How to Optimise your Space to Support your Growing Family

Space is often a premium in growing families. You need more bedrooms, more seating at the table and everyone needs a dedicated space to call their own. And that’s not to mention the extra clothes and accessories that come with adding a new member to your family! If you’re looking around you hopelessly wondering where you’re going to fit all this extra stuff that you need, we’re here to help. If you’re already tight on space when meal time comes around and your kids are sharing bedrooms when really they should have their own space, we’re here to help. On that note; here are four tips to help maximise space in your home for your growing family; 

1. Move to a bigger house

When a family starts to grow, many homeowners begin to feel the strain of being cramped for space. The kids are fighting over who gets the larger bedroom and there’s nowhere for the new baby to sleep but in your room. Suddenly, your home that once felt so spacious now feels like it’s closing in on you. Sound familiar? It may be time to start looking for a bigger house to make sure everyone has enough space to feel “at home”.

There are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration before making the move to a bigger house, especially if you live in Sydney where the house prices are climbing to new record highs. First, consider your budget and what you can afford. A larger home will likely come with a higher price tag and higher running costs too.

2. Create extra rooms

Maybe looking into building extensions in Sydney would be a better option? If you need an extra bedroom, you can add an extension or convert an old office space or playroom. If you are going to extend instead of moving, hire a contractor that specialises in building extensions in Sydney.The company will be able to guide you through the process from start to finish and make sure you’re maximising your available space and the layout of the rooms.

3. Make the most of outdoor space

For families with young children, having an outdoor space is almost a necessity. Picture spending long evenings in the sunshine playing games and enjoying a barbie. Imagine sending the kids outside to play for a few hours whilst you catch up on cleaning and laundry. It’s time to think of the outdoor space you have and come up with a plan on how you can make use of every single inch you have to work with.

• Maximise the use of storage solutions

As families grow, so does the amount of stuff they accumulate. It can be tempting to just stuff everything out of sight, but out of sight doesn’t always mean out of mind, right? Instead of taking the easy way out, make a list of the available storage space that you have. Think about ways you can maximise that space. Perhaps you could add some shelving? Or use storage containers to keep everything organised? If you don’t have enough space, there’s always the option of buying some extra closets and garage storage solutions.

Now that you’ve read our top tips, we hope you’re feeling more positive about your growing family and creating some extra space for everyone to feel like they are “at home”.

4 Reasons Why We LOVE Sydney So Much!

There are many beautiful major cities in the world, but Sydney is second to none. From its iconic harbour and skyline to its amazing beaches and multicultural wonderland, you could spend a lifetime revelling in the magic that Sydney has to offer. New discoveries are always waiting around the corner in this cosmopolitan playland by the sea.

The mild climate and beautiful weather in Sydney make it ideal for both residents and visiting travelers alike. Generally, there are over 300 days a year of sunshine so you are able to make the most of your outdoor time. It’s fun to cool off from the hot days of summer with an ocean swim, and to enjoy the distinct but mild temperatures during the other seasons too.

The Harbour

Stunning harbours around the globe have a universal appeal, but Sydney’s oft-photographed harbour is the very definition of an iconic panorama. Picture a perfect azure sky, sunlight dancing on water and illuminating the brilliant architecture of the Opera House and the magnificent Harbour Bridge.

Best of all, there are so many beautiful places to view the harbour from. For a totally idyllic experience, a cruise through the harbour is the perfect choice.

The Views

Sydney is blessed with so many amazing views, from the skyline to its miles of coastline and ocean vistas. Local residents who want to enjoy the immense beauty of those views have found that building extensions in Sydney are the way to go.

When you hire a top-rated building extensions designer and contractor in Sydney, you’ll be able to add tremendous value to your property. You’ll enjoy incredible beauty in your everyday life with the view from the new upper floor of your home.

The Beaches

The coastline of Sydney sports numerous beautiful beaches, which you can enjoy almost eight months out of the year. While world-renowned Bondi beach is the most famous, there are many other delightful beaches that are perfect for a swim or a seaside meal of fish ‘n’ chips.

You’ll be able to select from great spots for surfing, calm placid waters or picture perfect coves. You can also enjoy the nature trails and beach-to-beach strolls along the coast.

Nearby Green Space and National Parks

Sydney residents who are looking for a break from the city can enjoy the wonders of Blue Mountains National Park. When you stand on a bluff above the forest, you feel like you are viewing a primeval wilderness untouched by humankind.

The Blue Mountains are so named because the vast Eucalyptus forest casts off fine droplets of oil which mix with water vapour and dust to give the forest its distinctive blue haze.

Easy Ways to Blow Your Budget During a Building Project

When you are completing a building project on your home, it can be easy to blow the budget and for things to get out of control. When completing your house extensions in Sydney, being aware of the potential ways you can blow your budget means that you can avoid them and stay within your financial plan.

Not having a plan

As it is often said, failing to plan is planning to fail and this is also true when it comes to house builds. When you do not plan, things can quickly get out of control.

One of the best ways to ensure that you stay within your budget when completing home extensions in Sydney is to make sure that you plan your design. When planning your extension, consider carefully what you want to get out of it and create this into a workable plan with your building contractors.

Even if you have a plan, when you change it a lot during the building process, it can be costly and quickly blow your budget, so it is worth spending some serious time on the planning stage to ensure it is right.

Not having a contingency fund

Even with the most detailed plans, things can sometimes go wrong or off-plan when completing an extension. To avoid nasty shocks and panicking that you have run out of money, a contingency fund is essential.

It could be something as simple as bad weather that you cannot plan for. An amount of money that you put aside in case anything doesn’t go to plan means that you are covered and will not have to scramble together to find more money.

Not watching out for the small things

While the odd addition here and there doesn’t seem to make much difference at the time, little amounts spent can add up and quickly blow through your budget. Therefore, ask yourself whether you need it and how much difference it will make to your house extension.

Not keeping a record of your spending

It is easy to lose track of how much you have spent during your build if you are not keeping accurate records. This means that your budget can quickly be blown, even before you realise it. Keep a spreadsheet to avoid falling victim to this.

Not working with a reputable building contractor

Choosing the right building contractor for building extensions in Sydney is essential. At Your Style, we work with you to create the perfect extension to your home.  Contact us today.

Home Extensions: Your FAQ’s Answered

If you are thinking of building extensions onto your Sydney home, you’re most likely a very excited individual with lots of burning questions on your mind.

Who are the best building contractors in Sydney?

Will you have to move out whilst building is going on?

How long will it take?

How much do building extensions in Sydney cost?