Renovation Wish List: Home Features Most Australians Want to

Improve

Australia is indeed a renovation nation, with statistics showing that a greater majority of the population invests a great deal of money on

property remodelling projects. According to reports from the Australian Bureau of Statistics published in the first quarter of 2015, homeowners in

Western Australia invested $582 million to improve their properties in 2014. Most of these renovation activities came from Perth, with a total of

$446 million spent.

Renovation based on Lifestyle

In a recent survey, experts aimed to identify particular features that Australians wanted to change. The study authors from the law firm Slater &

Gordon’s conveyance division observed that the preferences of respondents greatly depended on “lifestyle, weather and climate”.

For instance, in WA, outdoor areas are one of the top priorities. Since the state enjoys a sunny climate for most part of the year, alfresco living is essential for

most homeowners. Australians are more interested in investing in decks or outdoor entertaining areas. Outdoor blinds, fire pits, lounge chairs, and coffee

tables are the most common features of this exterior space.

Change for the Better

The researchers also found that kitchens and home extensions are among the top priorities of homeowners. Among the WA residents interested in renovation

projects, 18% reported investing in a new kitchen. The experts say that this particular area has been a frequent target of remodelling activities, as it has

evolved in design and function in recent years.

With more people treating cooking as recreation and design trends leaning

towards open plan living, the kitchen is not merely a gastronomic hub, but a

space for entertainment and social gathering incorporated into the

homeowners’ daily life.

In the report, 15% percent of the

respondents wanted to extend existing rooms, while 14% on building new

bathrooms. Landscaping accounts for 13% of the respondent’s remodelling

preferences, while an extra bedroom represents 11%. Some survey

participants (8%) also reported investing in installation of swimming pools.

With the popularity of renovation reality

TV shows and the DIY culture, more Australians are investing in home

improvement activities. This simply proves that the Land Down Under is

indeed a renovation nation.

RESOURCES:

http://actionawnings.com.au/outdoor-blinds/

http://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/houseproud-australians-are-forking-out-billions-to-renovate-their-homes-every-

year/story-fncq3era-1227202201150

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/9612327/alfresco-living-so-cool-in-winter/