7 April 2008

Renovators Rate Kitchens and Bathrooms as Top Priorities

Kitchens and bathrooms have been rated as the top priorities by renovators in a survey conducted by Archicentre, the building advisory service for the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.


Renovators nominate the kitchen as a top priority in home renovations

David Hallett General Manager of Archicentre said the web poll at www.archicentre.com.au asked renovators what their first priority was when renovating a home has seen 45% of people nominate the kitchen, the bathroom followed second with 32% and third with 12% was the development of indoor/ outdoor areas.

"The lounge and family room rate just under 10% and the home office rated less than 1%."

Mr Hallett said the dominance of the kitchen reflected the major updates in kitchen technology and the trend for kitchens to become part of the open family living area giving it a new fashion status within the home featuring stainless steel appliances and often marble / granite bench tops.

"The kitchen renovations also usually come with a whole new range of updated appliances.

"The bathroom is in a similar position where people see this as a personal quiet space and somewhere to be pampered with high class fittings including spa baths, designer made walk in showers and marble basin tops."

Mr Hallett said that the opening up of the rear of the house often onto a dining deck with bi-fold glass doors has become one of the most popular trends to breathe new life into many older smaller homes by adding valuable quality living space at an affordable price.

The high cost of moving and excessive government property taxes which can cost people a minimum of around $50,000 has led to many home owners taking the decision to renovate and spend the money on updating their kitchens and bathrooms, rather than getting no value from government taxes involved in moving, Mr. Hallett added.

Estimated Costs of Home Renovation:

Kitchen Renovation $10,200 - $30,500

Bathroom Renovation $9,200 - $24,000

Creation of indoor / outdoor living space $60,000 - $80,000



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Media Enquiries:
David Hallett, General Manager Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201