Your home holds both sentimental and financial value, making it more than just a living space. When we embark on the journey of making changes to your beloved home—whether to infuse it with our personal touch, make it more family-friendly, or upgrade its style—we must be mindful of the impact these choices can have on its overall worth. While the desire to swap those dated pink bathroom tiles for something more chic is completely understandable, it’s crucial to acknowledge that our actions can directly influence the value of our investment. Sometimes, these decisions lead to positive outcomes, but there are instances where they result in unintended consequences, such as devaluing your home. If you’re looking to maximise the return on investment for your home, we, at Lauren Hesse Design, have some valuable tips to share. Before diving into your home renovation project in Toronto, it’s important to take a step back and consider these recommendations to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome and optimise your return on investment.
Why Hire An Interior Designer for Your Home Renovation Project?
One misconception we often encounter as interior designers is that our role primarily involves selecting throw pillows and knick-knacks. It’s essential to understand the distinction between decorators and interior architects when seeking professional guidance for your home renovation. Interior designers are much more than just decorators; they are highly skilled professionals who play a comprehensive role in the construction and transformation of your space. They possess a deep understanding of structural elements, spatial planning, and material selection, allowing them to create a cohesive and functional design.
As an interior designer in Toronto, at Lauren Hesse Design, we are dedicated to providing you with the best service and expertise. From conceptualising the design to overseeing the project’s execution, we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure your vision becomes a reality. So, let’s learn more about how to maximise your ROI on your home renovation.
Let Your Designer Illuminate Your Space: Trust the Experts with Lighting Layout
One area where the expertise of an interior designer truly shines is in creating optimal lighting plans for your space. When you hire a designer, they will take a holistic approach to electrical planning, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. They will work closely with you to understand your lifestyle and preferences, ensuring that the lighting design aligns with your specific needs. Whether you prefer bright, well-lit spaces or cozy, ambient lighting, a skilled designer will curate an atmosphere that enhances the functionality and mood of each room.
In addition to lighting, an interior designer can also provide valuable advice on maximizing natural light. They have a keen eye for assessing the potential of your space and can recommend strategic window placements to optimise views, natural light intake, and privacy. Whether it’s large picture windows that frame stunning outdoor landscapes, bay windows that add architectural interest, or skylights that bring in abundant overhead daylight, an experienced interior designer understands the impact of different window types on the overall ambiance and functionality of your home.
Poor Systems Mean More Maintenance
Like we mentioned, collaborating with an interior designer to help strategize where to place the electrical wiring is a great place to start, as they’ll have a more holistic approach to the spaces they design. Another way you can maximise your return on investment in your home is by prioritising the update of essential systems such as plumbing and heating. This is a highly effective approach because outdated or faulty systems can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential issues down the line. By investing in modern, efficient systems, you not only improve the functionality of your home but also reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, saving you money in the long term. Similarly, considering radiant systems or radiators for efficient heating can significantly decrease energy consumption and lower heating expenses.
Let’s not forget about HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and insulation. A well-designed HVAC system regulates temperature, airflow, and ventilation effectively, while insulation minimises heat transfer and maintains consistent indoor temperatures. Together, they reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and create a comfortable living environment year-round. Additionally, an energy-efficient home with reliable heating and cooling systems is more appealing to potential buyers, increasing the overall value of the property.
Invest in Your Bathroom Renovation
When it comes to renovating your entire home, it’s essential to avoid costly mistakes that can impact both your budget and the overall value of your property.
First and foremost, let’s talk about bathroom renovations. Our tip? Don’t skimp on essential fixtures and materials. It can be tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives, but compromising on quality can lead to headaches down the road. If you want to create a timeless and sleek vibe in your home, go for natural stones like marble, slate, and granite. They give off a high-end look that can’t be matched by materials like vinyl, porcelain, or ceramic. Just keep in mind that these materials do require some maintenance. But the best part about using natural materials, like marble, is that if it starts looking worn out, you can have it sanded down to make it look brand new again. Spending around 500 dollars on sanding and polishing can save you thousands of dollars on ripping out your floors and starting from scratch.
Keep in mind that trends come and go, so if you want to avoid potential regrets down the line, opting for timeless designs is a safer bet. For example, trendy tile patterns for your bathroom renovation might be beautiful today, but you might not love them in ten years.
Vinyl is for Records, Not for Floors
Cheap flooring options like laminate and vinyl flooring may seem like a budget-friendly choice, but they can lead to problems down the line.
Laminate flooring is not the best choice when it comes to durability and water resistance. It has a thin printed layer that can easily get scratched, dented, or fade over time. Plus, if you have a spill-prone area, be cautious because water can seep into the seams, causing the laminate to swell or warp. Like laminate, cheap vinyl flooring is also prone to wear and tear, requiring complete removal and replacement when it deteriorates.
Engineered hardwood floors are durable and work well in different environments; but, here’s the thing: if it gets damaged, you can’t just fix it by sanding like you would with solid hardwood. So, when you’re picking out engineered hardwood, keep in mind the specific product and know its limitations. Take some time to understand what type of engineered hardwood you have and how to take care of it properly. That way, you can make sure it lasts long and make smart choices when it comes to maintenance.
To avoid these issues, we recommend not compromising on your flooring. Invest in high-quality materials such as solid hardwood, luxury vinyl, or good quality engineered wood. While they may require a higher upfront cost, they provide long-term flexibility and a lasting, attractive appearance.
Avoid DIY Disasters
If you’re looking to tear down a wall, maybe take a minute to consult a professional before getting started. It’s highly recommended to hire a licensed contractor who possesses the necessary skills and experience to handle the job—and don’t forget to ensure they have insurance too. Understanding the distinction between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls is a task best left to the experts. Let the myth be busted that you can’t determine if a wall is load bearing simply by knocking on it—trust us on this. A DIY project gone wrong can be a hefty price to pay, especially without insurance.
Thoughtful planning is key to minimising disruption and potential costly repairs. Your interior designer will help conceptualise the layout and sub-contract any professionals needed to engineer the structure, while the contractor will ensure that the work is carried out in such a way to distribute the load of the house safely. While it may take a bit more time, some things are better left in the hands of professionals. Doing so helps minimise disruptions and potential financial risks throughout the process.
Don’t Niche Down: Long Term Planning for Designs That Will Last
In addition to the considerations mentioned above, it’s important to think about long-term planning when it comes to niche designs. You may love that trendy patterned tile now, but it can present a challenge down the line when trying to sell. We recommend avoiding going all-in on the bright red kitchen cabinets or overwhelming your space with a single colour as it may discourage potential buyers in the future.
Here’s a friendly piece of advice: don’t jump on any trends without doing your homework first and considering how long you’re planning on staying in your home.. We’re seeing a big uptick in trendy techniques such as Venetian plaster and lime-washing lately, but before diving headfirst into your Pinterest-inspired home makeover, consider your long-term goals for your space. If we’ve learned anything from the 90’s, it’s the importance of keeping our walls smooth and easily changeable. After all, we definitely don’t want to relive the era of faux finishes.
If you have plans to sell your home in the near future feel free to incorporate a few more trends as they can be selling features; however, if you’re staying put for the next ten years, then it’s wise to strike a balance between incorporating your unique preferences and ensuring broad market appeal. Having the most fun with the things you can easily change, and playing it a little safe with the things you cannot, is a sure fire recipe for real estate success.
Optimise Your Home’s ROI with Lauren Hesse Design
Ready to start your home renovation journey? CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM AT LAUREN HESSE DESIGN. Our team will guide you through the process, helping you make informed choices, plan strategically, and create a space that not only stands the test of time but also retains its value. Book a call with us today and discover how we can bring your vision to life.
