The decision to knock down and rebuild a property rather than simply upgrading the existing building sometimes just makes more sense. Upgrading can be a kind of firefighting exercise: it is a never-ending process because as fast as you fix one issue, another one can arise to replace it.
Old buildings (and that includes those erected even 30 or so years ago) are products of a different age and another way of thinking. The world has changed a huge amount since the dawning of the 21st century, and while it may never be possible to future-proof a new building completely, the way we think today is very different from how we (or our predecessors) thought in those carefree days when new was by definition better, and we thought nothing of throwing things away rather than reusing them.
As an industry, builders are trying to work more conscientiously with their clients to reduce any potential negative environmental impacts and create houses that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The Kitchen & Butler’s Pantry: Upgrades That Resonate with Buyers
The word pantry fell into disuse several decades ago, along with others such as outhouse. In came utility rooms and laundry rooms, and any spare square footage (another term that has been discarded) was devoted to technology, with home offices, computer rooms and TV rooms given priority. The kitchen was the chief victim of this.
Happily, things are changing, and the kitchen is being given due respect again, which has led to the new popularity of the butler’s pantry. Most of us don’t have the luxury of a butler, but we do have the possibility of creating a room where all the dry goods can be kept – rice, flour, pasta and so on – and if there were a butler in charge, they would be the custodian of the glassware and the crockery too.
Finding space for this in a home built in the late 20th century would be a problem, but if you’re knocking one down and rebuilding, you can devote some space to the butler’s pantry, even if the staff member is now Mum or Dad and they don’t get paid!
This is the kind of feature that can appeal to potential buyers, so we can make sure any future sale is enhanced rather than hindered by the kitchen arrangements.
Energy Efficiency as a Luxury Feature: High-End Insulation & Glazing
Here’s another thing that can be done much better with a rebuild than a renovation: energy efficiency. When this is considered in advance, and materials are specially chosen with indoor climate in mind, it is much more likely to succeed than trying to stuff some insulation in where there is really no room.
The direction the building is facing is another factor that the previous people may not have considered, and of course, double glazing was by no means standard in past times. Whether you’re trying to keep the heat out or in, it is better to think about it in advance and use the appropriate materials than to do it retrospectively.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Creating Premium Alfresco and Entertainment Zones
We are fortunate to live in a country where, generally, the climate is conducive to outdoor life, even if that just means having a drink and a barbecue outside. For that reason, any plans for a knock-down rebuild should include a possible al fresco dining and entertainment zone. Although no one wants to build a house that is suitable for others rather than themselves, it is a fact that homes can become unsuitable after a while, and it may eventually be time to move on to something bigger or smaller. Potential buyers may be impressed by the option of sitting out there with a glass of something refreshing and a plate of tasty food or a larger outdoor space to play cricket or basketball. So even if an outdoor area is not something that appeals to you, it is worth considering in your layout plans in case you decide to sell the property down the track.
Smart Home Technology & Integrated Security Systems
When it comes to smart home technology, the future is already here, and if you’re doing a rebuild now, you can be a pioneer. Smart technology is going in the direction of buildings that keep tabs on themselves, with sensors that keep a digital eye on everything from dampness to deterioration. The Internet of Things (IoT) is upon us, and it means devices that communicate with each other without us having to act as a go-between.
In addition to ambience and efficiency, this provides new security options, with systems far more sophisticated than mere burglar alarms and a camera over the front door. Buildings these days don’t even need physical keys, because you can control who is entitled to enter by means of codes that have to be punched into a pad, or even facial recognition technology. The level of security cover and customisation is up to you, and it’s pretty exciting to see what is currently possible.
Opulent Bathrooms and Master Suites: Features that Define Luxury
If there is one feature of a new house that makes for a good return on investment, it is a great bathroom. For many potential buyers, this is a hugely influential factor, and banks strongly consider bathrooms in their property valuations. An opulent bathroom/master suite can give a feeling of luxury that outstrips the location and size of the building. Fashions come and go, of course, so there is no point in trying to guess what this potential buyer might like, but a well-thought-out bathroom featuring high-quality fixtures and fittings can help set the tone for the whole house.
Do it how you want it, but make it classy with a functional layout. After all, you are going to be the beneficiary for as long as you are living in the house, and if the bathroom helps you to sell it when the time comes, that is a real bonus.
For help with every stage of your knock-down rebuild, including advice on improving resale value, get in touch with the Enso Homes team here. You can also explore our completed projects to see the quality and range of luxury features we deliver.
