When it comes to renovating your home, the last thing you want to do is follow a fad. Fads and trends by nature are fickle and change at any given time. You don’t want to spend a large amount of money on something that will no longer appeal. Luckily, there are future-proofing tips that you can use for your next renovation project.
1. Look to the future
It is important to remember that what looks good now, may not be as attractive in a few years. Times change as do people’s tastes. When it comes to a plan you need to consider current needs as well as future ones. For example, when it comes to children, wide open layouts are great when they are young so you can keep an eye on them. As they age you both need your own separate spaces. Think about the number of bathrooms you may need.
You need to think ahead to what you will need space for, because even if you cannot afford to add on now, you want to have the room for extensions when you can. In the event you sell your home, buyers will place great value on this future planning because it allows them to accommodate their future needs.
2. Function matters more than form
Whether you are thinking of building a home or just remodeling a room, function needs to be given priority over form. Looking like a picture of a magazine sure is appealing but if the room or house is not performing at optimal levels, you have wasted your money and efforts. You want to consider factors like efficient storage space and whether or not cabinets can have replaceable doors and fixtures.
Options are appealing so you don’t want features that have to remain stagnant. In most instances, bigger is not always better, so consider the layout and what your family needs; too muck bulk can create unfriendly living quarters. What about a guest room? Do you really need one? Would it be more practical to have an office space with a pullout couch/bed for your occasional sleep over guests. Make the most efficient use of any space in a room, remembering that you can build up as well as out.
3. Your home needs to perform
One trend that seems to stand the test of time is homes that place an emphasis on healthy living. Sustainability and efficiency are important factors to many homeowners these days. It is worth getting a professional opinion on your home’s energy star rating. Once you have this, you can make the necessary adjustments to ensure your home is energy efficient. Take advantage of solar power, recycling and using the right building materials. You will see the benefits both as a homeowner and when it comes time to sell. Smart homes typically provide good returns on the investment made.
4. Sense of style
Once layout is established as future-proof and efficient, you need to give the room or house some character. This is where you want to stay focused on the overall style and not some passing trend. Style should be unique to the house itself, so make use of balancing colors, shapes and forms to create the right look.
A good interior designer will help you uncover the style of the home rather than the style of the person. So when do you need to get an interior designer? If you happen to be set on a particular trend, make sure it is incorporated in ways that can be easily changed; wallpaper, lighting, fixtures, accents to name a few. For bigger items, like furniture, kitchens, and bathrooms, keep things functional and classic. When you focus on quality, there is little chance of becoming outdated.
5. Remember resale value
While you want to make sure you enjoy your home, you have to consider that it may not be yours forever. Think about the features that turned you off all those houses you turned down. You want a sustainable, efficient home with practicality and function that accommodates room for change. When it comes to trends, choose only the ones that add value to your investment. Choose quality components and materials as well as neutral colors. You can always add the elements of your personal character by way of changeable, smaller items.
