Are you planning a major renovation? While the focus should rightly be on redesigning additional bedrooms, bathrooms and perhaps a new kitchen, it’s also the perfect time to incorporate some amenities and the latest technology.
Here, in no particular order, are our top 5 picks that will brighten up your home, increase your comfort and make your life easier.
1. Air conditioning
Older homes in Sydney are known for staying cool in the summer, but you mustn’t forget the challenge of keeping your home warm in the winter, especially at night.
An efficient air conditioning system – be it a central or split air conditioning system – can do both and also has the advantage of avoiding gas heating, which can have a harmful effect on the air quality in your home.
And a good air conditioner can also help reduce humidity compared to other types of heating. As we experience longer periods of wetter weather, this can help reduce problems such as mold.
Air conditioners have become more cost-effective in recent years, but like this Selection items makes it clear that the key is to buy the right size 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.
While we hope that we can rely on the grid to provide energy whenever we need it, extreme weather events, as we have seen recently, can cause outages. A home battery is an intelligent backup and stores the energy generated during the day for use at night.
It is also worth remembering that since many of us are working from home more, we are more likely to use the energy produced by solar panels during the day, reducing the need for a battery.
3. Underfloor heating
We find underfloor heating is particularly popular with customers adding or upgrading bathrooms as part of their renovation, as they are best installed under hard surfaces.
There is hardly a better feeling in winter than stepping out of the shower into such a heated room. It adds an extra level of comfort and luxury to your home.
Although underfloor heating may be more expensive to install than other heating systems, its overall energy efficiency is likely to result in savings on your heating bills in the long run.
4. Smart home technology
Smart home technology lets you control lighting, heating, the front door, and more from your smartphone when you’re away or via voice commands when you’re home.
Not only does it increase comfort and practicality, it also contributes to the energy efficiency of your home, allowing you to do things like turn heating and hot water on and off at exactly the right time, rather than at preset times.
For security purposes, you can keep an eye on your home, see who comes to the door, and even monitor your pets.
5. Light wells and solar skylights
Light wells are a fantastic “extra” to your home, especially if it seems dark during the day without lighting.
Whether you are adding an additional floor or extension to your home, it is likely that all or part of your roof will be removed and replaced. Therefore, now is the perfect time to incorporate them into your renovation.
By introducing natural daylight through strategically placed openings, light wells can transform dark, enclosed spaces into bright, inviting areas.
This not only improves the ambience but also reduces the need for artificial lighting, thereby increasing energy efficiency.
An alternative worth exploring is solar skylights, as they can be placed where it is not possible to place a traditional skylight or light well.
They have some advantages over natural light wells in that they can continue to work after sunset and use mains power instead. Plus, they don’t contribute as much to the temperature in your home, which is especially important in summer.
If you’re ever considering resale with either option, a bright home is an important factor when it comes time for a home inspection.
Are you thinking about a renovation?
Incorporating all or some of these “extras” into your plans can greatly increase the comfort and convenience of your newly renovated home.
Some require an additional investment, but often this is paid back with interest in the long run, saving on running costs and increasing the value of your home.
As one of Sydney’s leading home renovation companies, ArticleSubmission.news has a wealth of ideas and information for you to use. We’ve been in business since 1980 because we still care about helping Sydney homeowners realize their dream of creating their forever home.
If you are thinking about expanding your home through a major renovation, we would love to hear from you and share our experiences.
Call our office (02) 8765 1555 or send us a message via our Contact form if outside office hours.
Are you still researching? Take a look at us Blog, Consumer advice on home improvement And Masterclass to get more ideas on all aspects of renovating your home.
Looking for inspiration? Take a look at us Feature projects And ‘before and after’ Photos.
