When your family is growing, either in numbers or in size (hello teenage years!), it can start to feel as if the walls are closing in. So what are your options for fitting everyone under one roof? Do you extend your home and create more rooms? Reconfigure the existing layout to make better use of the space you have? Or is it time to move to a bigger Auckland abode?
Here’s our handy guide to help you make the right decision for you and your family.
When to extend
Do you have a baby on the way or an older family member moving in? Extending either upwards or outwards to create new rooms could be the best option, plus it can add considerable value to your property. Many Auckland buyers want the freedom a four-bedroom home brings, such as bedrooms for all three kids, or three bedrooms plus an office, study, or spare room.
Pushing out external walls gives you an opportunity to consider how to better utilise your outdoor space. You could add a covered deck off the living area for more entertaining space and the all important open plan, indoor/outdoor flow.
Extensions are only limited by your imagination and budget – and that’s where our Auckland builders come in. We talk through your wishlist, price up a range of concepts within your budget, and help you turn your house into your forever home.
When to reconfigure
If budget is top of mind, reconfiguring your existing layout could be the way to go, such as changing internal walls. To get the best bang for buck, and potentially avoid costs such as consent fees, we suggest bringing in your Auckland builder as early as possible.
When we are looking to reconfigure a home, we would initially consider whether our clients can strip everything out and rebuild. This gives you a completely different perspective on your floor plan. Then, you can work out a new layout specific to your lifestyle and needs. You can even add additional rooms with the right reconfiguration.
If money is really tight, consider converting underutilised spaces. For example, you could turn your garage into a living space for growing teens or create a loft in the roof cavity for a study or extra storage.
When to move
Moving to a new house can be exciting but it’s also the most costly (and stressful) option for getting a bigger home. There’s the cost of bringing your home up to standard for sale, agents and lawyers fees, and the money to upgrade to a larger Auckland home.
If moving is something you’re considering, think about your neighbourhood. Would you need to move out of the area to afford a bigger property? What does that mean for schooling, work, and commutes? There’s a lot to consider so write up a list of pros and cons to shed light on your thinking.
Decisions, decisions….
We believe any home can be a forever home with the right renovation, whether it’s a reconfiguration or extension. Our experienced builders have helped hundreds of Auckland families create the space they need for the future – and you could be next. We’d love to help you get what you need from your current home so you can enjoy it for years to come. Give us a call today.