Thinking of renovating your Brisbane home? If so, it’s important to start with planning.
As custom home builders, we know that planning your renovation before you start can help you save headaches down the track. Having a plan can help you avoid expensive mistakes, stay on budget, and ultimately have a renovation that you will love.
So, how should you start your renovation project? We think it’s best to start with your floorplan. Whether you’re building a new home or doing a major renovation, the floorplan plays a significant role in shaping your home.
Here’s our top tips for creating the perfect home reno floorplan:
Match floorplan to your lifestyle
When planning your floorplan, it’s important to think about your family’s lifestyle. Because of the warm weather in Brisbane, it is common for homeowners to want an open-plan living floorplan where the whole family can come together. This seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for gatherings and quality family time. However, if your family requires a more multi-functional space, then having separate rooms would be more suitable. For example, if you have family members who work from home or children who study, it would be better off to situate an office further away from high traffic areas such as the living room or kitchen.
When you have an introspective look at your lifestyle, you can begin to make compromises to customise your space perfectly. It’s easy to get inspired by renovations that may not be suitable for your needs. For example, while you may have come across some inspiring bathroom renovation inspiration with a large floorplan, double shower and luxurious bath, this design could encroach on other rooms in the house. If you have a larger family, space is precious! A lavish bathroom renovation plan could hinder your ability to have enough storage space of bedrooms.
If you are struggling to find a layout that works with your home and are finding you need to make too many undesirable compromises, then perhaps a house extension, house raise or a build under would be a great solution. By raising the house and building underneath it, you can double your opportunity for space. It allows you to have the ‘best of both worlds’ where an open plan living space is possible while maintaining private spaces such as offices rumpus rooms or extra bedrooms. This has been a popular option for many Brisbane residents as it gives you further opportunity to capitalise on your block while maintaining a yard. Owners of Queenslanders are also opting for house extensions, raising and build unders to modernise a previously outdated and dysfunctional layout while maintaining the property’s charm.
Think about functionality
Now that you have determined the rooms that will elevate your home and assessed your available space, it’s time to consider the seamless interaction and flow between these spaces. Creating a luxurious home involves more than just individual rooms; it’s about crafting a cohesive environment where each element seamlessly connects. A well-designed floorplan allows for effortless movement and enhances the overall experience of your living space. So, embrace the opportunity to curate a home where rooms flow together harmoniously, and where every corner is purposeful and well designed. This will be especially important if you are building a house extension, house raise or build under as your space is about to drastically increase and you don’t want to be travelling from one end of the house to the other or up and down stairs unnecessarily.
To make your newly renovated home as practical as possible, consider which rooms need to be positioned near each other and adjust your floorplan accordingly. You may want to consider which rooms will be a high traffic area and which ones need to be separated from those spaces. You’ll also want to optimse communal spaces to be social and effortlessly comfortable, whereas bathrooms, bedrooms and offices ought to be separated and quiet. A well considered floorplan not only enhances your convenience but also the social aspect of your home.
As you embark on envisioning your dream space, take a moment to visualise your main pieces of furniture within each room. Picture the way they will fit and complement the overall design scheme. By considering furniture placement in advance, you can optimise the functionality and aesthetics of each space, ensuring a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Consider your home’s orientation
When it comes to crafting your perfect home, considering the orientation of your new build is a game-changer. Orientation not only influences street appeal but also your home’s energy efficiency. For example, if you design your home so that it’s north-facing, then you’ll get more natural sunlight coming in during winter, reducing your need for heating.
Considering where the windows or natural air ventilation is coming from will also make your home more comfortable during the warmer months. Ensure that your living room and bedrooms have enough airflow to keep your home fresh and cool. Thinking about the orientation of your home before you start building will make your home more comfortable and will save you money in the long run.
Don’t forget outdoor space
While you may be spending all of your preparations on the internal floorplan of your home, it’s important to remember how the outdoor space is going to integrate and function. For those who relish in hosting and entertaining, consider incorporating features that enhance the outdoor entertainment experience such as a built-in barbecue, bar fridge or an outdoor fireplace.
Prepare for the future
If you want your home to be your ‘forever home’, then you need to prepare for the future. Think about how your family’s needs will change over time, as the kids grow up and move out or as elderly parents may need to move in. You may need to transform playrooms into study spaces, or use a spare room to accommodate friends and family. Ensure that your renovation plans are specific enough to your current needs but broad enough to evolve over time.
Looking To Start Your Home Renovation?
Thinking of renovating your home? Take a look at this recent project we completed for our clients in Greenslopes, Brisbane. We turned this family dwelling into a modern, spacious and open home that is ideal for entertaining.
At JM Homes, we ensure we always take the time to listen, communicate and act with our client’s interests at heart at every stage of the build.
If you have a renovation project in mind, we’re Brisbane’s building experts. Whether it’s a Queenslander, new build, house raise or extension, we can help you.
Contact us today.