Are you thinking about selling your home in Mentone? Are you looking for ways to improve the value of your home? Well, after the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, the real estate market is in a slump. It’s not ideal to sell your home right now. However, since things are picking up slowly, you can get started on a few renovations to boost your value when you choose to sell. Here are the best features to add value to your home with a renovation. 

1). Energy-Efficient Windows 

A lot of home buyers are looking for homes with energy efficiency concepts. Having old single-pane windows will keep the buyers away. Start by adding energy-efficient windows in your home to start saving on heating and cooling costs. 

With energy-efficient windows, you can expect to shave off a few dollars on your utility bills every year. Even better, you can qualify for some government incentives that will help you recoup your investment effortlessly. There are numerous benefits of having triple-paned windows in your home. Most importantly, interested buyers will flock to your home if you put it up for sale. 

2). Improve Curb Appeal And Exterior

If you want a lot of valuable offers once you put up your home for sale, you need to consider improving the curb appeal and exterior. It’s the best way to entice interested buyers before they even get a chance to enter your home. You can start with the best landscaping features to show that your home is properly maintained. Start by mowing the lawn, pruning the shrubs, planting perennials or annuals and applying mulch.

Next, you should repaint the exterior walls and porch. If there are any flaking chips on your exterior walls you need to touch them up. Next, you should pressure wash the exterior walls to remove mould or dirt. Don’t forget to paint the front door with a bold colour to make the exterior pop when your home is up for sale. 

3). Kitchen Renovation 

The kitchen is the heart of the home as this is where you spend most of the time there with your family. Any renovation or remodelling of your kitchen will pay off when it comes to selling your home. Of course, don’t make the kitchen fancier than the rest of your home. Start by adding energy-efficient appliances, repainting and increasing the storage space to make your kitchen look brand new. 

4). Energy-Efficient Insulation 

Does your home lack basic insulation? Do you have old doors that allow hot or cold air to get in? When potential buyers look through the open house, they will notice these disadvantages. Even worse, home inspectors might include it in their reports. Living in a house without proper insulation can be costly in the long run.

You don’t have to break the bank when updating your home to ensure energy-efficient insulation. Making a few changes allows you to save a lot of money in the long run. Start by adding extra insulation in your attic and start saving money on your heating or cooling bills.

Next, you should seal any cracks around the house to also save on energy costs. You need to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. If there is a draft during the cold months, that’s a costly leak that you need to repair. Check the entire house to ensure there are no leaks that would discourage potential buyers.

Summary

No one wants to sell their home for a loss. If you want to get a good resale value for your home, you should consider these renovation ideas. You could end up saving a lot of money on your utility bills and get the best offers for your home when you put it up for sale.

If you need some professional advice on how to create more value with your home renovation in Mentone, Bayside Extensions can help. Check out some of the projects and homes we have successfully remodelled and renovated.

Let us know your requirements. Share with us your vision and let us help you bring them to life. Schedule an appointment now for a free consultation. Let your period home stand out and be the envy of Mentone.

If you are planning any extensions and renovations on your period home in Brighton, please call us at Bayside Extensions today on 03 9596 0368 or leave an inquiry. 

How do you renovate a house that’s more than 100 years old? Do you simply go in and tear things down and replace them with new ones? Well, unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple as we will come to find out. 

Federation homes in Australia have significant heritage value. Most of these homes are more than a century old. Federation homes in Brighton and the surrounding bayside suburbs are unique in that they incorporate various aspects of British and American architectural design, while still maintaining a subtle Australian touch.

Renovating A Federation Home In Brighton

When you decide to renovate your federation home in Brighton, it’s important that you strive to maintain its original style and appearance so that the house remains faithful to its historical origins. These homes are magnificent works of art that have withstood the test of time. They are basically priceless, and should therefore be preserved and protected at all costs. 

Like all period homes, federation homes tell a story about a specific period of mankind’s existence. When renovating a federation home, professional builders and contractors should try their level best not to interfere or change the story that a specific house is telling to the world.

Key Features That Should Be Preserved

• Dark brown and deep red brick was the most widely used building material in the federation home period. Another less common material that was used is fibro.
• Federation homes typically have ornate details such as lead lights and gables that include a rising sun emblem that signifies the beginning of the 20th Century.
• Federation homes usually have huge backyards that can be modified with traditional decks and patios for added functionality.
• Wide verandas are another common feature of federation homes. They were meant to allow air to flow easily in the house.
• Decorative motifs of various Australian bush animals and plants are also quite common.

Best Way To Renovate A Federation Home In Brighton

As with all other period home renovations, it’s advisable not to do the work on your own. Hiring a professional builder as well as a home design expert is the best way to ensure you achieve your desired results. 

A professional builder will help source for you many of the original materials that you’ll need to restore the core structure of the house. They will try their best to reproduce the original construction and renovate existing structures where possible.

The home design expert will be the brains of the projects. They will basically help bring your vision to life. Working with a home design expert is highly recommended because they are familiar with stylistic elements of the federation era. They are also aware of various modern approaches to renovating period homes.

Recycle As Much As You Can

Your main goal should not be to remove the old and replace with the new. This is the wrong approach to renovating a federation home in Brighton. In order to retain the original style and feel of the home, you’ll need to carefully evaluate old fixtures and fittings and identify those that can be recycled. Fixtures that are too old to be recycled can be replaced with modern replacements that have a traditional 20th-century style.

Consider Expanding

Federation homes are typically small in size. This is because families were really not that big back then and thus living space requirements were at a minimum. However, we are not living in the 1900s. This means that when renovating a federation home, you may have to consider expanding the size of the home using a wide range of home extensions, and outdoor decks and patios.

All in all, renovating a federation home is a meticulous task that should be undertaken with a lot of care, preparation and commitment to the preservation of history.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for an expert to help with your renovation project in the bayside suburbs, then look no further than Bayside Extensions. Check out some of the projects and homes we have successfully remodelled and renovated.

Let us know your requirements. Share with us your vision and let us help you bring them to life. Schedule an appointment now for a free consultation.

If you are planning any extensions or renovations on your bayside home, please call us at Bayside Extensions today on 03 9596 0368 or leave an inquiry. 

Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs are well-known for being attractive and vibrant; both in terms of the architecture and nature, and the social scene. Residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds, living in stunning surroundings with great beaches and all the amenities of the CBD only a short distance away.

A lot of the architecture in the bayside suburbs are modern, but there are still a few areas that are unspoilt and feature classic period homes and fun restoration projects for house renovators. If you’re looking for an affordable property that you can renovate and turn into a truly luxurious Victorian home, the bayside suburbs are a great place to start.

Villages Full Of Character

The bayside suburbs have it all. Stunning scenery, plenty of shops, restaurants to suit all tastes and a thriving cultural scene. People are drawn to Melbourne’s bayside suburbs because of the way they have managed to progress and keep up with modern times, while still retaining some of the quainter characteristics of a previous era.

Where else, after all, would you see level crossings and historic architecture that is well preserved, yet renovated inside to offer a high standard of living?

The landscape of the bayside is generally flat, making it a nice place for seniors to enjoy. It’s an affluent area and it has good links to a lot of the infrastructure in other areas of Melbourne.

Investing In Bayside Property

These positive characteristics mean Melbourne attracts a lot of would-be investors, and even now it’s well worth considering property in the area:

• Properties in Melbourne often hold their value, even being ‘pandemic proof’
• Demand for properties is steady and high
• The amenities and beauty of the area give it a lasting charm for all age groups

While there are some period properties in need of a renovation that can be picked up for a reasonable price, another affordable option is replica period homes. Those who don’t want to spend time and money doing up a property may find that Victorian and Edwardian terraces are more expensive than modern detached properties of similar square footage.

A replica period property could represent good value for money, especially considering terraced properties appear to be appreciating in value at around 7.3 per cent a year.

It’s easy to understand why these properties are so popular. They offer nostalgia, a sense of romance, and some clear curb appeal. These factors are all hard to quantify but are strong motivators for buyers. As a property owner, if you can appeal to the emotions of a would-be buyer you’re well-positioned to make a strong profit.

Will the Appeal Last Forever?

Some changes in architectural style are a gamble, and it can be hard to be sure that they’ll pay off in the long term. The beauty of period property is that the style is timeless. Since it’s already ‘historic’ there will always be someone who is interested in it and who finds that style desirable. 

Architectural trends are cyclical, and what is fashionable one year may drop out of fashion the following year. Some contemporary styles may never come back into fashion, but Victorian and Edwardian styles have already passed the test of time.

This means buyers can be confident that if they’re willing to be patient, there will most likely be a day when they’ll get their money back, and more, for the property they’ve invested in.

This is particularly true in Melbourne, especially around the bayside suburbs which is already an area in high demand for its schools, leisure, nature and amenities.

Families and retirees alike enjoy the area based on its logistical merits alone, and an attractive property can command a higher than average price for those looking to make their home in the region.

If you are looking for an expert to help with your renovation project in the bayside suburbs, then look no further than Bayside Extensions. Check out some of the projects and homes we have successfully remodelled and renovated.

Let us know your requirements. Share with us your vision and let us help you bring them to life. Schedule an appointment now for a free consultation.

If you are planning any extensions or renovations on your bayside home, please call us at Bayside Extensions today on 03 9596 0368 or leave an inquiry. 

Home renovation projects can be overwhelming. While the prospect of living in a clean and renovated home is very appealing, the process itself is not quite so easy. One major challenge with renovation projects is how to get the best value for your money. 

Arguably, there is a lot of free reign for renovation projects as you can choose the most expensive fixtures for the house, but only if you have the money for it. Sadly, most of us operate on shoestring budgets and want the best renovation outcome on a limited budget. 

So the big question is, how can you optimise your budget? Here are a few tips that you might find useful.

Identify The Renovation Priorities

You can potentially renovate your whole house, but is it really necessary? Unless you have an unlimited pile of cash, doing this will cause more harm than good. If you want to get the best out of your renovation budget, identify the most critical areas that need renovating. 

The main reason people want to renovate is to either upgrade fixtures and fittings or to give the place a fresh look. Identify these priorities and note them down as this will influence the entire project. For instance, extending a kitchen island can be on top of your renovating list instead of updating appliances when the existing ones aren’t operating the best.

Get Into The Details

Once you have worked out the general renovation priorities, it’s time to get into the details. The broad goals might be like “transform the kitchen” or “improve the bathroom.” However, transforming the kitchen does not mean that you have to change everything there, and this is where the details need to be broken down. 

The details will help you determine the exact amount of money you will spend to achieve all these renovation goals. Here, you will make critical decisions such as whether to go for hardwood floors or a carpet, or the specific sinks and bathtubs you are going for, among others. 

Note that these detailed decisions have a cost implication so you need to attach the price to give you a sense of how much you will spend. 

Once you have a detailed expense sheet, you will see whether the renovation project makes sense or not. From here, you might have to sacrifice some of the things you need depending on how low they are on your priority list to get the best out of your budget.

Work With A Renovation Expert

Do not make the mistake of being single-minded with your renovation project. Work with an experienced renovation expert to get another view of how to get the best out of your renovation project. These people have handled many renovation projects and have seen designs that can work in your home at a fair price. They will advise you on the options at hand for your budget and help you meet your goals in the process. 

Note that the expert should not dominate the decision-making process during the renovation as ultimately, you will be the one staying in the house after the job is done. That’s why it is important for you to be happy with the ideas that are suggested before you commit to anything.

Consider Value

If you are planning to spend a long time in your house, then it makes sense to splurge on your dreams. However, if you will be looking to sell at some point, consider the renovation value. Do not spend money on things that reduce your chances of recouping the investment. The ROI is usually tied to the value of the home. For instance, it does not make sense to install a $50,000 kitchen on a $200,000 house as the potential buyers won’t be willing to adjust their offer just because you added a luxury kitchen.

Bottomline

It is paramount to be prudent about how you spend money on your renovation project. You need to get the best out of it and be willing to adjust and sacrifice a few things. It is not recommended to invest in one part of the house and leave another part of the house in less than ordinary condition. A good renovation covers the whole house to make the whole place a comfortable space for you.

If you are looking for an expert to help with your renovation project, then look no further than Bayside Extensions. Check out some of the projects and homes we have successfully remodelled and renovated.

Let us know your requirements. Share with us your vision and let us help you bring them to life. Schedule an appointment now for a free consultation. Let your home stand out and be the envy of Brighton.

If you are planning any extensions and renovations on your home in Brighton, please call us at Bayside Extensions today on 03 9596 0368 or leave an inquiry. 

Melbourne’s bayside suburbs are renowned for their natural beauty and sensational beaches. With some of the best beaches our country has to offer as one of the main attractions, bayside residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds – the city life and beach life.

The bayside suburbs are also known for their modern lifestyle, especially when it comes to architecture. Most of the bayside suburbs pride themselves on their modern homes however, there are still a few hidden gems you can find. Every now and then you will find a classic period home that is in desperate need of some elbow grease and a bit of tender loving care. Most of these place is ideal for those that enjoy home renovation projects.

When it comes to a Victorian-style period home, it can take a lot of work, planning, attention to detail and professional help to bring it back to life. 

Types Of Victorian Homes

There are a few different types of Victorian home designs. Knowing the type of home you have is an important step in the renovation process because this will be your guide in determining the process. This will impact things like the materials and even the builder you will hire among many other considerations. Here are some of the most common Victorian period building designs: 

• Queen Ann – this type of Victorian home combines aesthetics and function. They typically feature large windows, gabled porches, circular towers, and heavy ornamentation.

• Gothic Revival – these types of houses typically feature pointed arches, front-facing gables, and steeply pitched roofs. This design was inspired by medieval castles and churches. They exude a moody and dramatic atmosphere with their heritage features. 

• Folk Victorian -They feature more subdued Victorian features which are usually focused on the roofs and porches. It is a more modern design of all Victorian homes. It is usually a combination of the romantic Victorian and modern style. Folk Victorian homes are rare today.

• Italianate – Inspired by Italian villas, they typically only have two floors and feature low ceilings, wide eaves, huge front porches, Corinthian columns, and arched windows. 

Common Renovations You Can Make To Victorian Period Homes

• Extending the side and rear part of the house. Most Victorian homes are relatively small to medium in size. If you have a growing family or simply need more space, building a home extension that is independent of the main foundation of the home is the most practical approach. This way, you do not cause damage to the foundation and the structure itself. 
• Convert the old basement into something functional for modern living. Old basements are usually unused and left to rot. Make use of the space by converting it into something useful that you and your loved ones can use and enjoy. A game room or a family room are great options.
• Update or enlarge the kitchen and living room. Period homes are not known for their open space and layout. If you live in one, you most likely need to extend these small spaces and update the layout so it can accommodate modern features, appliances, and accessories. A Victorian home layout is no longer practical function-wise.
• Update the bathrooms or install new ones (maybe an ensuite). Victorian home bathrooms are typically small, outdated, and designed for sharing. Bedrooms are not built with ensuites. Update bathrooms to make them spacious and modern or build new ones like an ensuite or a powder room.
• Convert the loft. Lofts tend to become a storage area. Make better use of the space by converting it into a playroom, a hobby room or anything you and your loved ones will enjoy.
• Repair the brickwork and painting. Sometimes, a simple repair or restoration of the brickwork and painting can do wonders.
• Restore or replace the plasterwork. Cornicing and ornate plaster designs mostly found in ceilings are tricky to restore but it can be done. Sometimes, you will need to replace them entirely. Make sure you use the best quality materials and high-quality work because imitating period home features can become tacky if you are not careful.
• Restore or replace sash windows. When it comes to Victorian homes, always choose restoration first. Unless it cannot be done, that is the only time you should consider replacements. 
• Pay attention to the flooring. Most homeowners love covering their floors with carpets because it is easier to clean and maintain especially if they have children. Check underneath the carpets to see if you have hardwood floors. If you have the original floorboards, this will increase the value of your property. Hardwood floors are easy to bring back to life. 
• Update the interior decoration. Sometimes updating the furniture, fixtures, and decorations is all you need. Bring in modern appliances, lounges, ottomans, modern paintings, and many others.

When it comes to Victorian homes, it is highly recommended that you check with your local authorities for any restrictions. Consult professional designers and builders to make sure that you are doing your renovation project correctly.

Home renovations are expensive but this can be even more so for Victorian and Period homes. Make sure your project is finished on time and on budget by getting expert help. 

If you are planning any extensions and renovations on your Victorian bayside home, please call us at Bayside Extensions today on 03 9596 0368 or leave an inquiry.