Hello, Sydney-siders. If you’ve been craving a change in scenery and home design, you must consider moving to a new neighbourhood.

But moving homes in this quick-paced city can be a hassle. From packing and unpacking to dealing with removalists, it adds an elephant-sized load of extra stress to your already demanding life.

Not to mention, the housing market is hot. The median house price in Sydney hit an all-time high of $1.4 million in December 2022. So, that takes moving out of the equation, but you can always renovate!

It is an ever-alive and wise option. It’s fun, and you can make whatever changes you like. Plus, it’s cheaper than buying a new home in Sydney. The best part? Renovating can add value to your house. Of course, you’ll have to spruce up the right areas in the right ways to pocket the profit.

So, to help you with the same, here are some foolproof tips for renovating.

1. Get All the Professionals on Board

The exciting prospect of DIY renovations might entice you. But it’s not as easy as it looks. From obtaining permits to the wiring, it can be time-consuming and risky.

So, it’s best to leave the heavy stuff to the professionals who know the job inside out. It’ll also save you money since there’ll be no do-overs.

Before scraping and drilling, list the professionals you’ll need for your project. If you plan to redo your roof, you’ll need a team of exceptional roofers. 

Also, if you need an experienced electrician to connect your home to an electrical network and check the underground lines, look up level 2 electrician Sydney online to learn more.

2. Work with Your Budget

Money matters can quickly blow out of proportion if you don’t plan properly. You’d want to make all the major changes, but unless you have a plan, you’ll end up with a half-done project.

More importantly, spending blindly on renovations will lower your profit margin even if you have a highly-valued property.

The best way to ensure you don’t overspend is to set a budget for your renovation and stick to it. List all the items you need and ensure they fit your budget. And don’t forget to allocate some extra funds for potential surprises along the way. A buffer of 10-20% shall be safe.

Typically, a standard kitchen renovation can cost you about $30,000. A basic bathroom may set you back between $10,000 and $20,000.

3. Choose the Right Materials

The recent bushfire season was a massive blow for all of us. It is why sustainability and environmental friendliness are more crucial than ever. Your buyer would love to see that your home features sustainable materials.

So, when picking materials for your renovation project, always choose eco-friendly options. Look for renewable and recyclable materials that don’t emit toxic gases.

Bamboo flooring, for instance, is a green and affordable option. You can get it for around $55/sqm. It looks great and adds a contemporary vibe to your home. 

You can also look for low-toxicity paints, recycled plastic tiles, and stone-based countertops. Also, if possible, opt for native plants instead of foreign ones to landscape your garden. Australian natives such as Bottlebrush, Spider flower, and Waratah will add fresh air to your garden.

4. Incorporate Smart Technology

Smart technology is the future, and this feature could be your golden ticket to unlocking the maximum value from your home. Everything is possible, from automated lighting and cooling systems to security cameras and video doorbells.

You can control temperature, lighting, and other home appliances with the touch of a button. And the best part? It can save you money on your energy bills.

To choose the right smart tech for your home, take time to identify what you need and what you don’t. Do you require a geothermal cooling system? Do you need a video doorbell?

Make sure the tech you choose is compatible with each other. You don’t want a bunch of tech gadgets lying around that can’t talk to each other.

Think of it as an investment – smart technology can instantly add value to your home.

5. Resort-Style Bathrooms are the New Wow Factor

The boring vanities and white tiles are a thing of the past. Today’s buyer wants a spa-like bathroom. From walk-in showers and Jacuzzi tubs to heated floors and fancy bathtubs, you can add as much luxury to your bathroom as you wish.

Use a modern look with glass doors or shower screens and smart lighting systems. You can also install Bluetooth speakers for a touch of class.

However, keep functionality just as high. For example, a frameless shower screen might look nice but won’t give you the privacy you need. Similarly, heated floors might seem classy but have higher energy bills. And, honestly, homebuyers put affordability (in terms of utility bills) high on their list of wants.

6. Don’t Mess with the Street Appeal

Your home should feel inviting right from the outside. It should stand out for all the right reasons.

The most crucial factor here is paint and color selection. The best way to instantly update the exterior of your home is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Choose a neutral tone Australians love – white, soft beige, or light grey.

If you are up for bigger renovations, consider building a deck and adding some nice outdoor furniture. Or, you can go for a small driveway upgrade or extend your front porch.

We’d recommend considering the sub-tropical style while doing any of the above since Sydney is known for its mild climate and natural beauty, so don’t mess with it!

Final Thoughts

Renovating a home has its risks and rewards. If done right, it can drastically increase the value of your home. But it does require some careful planning and research.

Always remember the purpose of your renovation – to increase the value of your home. And when you’re working toward bagging the big bucks, make sure you maintain your budget. Investing excessively (and incorrectly) now will yield minimal to no gains in the future.

So, take your time and explore the options available to you.