If you live on the Northern Beaches, then a home is a pretty big deal for the coastal lifestyle. But over time, these homes get exposed to sun, salt, and sea air and slowly start losing their shine. Therefore, they have to be renovated from time to time. Most homeowners think renovation is a headache. In reality, it is not anything like that. You have to plan it properly. In this article, we will share with you some smart ideas for the renovation of the Northern Beaches home.
1. Weatherboard Cladding
Weatherboard cladding, or siding, is the overlapping of horizontal or vertical boards that protect a building from harsh weather. It does not let the rain and moisture soak into the wall. They are made of different materials, such as timber, vinyl (PVC), or fiber. Each material has its own qualities. Timber is a traditional choice and brings natural beauty to your home. Vinyl is lightweight and low-maintenance. Fiber cement is best for Northern Beaches homes because it resists rot, pests, fire, and warping and can last for decades. Most fiber cement boards are pre-primed, so you can paint them any color.
Weatherboards are usually installed over a vapor barrier with battens to create a gap for airflow. This ventilation stops the buildup of moisture in the wall. Overall, weatherboard house renovation is a good investment that boosts value and improves the insulation of your home.
2. Roof Restoration
The roof gets the most damage from the sun, wind, and salty coastal air. They often leak, tiles start to fade, and cracks pop up. Roof restoration is the best possible way to fix these problems without replacing all the tiles of the roof. It is the method to repair, clean, and protect your existing roof to make it look brand new. At first, the expert will check for broken tiles, loose ridge caps, and weak spots. Totally damaged tiles are replaced, and the rest of them are cleaned with high-pressure water or air.
The next step is repointing. Ridge caps are sealed with mortar. After priming, a waterproof membrane coating is applied to tiles. Roof restoration is not just for roof tiles. They also improve thermal performance. Reflective coatings can deflect the heat, keep your home cool, and reduce energy bills. Plus, it’s more affordable than swapping the entire roof.
3. Double-Glazed Windows
If your home feels too hot in summer, too cold in winter, or too noisy throughout the year, double-glazed windows are a suitable option. These windows have 2 panes of glass, which are separated by a sealed gap with air or an inert gas like argon. This creates an insulation layer that affects heat transfer. Another benefit of double-glazed windows is noise reduction. If there’s traffic around or you have neighbors, these windows keep your home peaceful. It also controls condensation. As the inner glass stays warm, it lowers the risk of mold and moisture.
Plus, it blocks harmful UV rays that can discolor furniture and flooring over time. Frames of these windows come in uPVC, aluminum, and wood. uPVC is the most common choice of homeowners due to its low maintenance. For better insulation, triple-glazed options are also available.
4. Built-In Storage
Built-in storage is one of the most effective ways to make your home organized. Basically, these are custom-fitted cabinets, shelves, or seating units that get installed directly into the structure of your renovated weatherboard homes. For example, under the stairs, inside alcoves, around the bed, and under windows. When you have built-in storage, you don’t have to place big furniture. There are several ways to use built-in storage at home. Full-wall wardrobes and cupboards are great for bedrooms and hallways. Open or closed shelves for living rooms and study areas. Window seats and benches with hidden drawers.
In kitchens, custom pantries, pull-out racks, and appliance garages keep everything accessible and in order. You can keep your bags, shoes, and coats in the mudroom cubbies close to the doors. The major advantage of this built-in storage is that it keeps things clean and provides more space. For best results, match the paint of the storage solution with your walls, add LED lights inside shelves, and combine open and closed storage.
5. Interior Painting
Paint is one of the key aspects of a home that boosts its value and appearance. Usually, homeowners prefer to paint the exterior of the home, as it fades faster than the interior paint. But as the times pass, they do not give too much attention to the inside paint. Faded colors, marks, and small cracks change the look of interiors. It’s better to repaint it before it gets worse. Choose light colors for the inside because they make the room look bigger and more open.
Use only water-based, low-odor, and low-VOC paints. They have a mild smell and are safe for the air inside your home. They protect your walls from moisture, stains, and everyday wear. Interior painting is not limited to walls. You can do it on ceilings, doors, window frames, and trims. In the kitchen and bathroom, you can use washable paints that stay fresh for years.
6. Smart Home Features
Smart home features can make the lives of homeowners easier. With connected devices, you can turn on and off appliances, optimize security, or raise or lower the temperature by using your phone or simple voice commands. A smart lock lets you open the door and close it from anywhere. Smart thermostats adjust the temperature according to the temperature and save energy. Security is another big win. Video doorbells, cameras, and motion sensors send instant alerts if something strange happens.
For daily comfort, appliances come with voice assistants. You can set them with your command, such as to adjust blinds. Smart plugs and energy monitors also help track power use. Best of all, smart home upgrades don’t need major renovations. Many systems work through Wi-Fi and simple apps, making them easy to use and install.
To Sum Up
These are some of the smart renovation ideas that can make your home more comfortable, attractive, and valuable. In addition, it also has long-term benefits. All this is possible when you choose the right experts for the renovation of your Northern Beaches home. Aag Constructions is a leading residential building company of Sydney’s Northern Beaches that is known for our passion for design, construction, problem-solving, and excellent customer service. If you also want to renovate your home, contact us today at adam@aagconstructions.com.au or 0401 248 083.