Assessing your home
Save money
Look around for opportunities to save money.
Do you really need to extend out or up, or do you just need to re-design your interiors for better use of space?
If you
plan to demolish sections of the house, are there
building materials like windows, doors, floorboards or
interior fittings that you can reuse elsewhere, sell or
even give away?
[See Your Home: Energy use; Water use.]
Look for opportunities to lock in ongoing cost savings too! To save on energy and water bills, find out where you're using more than you need to - check your current bills and see the tips on the opposite page or visit the NABERS website.
In some locations there are companies who can come to your home and do a professional water and energy assessment to identify the best ways for you to save on bills. As well as saving money you'll be helping the environment.
Improve comfort
Make a note of rooms that are too hot or too cold at different times. A few simple design improvements could make the world of difference to your comfort. If you use a lot of heating or cooling to stay comfortable, your renovation is a chance to ensure lifetime savings on bills.
'Getting a water and energy assessment was the best thing we ever did. It saved us much more than it cost us!'
Take the opportunity to insulate walls and double glaze windows.
Many older homes are draughty. Add draughtproofing
strips to doors and windows and check that
new windows and doors have good seals. Fit dampers
to chimneys and flues to block air leaks.
[See Your
Home: Passive Design.]
Now's your chance to fix up problems like dust, damp and mould.
Look for opportunities to make your home
safer and easier to move around in for occupants and
visitors of all ages and abilities.
[See Your Home:
The healthy home; The Adaptable House.]
Be prepared
If you see warning signs that may indicate structural problems or other hazards, seek professional advice from an architect, engineer or builder. Signs could include:
- major cracks in walls, around doors or windows
- dampness on walls or coming up through floors
- signs of termites, such as damaged timber.
Pre-1970s homes are likely to have lead-based paint so if you're removing it follow the advice in the Six step guide to painting your home (www.environment.gov.au).
Homes built pre-1990 may contain asbestos. It's commonly found under eaves, but may also be found as roofing, wall linings and cladding.
If you suspect you
have asbestos contact your local council or state health
and environment authorities for more information.
Removal is not always recommended, but if it is
removed, it needs to be done by a specialist.
Asbestos removal contractors are listed in the
Yellow Pages.
[See Your Home: The healthy home.]
