterclass to get further ideas about every aspect of renovating your home.
