brissybee

We are embarking on some long overdue renovations.

On a limited budget we want to make our home somewhere nice to enjoy for a couple of years... then possibly sell.

So, would really appreciate hearing what qualities you would look for (and avoid) in a house to buy.

elice_in_oz

I would not want to move into somebody else's home so I would look for something quite neutral where I could put my furniture without feeling like an intruder. Also, space and light are important to me so an airy well-lit space would be a must. I'm not hung up on brand new stuff or expensive fittings as long as they fit my basic requirements.

aries_bird

A good kitchen and bathrooms. These are expensive to replace so the newer the better in neutral styles if they were not what I would pick from new.
No clutter
Neutral colour scheme
Clean
Good quality flooring, Amtico type vinyl, wood, tiles etc
Tidy
Well maintained garden

rasen78

This is very personal and remember we're not in Aus, but this is what I would like in a house

A large open plan kitchen living space, ideally opening out onto outdoor entertaining space. This should be big enough for the kids to use the sparc as a playarea/study area, somewhere to eat and somewhere to chill. A separate lounge/adult space. A laundry room. An open fire or log burner in both areas. A separate dining room is not a priority for me as I think it is a wasted space for the amount of times a diningroom would be used.

In the kitchen, I would have a wall filled with big cupboards and built in ovens at eye level. A large island with the hob in it. T'other side of the island would have some seating space. Lots of preparation area. The sink would be located under a window so I could see to the garden. I would possibly go for deep drawers instead of cupboards for storage as I believe they would be more accessible - Ikea do some fantastic ranges and have great storage solutions.

In the living space, I would have loads of shelving units, ala Ikea again such as the Besta range or Expedit range, for the TV, kids toys, books etc. Lots of comfy sofas etc.

In the formal lounge, it would be quite simple and grown up - no kids allowed

On the practical side, double glazing, good flooring and clean or new carpets. Easy to clean surfaces, no wallpaper if possible as I think it hides any possible problems. Plenty of power sockets and well positioned ceiling lights. Simple window dressings. Lots of storage areas. Simple lines in the bathrooms, no awkward niches etc to accumulate dust. Same for the kitchen - nothing too 'stylised'.

Tidy gardens with neat fencing, easy to maintain. Good parking

Not that i've thought about it much

eddie007

Location location location

Here is australia We brought the wrong house in the right location for us.. And are making it into the right house... Walk to beach, walk to city centre, walk to cafe strip, walk to primary and high schools, walk to pub... Cul de sac on Quiet well built estate, older thus with community feel, next to city centre park, bus stop 300 yards away

If I was renovating to sell... Which is exactly what we did in the uk...

Neutral colourschemes
White bathroom suite doesnt date
Decent flooring
street appeal... Making it look fabulous from the outside...

We had already done the new fitted kitchen and double glazing thing before we thought about immigrating.

carolinephillips

Big kitchen, and from experience, no huge trees, white bathroom suite, free from damp/mould/insect damage. Built in cupboards, reasonably level access. Look carefully at the windows, and although cedar looks terrific, remember that cockatoos love to eat it and you are not covered by insurance.

Be practical, not smitten by the decor. Try to picture your lifestyle and how it would fit in.

Avoid busy roads or areas near schools, and try to steer clear of power cables.

Having said all that, we could not afford our perfect home, so we have had to buy one that needs renovating, and has cedar windows, huge trees, manky bathroom,tired kitchen, leaky roof (now fixed), but has space and is in the area we like. It is the worst house in a good street, so if we can ever do it up, we should make a profit when we come to sell- though it won't be for at least 10 years we think.

Would love double glazing, but having been quoted $68,900 plus GST, don't think that it will ever happen.

What_a_life

Would love double glazing, but having been quoted $68,900 plus GST, don't think that it will ever happen.[/QUOTE]

. As Victor Meldrew would say, I dont bloody belieeeeeve it!!. Now, if ever there was an entrepaneur out there, I suggest making double glazing here,not having to import it from Germany/US/ or wherever else it comes from. You'd make a killing , eso with all the brits who would want it. On a serious note, wonder why they dont make it here, its not like it doesnt get cold , or for that matter too hot

What_a_life

I totally agree with all the other replies. Keep the bathroom white, as it will never look dated. Good flooring is a must. (Viewing a house with dirty stained carpets is a real turn off for me). I wouldnt do anything which is too permanent, and would be a pain for a potential buyer to remove ie, wall stencils, sometimes done in kids rooms looks nice while they are kids, but..... Keep the colour light and neutral, its easier to paint a light wall dark, than a dark wall light.
When you do eventually have viewings, make sure its as de cluttered as it can be, and if its a nice day have the windows/patio doors open.. Also, although it doesnt seem to be well recieved amongst estate agenst here, I would always want to show people round my own house, as like they say, noone knows your house like you do. Im sure loads will disagree, but to be honest thats just my preference. I have met a few agents who are unfriendly, almost to the point of rudeness, tho to be fair I am sure there are many more who are not, but would hate to think one of them trying to sell my home..

irishbloo

I would say take your time and do it each room properly. Maybe go and look at some new builds to get an idea or buy some magazines.Make sure the finishes are good quality,like door handles and taps.Keep it neutral.People like easy clean and low maintenance.You can get some bargains so keep an eye on sales.Look in bathroom warehouses for discount.Even though you plan on selling it make it homely and comfortable for you and your family.Enjoy and good luck.

ozzieeagle

storage space and plenty of cupboards is very important. The rest just has to be clean tidy and Neutral.. A good looking front seems to work wonders as well. Make sure everything works... lights/windows/doors no squeaking floors or peeling paint etc etc.


PS when we considering what to do with our house, we did look around with the view of purchasing others. The biggest turn off after the first view from the street was if the people were home. We would not go in if they were. I think this is a strong expectation of the average Aus buyer, that the owner not be home. That way you can really look for faults. I consider myself mostly Australian now and this is how i expect most Aussies are.

ozzieeagle

Try these... Aus made and the cheapest we've found.... possibly too cheap though !

http://www.polarwindows.com.au/

HelenTD

I agree with ozzieeagle, Australians like to have a good look around, opening cupboards and drawers, turning on showers, flushing toilets even. I've even seen them sitting down on sofas or on outside furniture. I think that it helps them imagine actually living in that house. If the owner is there, or if the tenants are there, it can really put them off. When there are home opens in our neighbourhood, almost everyone goes to have a look, even if they are not remotely interested in buying a house. Same thing happens at auctions, or when a new house is being built - people wander around the site. It might be a really big part of the Australian character, wanting an in-depth knowledge of other people's lives, without necessarily being prepared to give the same back. I love the Australian expression "to have a sticky beak".

Turban Explorer

Generally speaking .... the safe, any valuable paintings or 'curiosities', jewelry boxes and of course, the jocks drawers so I can run around wearing y fronts on my head whilst I'm doing the house.

DeadVim

I can't say anything about the house registered with us, it was just some rooms (the lounge being the most awkward shape known to man) with stuff that seemed to work attached to a pitiful little excuse for a patio.

The land around it did it though

I'm off to the creek to collect some firewood ...

Deancm_MKII

A roof...