Over-renovating: when bigger isn't better.
Should you renovate for yourself or for a future buyer you've never met?
I've had several consultations recently with homeowners wanting to expand their home's footprint – not because they need more space or storage, but because they think it might boost resale value down the road. When I ask about their timeline for selling, the answer is usually vague. These aren't forever homes, but they're not listing them tomorrow either.
The question they're wrestling with: while updating some areas, should they add extra square metres just in case?
My advice in both instances was the same: probably not.
Here's why.
Things change, and so will your buyer
If you don't have a fixed timeline for selling, by the time you do decide to move on, everything will have shifted. Styles evolve, lifestyle requirements transform, and even the demographics of your suburb change.
Not too long ago, everyone needed a three-bedroom home plus a study or spare room. Now? Family sizes are shrinking, hybrid work is the norm, and multi-generational living is surging due to rising costs. Tech advancements mean family members are on separate devices rather than gathered around one TV. Adult children are staying home longer and need their own dedicated spaces. Gardens with trampolines are making way for outdoor saunas and plunge pools.
Each homeowner uses space differently. So, if you're staying put for a while, my strong recommendation is to design a home that works for you – a floorplan that works, finishes that work, colours that work.
You can't predict who will buy your home or what stage of life they'll be in when that day comes. Chances are, they'll want to renovate anyway to make it feel like theirs.
Technology moves faster than renovations
Remember when we designed kitchens with multiple enormous ovens, dedicated spaces for every gadget, and double dishwashers?
Now we have combi oven-microwaves, ovens with built-in air fryers, fridges that can order groceries, and concealed induction cooktops. What will kitchen appliances look like in five to ten years? Who knows. A beautiful, functional kitchen will always have value, but we may be cooking and entertaining in completely different ways by then – and your future buyer will likely want to make it their own.
The same applies to entertainment spaces. Will we all still be watching rectangular screens mounted on walls, or will virtual reality and other technologies transform how we consume content? These shifts could change how we design living spaces, arrange furniture, and plan electrical systems.
Design for how you live now, not for technologies that don't exist yet.
Styles change - always
In ten years, will warm tones still be fashionable? Will we revert to the millennial grey of the early 2010s? Will bold colour make a comeback? Design trends move quickly, and it doesn't take long for a scheme to look dated when you're chasing what's current.
Here's the reality: in ten years, your kitchen will look ten years old. So will your bathrooms. So will your paint choices.
So, choose what works for you now, not what might appeal to a stranger later.
What you could do instead
The smart approach? Renovate strategically to maximise your space for your lifestyle while staying mindful of what might need updating in the future. Then decide how much you actually do (or don't do) right now.
Ask yourself:
Do you need a complete overhaul, or are the bones of your home solid?
Can you refresh spaces and improve functionality without ripping everything out?
What architectural features reflect your building's original style, and how can you incorporate them into any changes?
You'd be surprised how often original features get removed during renovations, only to be painstakingly reinstalled years later when tastes come full circle.
If you don't genuinely need more storage or living space, start by examining how your existing space is configured. What can we improve? What's realistic for your budget and how you actually live?
The bottom line
I would hate for you to miss out on loving your home right now because you're playing it safe for a hypothetical buyer in the future.
Your home should work for you while you're living in it – not for someone you haven't met yet, who may want something completely different anyway.
If you're considering a renovation and want to explore what makes sense for your space and lifestyle, let's talk about creating a home you'll actually enjoy living in.