So, you’re a first homeowner and ready to start improving your property to increase its value? Renovations for new homeowners are the go-to way to boost home value so that you can sell for more than you paid. But where should you start?
Renovations can be expensive, so it’s important to prioritise the projects that will give you the most bang for your buck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all of your options—from the small and affordable updates that will freshen up a room to bigger projects that will improve the value and practicality of your home.
Throughout, we’ll also be looking at price ranges and weighing up which renovations provide the most value so that you can decide how to spend your renovation budget. So grab a cup of coffee, kick up your feet and let’s get renovating!
Best Renovation Ideas In Australia
If you’re new to owning a home and starting out on renovations for new homeowners, there’s plenty to consider. In Australia, cost-effective improvements are all about practicality, getting the most bang for your buck. That said, here are some ideas for renovations that will add value and beauty to your home without breaking the bank:
- Patio: Installing a patio is one of Australia’s most popular renovation projects, as it adds value and aesthetic appeal. Prices vary broadly depending on the project’s size, material and complexity—ranging from around $5,000 to $20,000.
- Carport: Building a carport is another popular option for Australian homeowners. Costs depend on the size and type of design you opt for— running from approximately $5,000 up to triple that amount.
- Kitchen Renovation: Renovating a kitchen can include updating countertops and cabinets, replacing appliances, or installing new lighting and flooring. Kitchen renovations can change a home’s look dramatically and even increase resale value. Expect to pay about $10,000 to $20,000 for a smaller kitchen using budget materials and fittings. $20,000 to $45,000 and above for mid to large-sized renovations. Kitchens are known to deteriorate quicker than other rooms, so if your intention is to sell, make sure to do so closer to your exit date.
- Bathroom Renovation: Similarly, bathroom renovations are an effective way to upgrade the look of a home. In addition to replacing sinks, countertops, and bathtubs, homeowners can add features like heated flooring, modern fixtures, and stylish tiles. Lower-end renovations tend to cost between $5,000 and $15,000. A standard renovation costs between $15,000 and $25,000.
- Fresh Coat of Paint: Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to give your home an entirely new look. While this may not seem like much at first glance, but painting can impart an airy atmosphere, add colour or simply bring in some much-needed updated style. And at between $15–25/sqm (depending on surface preparation), this affordable option offers great value!
Worst Renovations For New Homeowners
When it comes to renovating their homes, homeowners must consider the cost-benefit ratio of the projects they plan to undertake. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of which home renovation projects may not yield a large return. Some of the least recommended renovations for homeowners include adding a swimming pool, installing an elevator, and building a sunroom.
Adding a swimming pool can be a huge undertaking, costing anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the size and features of the pool. Although a pool might add some aesthetic value to a home, it can be costly to maintain and repairs can be expensive. When planning renovations for new homeowners, the budget spent on a pool may be better off used on a more practical home improvement instead.
Installing an elevator in a home can also be quite expensive and is usually not worth the cost. Having an elevator in a home is only necessary if it’s for individuals with mobility issues or for luxury reasons, but there are much more cost-effective ways of making a home more accessible.
Building a sunroom can also be a large expense, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Although sunrooms can bring natural light to a home, they often end up costing more than they are worth due to their high energy costs. For many of the same reasons, installing skylights can end up costing more in cooling/heating measures than what it would cost without them. Homeowners may be better off investing in extra insulation or energy-efficient windows instead.
When it comes to home renovation projects, it is essential to always consider the cost-benefit ratio. It is wise to consider less expensive but more practical options rather than undertake costly and unnecessary renovations.
Adding a Patio for Outdoor Enjoyment
Adding a patio to your home is a great way to maximise your outdoor space. This is one of the go-to renovations for new homeowners. Whether you want to set up a seating area for entertaining friends or just enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, adding a patio is an easy way to impact the look and feel of your home.
The cost of adding a patio depends on the size but can usually range from $5,000-$10,000 for basic designs. For higher-end designs or if you are installing stone pavers or travertine tiles, you can expect the price to increase significantly.
The value of adding a patio is high. It enhances the overall look and feel of your home and can add value if you ever decide to sell—plus, it’s great for entertaining guests or simply providing a relaxing area for yourself and family members. Just remember that while installing a patio can be relatively inexpensive compared to larger renovations like an addition or kitchen remodel, you may need council approval if building one too close to property boundaries.
Kitchen Renovation Ideas
If you’re considering kitchen renovations, you may be feeling overwhelmed already. Depending on the size of your kitchen, adding new countertops or cabinets can be pricey. But there are some cost-effective options that still give you quality results. Here are a few ideas for making your kitchen look and feel brand new:
Painting
Painting is the quickest and simplest way to freshen up your kitchen. It’s a great and cheap option for people wanting renovations for new homeowners. Just think about how a few coats of paint can transform a room—it’s like a magic trick for walls! You can go big and bold with bright colours or keep it simple and neutral with calming tones; either way, you’ll see an immediate transformation without breaking the bank.
Appliances
Have you ever noticed how appliances tend to date a room more quickly? That’s true in kitchens more than other rooms in the house, so investing in quality appliances that will last is essential when planning your renovations. Plus, with all the options available today—from induction stoves to built-in coffee machines—you can find something to fit both your budget and style preferences.
Flooring
The flooring in your kitchen is essential for creating the foundation of your style. From ceramics to wood planks and even luxury vinyl tiles, there are endless choices in materials and patterns that will update any space and add value to your home. Just make sure to choose something durable since it will be prone to spills and heavy foot traffic.
Bathroom renovation ideas
When it comes to bathroom renovations, there are a lot of great options that offer fantastic value for money. For example, an easy way to freshen up the bathroom is by fitting a new vanity unit or splashback tiles behind the sink. This is usually much cheaper than replacing your entire bathroom suite.
Consider changing out the taps and shower heads to make them look more modern and fancy, giving your bathroom an instant ‘wow’ factor without breaking the bank.
If you have a little more budget, you could transform your bathroom by replacing your existing suite with more space-saving options like wall-hung toilets and basins, or even consider converting a bath into a shower enclosure.
When it comes to fixtures like taps and showers, you should choose high-quality options that are water-efficient, as these tend to be more reliable and last longer in the long run. Doing this will save you a lot of money in repairs down the track.
Long-term renovation projects
When it comes to big projects that add value to your home, two of the most popular renovations for new homeowners are adding a patio or a carport. Both of these projects require a decent amount of money to get them done right, but they can add quite a bit of value when it’s time to sell your home.
Adding a Patio
Adding a patio is a great way to transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis. With the right materials and design, you can really customise the space depending on your budget and desired outcome.
Adding a Carport
Having a carport can provide security and convenience for any homeowner who wants covered parking – plus, they look great! Not only does this renovation add major curb appeal, but also adds value to your home – win-win!
Carport Additions for Parking & Storage
Adding a carport to your home is an excellent option for new homeowners looking to increase parking and storage space. The great thing about carports is that they’re generally lower-cost than other renovations and provide a tonne of value in terms of increased street appeal and making room for more vehicles or more oversised items like boats, trailers, and other items that can’t fit in the garage. New homeowners find the first thing they need more of is storage! That’s why a carport is among the best renovations for new homeowners since it frees up the garage and offers more storage options.
Here are some things you should consider before investing in a carport addition:
- The size of the area you want to work with
- Materials available and their respective costs
- Local zoning regulations or building codes that could impact construction
- Aesthetics – how does the proposed design fit into your home’s existing style?
Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades for High Value
If you’re looking to get high value for a price you can afford, consider upgrading your kitchen and bathroom.
Kitchen Upgrades: For kitchen upgrades, think about replacing countertops and appliances. Even changing out cabinet hardware can go a long way to give a drab kitchen a high-end look. Depending on the scope of the project, these updates cost around $5,000 – $20,000.
Bathroom Upgrades: Bathroom upgrades often involve fixtures such as vanities, toilets and showerheads. Consider revamping the lighting and tiles for a fresh look. Depending on the size of your bathroom and the materials you choose to work with, these renovations may cost anywhere from $2,500 – $10,000.
Updating fixtures and making some aesthetic changes in both your kitchen and bathroom will give you an updated look that won’t sacrifice quality or comfort—and, more importantly, won’t break the bank either!
New Paint Jobs Inside & Outside the Home
Rejuvenating your home’s paint is one of the most affordable renovation options that can bring tonnes of value. A new paint job can make a world of difference to your home, both inside and out.
Inside
A fresh coat of paint on the interior walls will make your home look updated and revitalised. Prices vary depending on how much space needs to be covered, but typically you’ll need to pay $1-$3 per square foot installed.
Outside
You want the exterior of your home to look just as sharp, right? Choose a weatherproof paint that won’t crack or fade in direct sunlight and will last for years to come. Depending on how much prep work needs to be done, expect to pay about $2-$4 per square foot for outside painting projects.
There are also other factors beyond price that you’ll want to consider when picking out a new colour scheme for your home’s interior or exterior:
- Do you want bright, inviting colours or something more subdued with calming hues?
- Do you want an even tone through each room or unique accents?
- These questions help narrow down the best option for your taste and budget and will give you peace of mind knowing your money was well spent on this renovation project.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas
If you’re looking for renovations for new homeowners that’ll give you peace of mind and a great return on investment, some low-maintenance landscaping is a great option. Low-maintenance landscaping is all about finding ways to reduce the amount of upkeep you have to do yourself. Add resilient and attractive plants to a garden to boost your curb appeal.
Pergolas & Gazebos
Adding a pergola or gazebo can help extend your living area by creating shade on hot days and providing an attractive focal point in your yard, increasing your home’s value and curb appeal. They’re relatively easy to maintain, too—just some routine cleaning should keep any pest problems away (if any) – plus they’re a cheaper option than a full patio.
New Windows & Doors for Energy Efficiency
If you’re looking to renovate and increase the efficiency of your home, you may want to consider adding new windows and doors. It may not seem like much, but replacing single-paned windows with double-paned can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency making it one of the more practical renovations for new homeowners. Increasing the insulation factor for windows is especially effective in colder months when heat can easily escape through gaps in the frames.
Similarly, installing a new, energy-saving door is sure to make a big difference in your utility bills overall and provide extra security for your home. Costs for this renovation can range from around $500-$10,000 depending on the type of windows and doors you choose, but with this added insulation comes additional value and long-lasting comfort.
Conclusion
For new homeowners looking to make the most out of their space, there can be a lot of options to consider. Whether you’re looking to have a carport built or instal a patio, there are options that will fit within your budget and provide high value.
When renovating your home, the most important thing to consider is the value each project will add to your home. If a project provides a great return on investment, it’s a good place to start. Ultimately, the best renovation projects are those that will make your house feel like a home.
If you’re in the market for backyard renovations for new homeowners, you’re in luck! SEQ Patio Group has a range of affordable options to get you started. Don’t wait any longer! Give us a call today to get started on your backyard transformation.
