The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, May 18, 2016
www.theprogress.com
Why you should consider upgrading instead of uprooting … SPRING 2016 PRODUCTS kk QUALIFIED TRADES kk EXPERT ADVICE kk
Since childhood, we’re told that beauty should be judged by what’s on the inside. But when it comes to a home, it’s often what’s on the outside that counts.
Huguet adds that homeowners want homes that are: ▸ More energy efficient (better insulation, windows, doors, heating and cooling systems) ▸ More environmentally friendly ▸ Have better air and water quality ▸ Have integration and control of lighting, HVAC, audio/video, security etc., all at the touch of their iPhone ▸ Complete interiors of a whole floor or whole house, rather than just one room ▸ Have open floor plans, and the ability to move walls to create better function of indoor and outdoor spaces
By Nicolle Hodges
When you come home from a long day of work to see that your yard looks worn and your home seems to sag, it might be hard to appreciate the roof over your head no matter how clean and modern the interior. If you’re suffering from a case of the “same old,” every time you reach your driveway, then it Before: might be time to look at an exterior rena budget between $300,000 - $499,000. ovation. Graeme Huguet, General Manager of As markets continue to rise, exterior renMy House Design/Build Team Ltd - the comovations are becoming increasingly popular pany responsible for the build of the home as more people turn to upgrading their own - says that when homeowners think of renohomes instead of moving into a new one. But vations, they tend to first mention redoing the it’s about more than just a fresh coat of paint interior. However, he always incorporates the or changing the lights on the front porch. An idea of augmenting the outdoor living experiexterior renovation can actually impact the reence into the conversation. sale value of your home and add to its energy “Kitchen, [dining rooms] and family rooms efficiently. that flow into and integrate with outdoor The project pictured here was designed as a decks, patios, and outdoor cooking and entercomplete home renovation in Surrey, but comtaining,” he says as examples. “Exteriors also pleted in phases to allow the homeowner to reflect the type of functional changes inside, continue living there. It was also a recent Ovasuch as movement of doors and windows or tion Award Finalist for Best Renovation with adding skylights.”
In regards to the renovated home in Surrey, the exterior “finishes” the new home look. From its style, design, choice of materials and craftsmanship, it all lends to the overall look and value of the renovation. Not only does this type of renovation give homeowners the “feel” of a new home, but provides added benefits beyond a change of visual appeal. Some of the biggest changes he has noticed over the years in terms of home renovations are that people are seeking more energy efficiency and green build practices in addition to street appeal and resale value.“Today, more and more homeowners are looking at a more holistic renovation and not just “lipstick,’” he says.
But what if you are craving a big change without the big price tag, or want the feel and look of a new home without having to move? Beyond upgrading the kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and paint, Huguet says energy efficiency such as HVAC systems, better windows, and changing trim materials and colours can make a big difference in helping the house “feel” newer. Much like coming home to a clean home can make you happier, it’s possible to provoke that feeling before you even get to the front door. Plus, upgrading a home’s exterior can pay off in unexpected ways. When it comes to your home, it’s okay to judge by its cover.
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