While many people enjoy living in Australia for its scenic views and rich biodiversity, the country experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year. This results in homes needing the necessary adaptations to withstand the country’s climate. To guide you through on how to cope up with this weather, here are several home improvement renovations to remember for your Aussie home.
Australia’s Climate Challenges
Since Australia has different weather patterns based on location, it is best that you should adapt your residential renovations according to your area. For everyone’s information, Australia’s climate has hot desert temperatures in the central and western plateau while the east and southwest coasts experience oceanic weather. To add to that, the southwest coast has a warm Mediterranean climate compared to the previous ones.
Heat waves, storms, cyclones, and flooding are some of the key weather threats you should consider when planning home upgrades. To note, Aussie cities experience the “urban island heat” effect, where cities are much warmer than rural areas.
Homeowners can also maximise climate projections and their implications for home design. A few of these scientific predictions say that the country will likely see an increase in temperature. So, integrating specific home features will help in managing the extreme weather conditions.
Essential Heat Management Renovations
When managing heat and ensuring you don’t experience extreme temperatures in your home, remodeling contractors are the professionals to call. Their knowledge and expertise can guide you in creating a house with heat management features. These include advanced roof and ceiling solutions, window modifications, and wall protection strategies.
Residents can also ask contractors to add heat-reflective roof coatings and materials to minimise home heat. They can incorporate proper ventilation systems and whirlybirds to lessen the interior temperature. You can also do insulation upgrades for maximum efficiency. These home improvement renovations can also lessen your utility costs by optimising the heat outside. In this way, you no longer have to adjust your heating and cooling system.
Another integration you can request from builders is double-glazing your windows to suit your weather conditions. These involve tints that block the sun’s harsh rays. Aside from tinting, you can also add external shades like awnings and shutters.
When it comes to protecting your outdoor walls, you can ask professionals about heat-reflecting paints. These paints have anti-glare formulas in their pigment that absorb less UV rays that help decrease your home’s temperature.
Storm and Heavy Rain Protection
Storms and heavy rains can damage your home due to their strong winds and downpours. That’s why protecting your home and family from these occurrences is essential. One way to do this is by adding structural reinforcements like roof tie-down systems. These systems connect the roof to the home’s foundation to prevent it from flying away due to strong winds.
To prevent flooding, you can ask your contractor about advanced water management solutions. This includes improved guttering systems that redirect water away from the home. Looking into underground drainage solutions, retaining wall improvement, and flood-resistant flooring are also good options.
Energy-Efficient Climate Control
For your home improvement & renovation project, consider energy-efficient climate control, such as passive cooling design principles. With these principles, it promotes natural ventilation and thermal mass utilisation in your home which gives an effective heat absorption, retention, and release in the building. Moreover, you can also talk to your builders about cross-ventilation improvements for better airflow.
In addition, active cooling solutions are ideal options. These can include energy-efficient air conditioning systems, which are vastly available in the market. Other choices include smart home integrations for climate control that automatically adapt to external temperatures that regulate indoor climate.
Outdoor Space Adaptations
Home improvement renovations are not only limited to bettering the indoor spaces, you also need to protect your outdoor area. In order to do that, there are several ideas that will help you boost your home’s outdoor appearance and functionality.
To ensure the space is protected from extreme weather, make sure to check out:
- Retractable awning systems
- All-weather decking materials
- Rain-sensitive automatic covers
Regarding gardening and landscaping, there are several features to consider. Since Australia tends to get really hot during the summer, you can opt for drought-resistant plants such as Lavender, Agapanthus, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea and Westringia.
Moreover, you can add water-efficient irrigation systems that offer multiple benefits. In this way, you can help conserve water, lessen utility bills, deter weeds, improve plant health, and more. In addition to these elements, you can strategically add trees for shade and natural cooling.
Cost Considerations and ROI
Weatherproofing your home can cost a significant amount of money. However, a home renovation is a smart investment. These construction projects boast several benefits, such as:
- Increased property value
- Enhanced livability
- Long-term money savings
- Emotional and lifestyle benefits
- Long-term financial and emotional stability
By investing in these upgrades, you can protect your home against harsh Australian weather and climate. You may also receive other benefits like insurance premium reductions for sustainable elements, government rebates, incentives, and more.
Weatherproof Your Aussie Home With Mista Reno
Weather-resistant home improvement renovations offer multiple long-term benefits. They protect your residence’s integrity, especially in harsh weather conditions. In fact, they have sustainable perks that lessen your utility bills and make your home a more environmentally friendly place.
That said, professional building companies like Mista Reno offer Australian clients their knowledge and expertise in home remodeling and renovations. We’re renovation experts with over twenty years of industry experience, making us one of the top choices for home improvement projects. Get in touch with us today so we can help you protect your home against the harsh Australian weather!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re looking into home improvement renovation, here are a few commonly asked questions you might have.
What home improvements add the most value in Australia?
Different home improvement projects can add the most value to your Aussie home. The projects with the best financial returns include kitchen renovations, bathroom upgrades, and landscaping.
Can you claim home renovations on your taxes in Australia?
Yes, Australians can claim home renovations on their taxes. However, the returns depend on the different renovation types.
Does home insurance cover home improvements or renovations?
Yes, insurance companies tend to cover home improvements or renovations. But, you should thoroughly review your policy’s terms and conditions to check if your intended changes fall under the coverage.