Timber homes hold a strong place in the hearts of many Australians, from the traditional Victorian-era weatherboard to the ultra modern designs now appearing in many suburbs and bush land settings.
And the good news for owners, according to a range of experts, is that both older and new timber homes are more popular than ever and increasing rapidly in value.
“It wasn’t necessarily always the case but it’s now very clear that timber homes retain or increase in value at a similar rate to those constructed from masonry,” First National Real Estate national communications manager, Stewart Bunn, said. “Appropriate care and maintenance is obviously important, as it is for all property and this would include periodic building and pest inspections conducted by qualified, licensed inspectors.”
Mr Bunn said the strong popularity was driven by an increased understanding of the special warmth created by timber, the environmental benefits delivered by timber construction, and, in many cases, the superior flexibility timber offers when it comes to additions and renovations.
“Generally home buyers are far more aware of sustainability factors and many recognize that in terms of using a renewable building resource and a low greenhouse gas emission product as well as practical issues such as insulation a timber home can be sound choice,” he said.
“With renovations, a timber home means stud walls can often be altered without significant expense and the lightness of timber often enables upper level additions to be created without the need for significant, expensive steels reinforcements to the lower level.”
Sydney-based Neeson Murcutt Architects have won several Australian Timber Design awards for their timber–based designs and construction solutions on a range of urban and country properties.
According to principal Nick Murcutt, the use of timber externally and internally can add strong textural interest to a building, with the special material quality of timber complementing a property’s surrounding landscape.
“We are certainly seeing clients wanting to invest in not only a timber design and structure but in wood as a decorative veneer, allowing for the integration of doors, windows, shutters, joinery and stairs. In modern design, timber has a unique versatility and warmth that can allow for this integration and detail.”
Mr Bunn said the basic value timber could add to a home was evident in the immediate return on installing quality timber flooring. “Research indicates installing quality wooden floorboards adds three per cent to the value of a house,” he said. “It’s one of the few renovations you can confidently undertake knowing you’ll get your money back if you put the house on the market tomorrow. People love the look and feel and elegance of timber flooring.”
Ric Sinclair, spokesperson for the Wood. Naturally Better program, which assists professionals and consumers in understanding the environmental benefits of using wood, said timber homes are a logical choice for people driven by a strong sustainability agenda.
“Whether its preserving and up-grading the historic timber homes that can be found across many suburbs of Australia, or building a new home, the range of timber products and finishes now available, are offering an extraordinary range of creative design options.”
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Tagged: australian real estate, Awards, property, renovations, rising values, stewart bunn, timber homes
