When I first stepped into the sprawling house on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, I had no idea I was about to embark on a transformative journey with the homeowners.
They were empty nesters, living in a grand but ageing property that had seen better days.
Their plan seemed straightforward: a fresh coat of paint, new curtains, and then off to the market. As a buyer’s agent with decades of experience in renovations, I was initially there just to help choose fabric samples over a friendly cup of tea.
However, my trained eye quickly spotted issues that ran far deeper than outdated decor. Rust peeked out in unusual places, and the downstairs area bore telltale signs of drainage problems. What started as a simple consultation was about to become much more.
I gently suggested we put the decorating plans on hold and instead focus on getting a thorough building inspection. The homeowners agreed, and soon we had builders on site discussing necessary repairs. As I listened to the extent of work required, particularly regarding water damage, an idea began to form.
“If we’re going to dig up the side of the property anyway,” I asked the builder, “could we create a ramp there? Would that add much to the cost?”
The builder, understanding my line of thinking, confirmed it wouldn’t significantly increase expenses.
This question was the catalyst for a complete reimagining of the property.
Instead of merely fixing problems, we were about to unlock hidden potential. I envisioned creating a self-contained unit downstairs, which would not only add substantial value but also open up the market to a broader range of buyers if they decided to sell.
We dove into the renovation with enthusiasm.
The water and drainage issues were addressed as planned, but we didn’t stop there. We added the ramp, providing an additional access point to the lower level. Downstairs, we reconfigured the space to include two bedrooms and installed a kitchenette complete with modern amenities.
Every detail was meticulously considered.
The kitchenette was designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, featuring the right height clearance under the sink. Yet, to the casual observer, it looked like any other stylish, modern kitchen. Our goal was to create a space adaptable to various needs without compromising on aesthetics.
The transformation was remarkable. What began as a house with serious structural issues evolved into a versatile, multi-generational home. The upstairs retained its original character, which the owners loved, while the downstairs renovation opened up new possibilities.
But the real surprise came after the dust had settled. I received an unexpected call from the client.
“Connie,” she said, “do you know anyone who does floor heating?”
Confused, I reminded her that adding floor heating wouldn’t really increase the property’s value, especially since we had renovated with the intent to sell.
Her response caught me off guard:
“Oh no, we don’t want to move anymore. We want to stay in the house.“
The renovation had done more than fix issues and increase value—it had transformed the owners’ perspective on their home. They now saw it as a place where they could comfortably age in place, with the flexibility to accommodate their adult children when needed.
The numbers tell a compelling story.
Before the renovation, the property was valued at approximately $4 million. We invested $236,000 in the renovations. After the work was complete, the property value skyrocketed to between $7.5 and $8 million.
This case beautifully illustrates a crucial point:
Sometimes, what we think we want isn’t what we actually need.
The clients initially thought they wanted to sell, but what they really needed was a home that better suited their changing lifestyle.
By addressing the structural issues and thoughtfully reconfiguring the space, we didn’t just increase the property’s market value—we created a home that the owners fell in love with all over again.
It’s a powerful reminder that with the right vision and execution, renovation can be about more than just fixing problems or making cosmetic changes. It can be about reimagining spaces and creating homes that truly serve the people who live in them.
In the end, this project wasn’t just about adding a few million dollars to a property’s value.
It was about creating a home where a family could comfortably stay, age in place and welcome back their adult children as needed. One of their daughters has since moved back in temporarily before an overseas trip, proving the value of the flexible living space we created.
This experience underscores the importance of looking beyond the surface when considering property renovations. What started as a simple update became a complete reimagining of a family home, proving that sometimes, the best move is the one you don’t make.
