With the first week of Our First Home set to dry, our three families took to open homes to find their dream do-ups, and all made a purchase with renovations in mind.

Along the way, Architect Eva Nash and Property Expert Sara Hartigan passed on a number of tips and tricks to help our families avoid any rusty nails waiting in the property market. 

 

When viewing open homes

Take a tape measure:
With a tape measure handy at an open home, you can measure the size of rooms and use that to understand better what furniture might fit in there
 
First impression counts:
When stepping inside an open home, what you hesitate on others will also hesitate on.
 
Mitigate road noise:
By screening a house from a road nearby using trees or fences, you can eliminate noise.
 
Huge plus:
Additional living spaces like a sleepout or detached room are valuable

 

Key points to add value to a home

Indoor/outdoor flow is a key selling point for Kiwis.  It also works to extend living spaces.

Second living areas are important - a flexi-space for a second lounge, a family room or a teenage retreat will appeal to more buyers.

Fencing – street side screening will reduce noise from a busy road.

Heating is important, and a heat pump gives you the most bang for your buck.

Areas of a home which add the most value are kitchens and bathrooms, as these are the most expensive to renovate. Wow factors like an island bench in a kitchen will go a long way.

Privacy and selcusion add value.

Try to face living areas north along with indoor/outdoor flow to add value.