Renovating? It’s all in the planning

There is more to a renovation project than breaking out the power tools. Insurance agents and investment advisors are adept at having ‘‘the talk’’ with prospective clients: asking personal questions about lifestyles, health issues, family growth plans, ageing, work habits and other matters.

Your family should have that same conversation if you plan to remodel your home. Changing its flow, function or size can significantly transform the way you live there.

When people decide to remodel their homes, they may not have considered much more than what they want the kitchen and bathrooms to look like, or whether to add or expand rooms.

It’s better to take a step back and start the conversation with details about how you plan to live, work and play there, so you’re less likely to have regrets when the project is done.

Here are some important things to talk about before remodelling:

HOW LONG YOU’LL LIVE IN IT

If it’s short term, decisions are easier and big changes are unlikely. If you plan to be there for 10 to 20 years, or consider it a ‘‘legacy’’ home you want to keep in your family for generations, you need to consider the needs of current and future toddlers, teens and ageing parents.

It will also affect your choice of materials. If you plan to keep a house a long time, buying the best quality makes sense.

WHY YOU WANT TO STAY THERE

Maybe you need more space or a different configuration. Should you move or remodel? Sometimes remodelling can’t meet your needs, but if it’s simply a space or configuration issue, the reasons to stay put and remodel may be quality of life issues.

Perhaps you’ve put down strong roots and love the neighbourhood. Your kids are settled in school, have nearby friends and love their sports teams. Your doctor, neighbours, friends and service providers are part of your community.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL NEEDS

This is where things get more personal. If you or someone else in your home plans to stay in the home rather than move to a retirement community, living on one level and avoiding stairs may be the best option, or incorporate a lift.

The same is true if you have a family member with physical challenges. You could turn a little-used dining room or living room on the main level into a bedroom/bathroom, and install wheelchair-friendly amenities.

FAMILY DYNAMICS AND FLOW

If you like your house but everyone is bumping into each other, there is not enough storage and only one bathroom, your stress levels will rise. You will need to remodel to incorporate a second bathroom, but other issues, such as flow in and around rooms, can often be improved without moving walls.

YOUR ENERGY NEEDS

If you are in the house for the long haul, consider smart energy upgrades, which can pay for themselves in just a few years. This may include solar heating, ducted heat pumps, central heating, double glazing or extra insulation.

RENOVATING VS BUYING ANEW

Moving can typically cost up to 10 per cent of the value of your current home. This includes moving expenses, conveyancing costs, real estate commissions and other items that have no direct impact on your quality of life. Add to that the expense of new furniture, redecorating, and modifications to the new house.

At the same time, you have to be clear on what you can and can’t afford in a remodel, as it soon adds up. Make a list of everyone’s needs now and into the future, then prioritise it. What is critical to improving your lives? What is cosmetic? Once you have those answers, you’ll be ready to start the design process.