Have you got design brief and budget questions?

If you’re planning a renovation and you want to add real value to your home, ask a good real estate agent for advice! Good real estate agents have a wealth of knowledge about what the local market are looking for and what they are prepared to pay. This month in the 101.5FM radio Morning Magazine Stephanie tells us some key questions to ask an agent to add value to your home

Most people think of real estate agents only for buying and selling property, but did you know that they have a heap of knowledge that can add value to your next renovation or new home project? A good real estate agent will be happy to give you advice, even if you have no intention of selling.

It’s always worth talking to a few experienced local real estate agents to get their opinion, because it’s not an exact science – you are looking for patterns of advice and ideas. Getting advice is essential if you are planning to sell in under 5 years, but is still a great idea if you have no intention of selling.

Agents talk to buyers on a daily basis so they’re in a unique position to provide information on features that add value and those that don’t, as well as what buyers are prepared to pay for them.

At the end of the day, it’s your house, so you can do what you want. You don’t have to follow the agent’s advice, but I always think it’s worth getting informed. The cost of construction is so high these day, with custom architectural renovations in South East Queensland costing around $5000 per square metre and upward. So it definitely pays to do your research before you start spending any money, so there’s no regrets later on.

What sort of information can a real estate agent provide?

The can help you confirm your design brief – including the rooms and features you want.

And most importantly they will help you work out the right amount to spend in your, to avoid overcapitalisation. Agents can provide advice on rough floor plans or even simply a discussion of your design ideas.

Recently I interviewed a real estate agent on my podcast to find out about the features of a house that add value in 2024. 2025

These vary depending on your location, but the most popular were:

• a second living area,
• an ensuite and walk in robe off the main bedroom,
• a mudroom for dumping clothes and shoes and bags, etc, on the way in from the car,

and interestingly,

• a pool.

Pools used to be very out of fashion about 15 years ago, and now they are back in demand!

When is the best time to get advice on brief and budget?

If you can, get advice from an agent as early in the design process as possible to avoid wasting money and time.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Listen to the 101.5FM radio show episode HERE

In the Renovation Collaborative Courses I guide you through the entire home design process starting with how to decide whether to renovate or sell.

In Podcast Season 1. Renovate or Sell I guide you through the process and tell you the processionals who can provide you with the information you need to help you make decisions.