Top Priorities For Home Renovations

With home renovations averaging around $2,000 per square metre, it’s clear the stakes are high for homeowners aiming to get it right. Careful planning is crucial, and it’s never wise to dive into a renovation without thoroughly considering all aspects. There are many reasons to renovate your home, whether it’s to refresh a dated space, improve functionality, or increase value, and often, it’s a smart choice to renovate and not relocate, creating a home that truly meets your needs without the hassle of moving.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we meet homeowners daily who are ready to renovate a room, a space, or even their entire home. We get asked for renovation advice just as frequently, so we take pride in providing expert guidance. With insights from Houzz’s recent overview of home renovation priorities, I’ve done some homework to help you prioritise effectively.

Below, I’ll dive into the top priorities for home renovations as outlined by industry experts. Be sure to consider each one and address those that apply to you in your planning.

Improving design/look & feel

Unsurprisingly, a top priority for 72% of homeowners is enhancing the design, look, and feel of their home during renovations. Aesthetic upgrades are the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into a space, modernise it, and ultimately add value. Whether it’s roof repairs, fresh interior and exterior paint, or updating fixtures, design improvements can transform your home into a contemporary haven.

Renovating is your chance to make style upgrades that reflect your personal taste and elevate your property’s appeal. For many, this includes choosing new flooring, statement lighting, or even quality tapware, tiles, and cabinetry. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we provide a comprehensive range of stylish and contemporary renovation products to help you achieve the aesthetic you envision. Explore our online store for everything you need to bring your dream design to life, from bathroom vanities to kitchen cabinetry, tiles, and more.

Improving functionality

The second-highest priority for homeowners—coming in with 68% of votes—is improving the functionality of their homes during renovations. Interestingly, in our recent Facebook poll, 80% of respondents indicated that functionality took precedence over design, highlighting just how important a practical layout and efficient use of space are to homeowners.

Today’s renovation products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed to maximise functionality, providing better storage solutions, ease of use, and enhanced durability. From kitchen cabinets with soft-close mechanisms to multi-functional bathroom vanities and streamlined laundry units, modern solutions make everyday tasks easier and more efficient. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we ensure our product range reflects this trend towards enhanced functionality—our items are crafted with practicality in mind to help you create a home that’s both beautiful and highly efficient.

If you are upgrading your kitchen, our article on How to Design a Functional Kitchen will be helpful here.

Increasing resale value

Increasing resale value ranked as the third priority for homeowners, with 49% of respondents highlighting it as a key renovation goal. After all, who wouldn’t want to boost the value of their home while improving its aesthetics and functionality? Enhancing your home’s market appeal not only provides a potential profit margin but can also make it more attractive in a competitive real estate market.

To maximise resale value, focus on incorporating high-quality, modern upgrades that elevate the space without breaking the bank. Smart choices like energy-efficient appliances, stylish kitchen cabinets, and contemporary bathroom fittings can transform your home’s appeal. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we make it easy to find premium renovation products at the best prices in Perth, helping you achieve a polished, high-end look that increases your home’s worth without stretching your budget.

If you’re gearing up to sell your home, you’ll want to read our Best tips for Getting Your House Ready to Sell.

Side Note: increasing resale value was also the 5th reason homeowners decided to undergo a renovation in Houzz’s survey.

Improving energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency ranked as the fourth priority for homeowners, with 43% of respondents focusing on reducing their energy consumption during renovations. This trend reflects the growing awareness of sustainable living and the benefits of an energy-efficient home—both for the environment and for lowering utility bills.

Achieving better energy efficiency can be approached in multiple ways. For instance, consider strategic window placement and energy-efficient window treatments to enhance natural light while minimising heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers with high energy ratings is another impactful way to boost efficiency. Smart thermostats and LED lighting can also play a significant role in cutting down on electricity use.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide range of energy-efficient appliances and products designed to help you create a more sustainable and cost-effective home. With options tailored to improve both functionality and sustainability, making these updates during your renovation will lead to long-term savings and a more eco-friendly household.

Minimising costs of improvements

Minimising renovation costs ranked as the fifth priority for homeowners, with 43% focused on keeping expenses under control while achieving their desired upgrades. Balancing a dream renovation with a realistic budget can be challenging, but it’s essential to avoid overspending or overcapitalising on improvements.

One effective way to keep costs down is by sourcing quality materials and fixtures at competitive prices. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide selection of affordable, high-quality products to help you achieve your renovation goals without breaking the bank. Choosing wisely and shopping around can dramatically reduce overall renovation expenses.

Additionally, comparing prices, timing your purchases around sales, and opting for pre-assembled or flatpack options can further cut costs without compromising on quality. By carefully selecting suppliers and products, you can successfully complete your renovation while staying well within your budget.

For more tips, check out Tips to Blitz Your Budget.

Addressing health concerns

For 24% of homeowners, prioritising health and safety during a home renovation was a significant consideration. With rising awareness about indoor air quality, mould prevention, and reducing allergens, modern renovations often go beyond aesthetics to ensure a healthier living environment.

Addressing health concerns can involve choosing low-VOC paints, installing proper ventilation systems, and selecting materials that resist mould and mildew growth, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, opting for hypoallergenic flooring materials, such as tiles or sealed hardwood, and investing in water filtration systems can further enhance the health benefits of your renovated space.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we support these goals with a range of high-quality, health-conscious products designed to foster a safe and comfortable home environment. By selecting the right materials and planning strategically, homeowners can create spaces that not only look beautiful but also contribute to the well-being of everyone in the home.

Integrating “green” materials

For 22% of homeowners, incorporating eco-friendly, sustainable materials was a key priority during their renovation. The focus on “green” materials reflects a growing desire to reduce environmental impact and create healthier, more energy-efficient homes.

Integrating green materials can include choosing products made from recycled or renewable resources, such as bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, or recycled glass countertops. Homeowners are also increasingly opting for water-efficient fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly insulation to improve sustainability. These choices not only reduce a home’s carbon footprint but also contribute to long-term energy and cost savings.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we support sustainable renovation goals by offering a range of environmentally friendly products. From high-quality tiles and water-saving fixtures to energy-efficient appliances, our selection can help you create a stylish, eco-conscious space without compromising on design or function. Integrating green materials is not just a trend; it’s a valuable investment in the future of your home and the planet.

Integrating smart technology

For 12% of homeowners, integrating smart technology was a priority during their renovation, reflecting a shift towards creating more convenient, connected, and modern living spaces. Smart home devices can enhance both functionality and style, with features that offer added convenience, energy efficiency, and customisation.

Incorporating smart technology doesn’t always mean a full home automation system; even small upgrades can make a difference. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer products like LED mirrors with Bluetooth capabilities, temperature control, and sensor tapware that bring a touch of luxury and modernity to any bathroom. These smart features not only improve everyday usability but also make a stylish, tech-forward statement in your home.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade just a few elements or incorporate smart technology throughout your space, these additions are a great way to modernise your home, making it more functional and appealing to future buyers.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a home renovation, it’s worth considering the top priorities that have guided other homeowners over the past year. You might discover valuable insights or essential considerations that could enhance the outcome of your project and benefit your household in the long run.

In recent renovations, the main priorities have included improving design, functionality, and resale value; boosting energy efficiency; keeping costs in check; addressing health concerns; integrating eco-friendly materials; and adding smart technology. Each of these factors can significantly impact the long-term value, comfort, and efficiency of your home. For expert tips to help your renovation go smoothly, check out the Do’s and Don’ts of Renovating.

Take the time to determine which of these priorities align with your goals. Carefully assessing and incorporating these elements into your renovation plan can lead to a more successful, rewarding, and future-proof project for you and your family.