Whether you are an empty nester building a low maintenance home, or a growing family moving into something bigger, doing your research and knowing what to look for will make the process a whole lot easier.
Clever design elements, coupled with smart thinking can make a world of difference so you are prepared before you move into your new abode.
Intrapac’s Chief Operating Officer Max Shifman believes transitional living zones are one of the most important things to consider when making the decision to upsize or downsize.
“Together with our builder partners, on offer are multiple housing options with cleverly designed, flexible floor plans. These layouts provide spaces which can accommodate young families as their children grow, or older people as their needs change over time,” he said.
TOP TIPS WHEN UPSIZING OR DOWNSIZING YOUR HOME
UPSIZING
Maximise storage space: maximise space to accommodate a growing family, especially the kitchen, which is the centre of the home. Consider a butler’s pantry to hide appliances.
Garage: ensure the garage is big enough to fit the family cars plus additional storage space for those items you don’t want to keep inside.
Dual living zones: especially with growing children. One living zone for the children accommodating games or home theatre rooms, and another for a parent’s retreat.
Parent’s bedroom: ensure this is separate from children’s bedrooms for privacy, especially when they grow into noisy teenagers.
Consider appropriate flooring: tiles or floorboards are a must in high traffic areas, and quality carpets in bedrooms for easier cleaning.
DOWNSIZING
De-clutter before you move: If it’s too good to throw out, donate unwanted goods to a local charity. Be ruthless and forget about holding onto sentimental belongings or junk. Never duplicate household items – after all do you really need two toasters? Host a garage sale or sell online to get rid of unwanted goods to make extra money.
Downsize your furniture: think about your new living zones. Will your existing furniture fit into a smaller home or should you consider buying space saving furniture with clever storage solutions built into the design?
Convert rooms: particularly in the case with empty nesters, think about how your living space can be turned into an extra bedroom, home office or retreat.
Space saving storage a must: consider building a storage loft into your roof to maximise space. Also ensure there are plenty of cupboards in kitchens, laundry and bedrooms.
Downstairs bathroom / toilet: especially important with an ageing population, ensure two storey homes have a downstairs bathroom with toilet, that can be easily accessed and is large enough to accommodate elderly family members.
Intrapac has a 30-year reputation of creating high quality developments and designing inspiring environments. The Intrapac portfolio includes the acclaimed Somerfield development located in Keysborough, in the South-East of Melbourne. With 90 per cent of lots at Somerfield already sold, buyers are eagerly anticipating the final releases of premium land in this estate.
The display village at Somerfield showcases homes from some of Australia’s most trusted builders including; Carlisle, Porter Davis, Metricon, Simonds, Esperance, Boutique, Burbank, Arden, Highview and Urbanedge.