FOUR High Impact Features You Must Consider when Buying a New House
If you are house hunting, keep an eye over some of these features.
When we think of buying, most of us start with our own personal requirements – we reflect on the location, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether we would like to have a media room or a butler’s pantry, a bigger sized kitchen or whether to have a two or a single garage space.
Yet, there are other desirable features you may want to consider when making the purchase.
Here are a few things to keep your eye on.
1. QUALITY Window Coverings
Window coverings tend to stay with the house. Whether they are blinds, awnings, shutters or curtains, they are an essential fixture to the house itself, and make an impression on the look and feel of the home more than one might realise.
“Blinds are especially important when serving a function, like protecting privacy, insulating sound or reducing harsh light.”
While aesthetics is one factor, such as the fabric colour, texture and vane sizes, there are also other functional aspects to consider when assessing a home’s window coverings.
For example, do these coverings provide best light and shade? Are they heavy-duty and child and pet-friendly?
And even if you are not a fan of the window coverings that is usually a part of the deal – there is always good news – that is, these are very easy to customise or update than the cabinetry and the flooring.
Nowadays, window coverings come in a wide range of selections and operating modes, making it easier to tailor for your lifestyle and home.
2. Kitchen Fixtures and Appliances
“Kitchens sell homes,” interior designer Emma Blomfield says, confirming the old industry saying.
All house fixtures and fittings must be of good quality that is going to work for the long term. Same with all the other expensive items in the home, like the kitchen appliances.
“Take note of the kitchen appliance when you’re inspecting potential homes.” Picture: Caroline McCredie
Any of the remaining appliances, consider if they’re energy-efficient or likely to add significantly to your bills. The older they are, the more they are likely to suck electricity.
Also enlist a reputable and thorough building inspection to verify everything is in safe, working order.
3. Sustainable Features
Note of any other sustainable features in the home, as these could save you a tonne of cash over the time you spend living in this home.
Does it have water-saving shower heads? Does it have solar? How does it sit in orientation to the sun? (Generally, a north or north-east facing aspect is most desirable as this allows you to take advantage of natural light and heat.)
“What direction does the property face? This can make a huge different on the temperature of the house.” Picture: Caroline McCredie
“Double glazed windows, cross ventilation and insulating window coverings can also help with heating and cooling, making a home more energy efficient in the long run.”
4. Flooring
Consider if the flooring in your potential new home suits your style and lifestyle. This can be particularly essential if you have pets and/or kids.
Personal taste, ease of cleaning and durability are normally the biggest considerations when it comes to floors.
"Does your new home’s flooring meet your needs?" Picture: Caroline McCredie
For example, you may love a light-coloured carpet in your living room, but will it be the best choice if you’re moving in with a dog or have young kids?
The good news is, flooring isn’t difficult to change (unless we’re talking tiles, of course).
“Nowadays, a high-quality laminate or hybrid timber flooring not only looks as good as hardwood floors but are in a lot of cases better as they won’t scratch as easily or warp with moisture.”
References
Luxaflex, https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/4-high-impact-features-to-consider-when-buying-a-new-house/