Rethinking future-proofing

Sustainable design advocate and architect Shae Parker McCashen encourages you to challenge the conventional notion of ‘bigger is better’ when it comes to truly future-proofing your home.

In the quest for the perfect home, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that bigger is better. Extra rooms and added spaces are often marketed as surefire ways to future-proof a property or boost its value, but is this really the case? As we navigate an era where sustainability, energy efficiency, and thoughtful design are paramount, it’s time to rethink what truly adds value to our homes – not just for resale but for how we live in them every day.

Why bigger isn’t always better
It can be easy to get sold the notion that an extra bedroom that you know you don’t actually need for your household will future-proof your home by making it easier to sell to the next person – and without it, your house won’t be worth as much. The additional cost may not seem that much relative to the overall upfront cost of your build or renovation, so you decide you might as well go for it. You’ve been taken in by the ‘upsell’.

But what if size matters in a way we haven’t imagined? Rethinking future-proofing involves asking what our priorities are, what makes our homes most enjoyable to inhabit, and what might really matter most to a future owner. Can building less in fact create more?

Extra rooms that may gather dust for much of the time don’t necessarily translate into increased long-term value. Instead, investing in the quality of the build, the functionality of spaces, and increased energy efficiency can ensure that your home remains desirable to potential buyers, without the added financial burden of running and maintaining a big house.

Takeaway: Consider the financial and environmental costs of adding extra space, including higher upfront, maintenance and operational expenses. Size should be about what you need, not about ‘just in case’ scenarios. By building less, you can save on costs while prioritising what truly adds value to your house and lifestyle.

You’re not as unique as you think you are
Building that extra room can be driven by the fear that you are among the few homeowners who need or want less. If you don’t build it now, the next buyer won’t see value in your home and the qualities you’ve prioritised. But you may not be as unique as you imagine.

As awareness of the benefits of sustainable building grows, more people are seeking and valuing homes that incorporate sustainable design features such as energy efficiency, strong connections to the garden, thermal comfort, natural lighting, low maintenance, ease of cleaning, and functional, adaptable spaces with flexibility to accommodate diverse lifestyles.

Takeaway: What you value in your smaller home, such as energy efficiency, flexibility, and connection to nature, is also likely to be highly desirable to future buyers.

Sustainability isn’t just about the house – it’s about the whole property
Reducing the size of your home allows you to maximise garden space, and – perhaps paradoxically – thoughtful landscape design can significantly extend and enhance your total living space. Integrating your home with outdoor spaces allows for more natural light, improved views, and a stronger connection to the local environment, creating a more holistic living experience where value comes from the entire property you’re paying rates on – not just the built structure.

Maximising green space can also improve energy efficiency by providing shade and natural cooling, and can contribute a sense of openness that makes indoor spaces feel larger and more connected to nature. Combined with a well-considered internal layout, these features not only improve day-to-day living but also offer a unique and compelling selling proposition that oversized, underutilised rooms simply cannot match.

Takeaway: Outdoor spaces are an integral part of sustainable design and can complement and enhance your house and your lifestyle.

Flexibility and future-proofing through design
Creating highly functional, flexible spaces that allow for your home to accommodate different and changing lifestyles is surely a great way to truly future-proof your home. If you do have spaces like extra bedrooms in your plans that you require now but don’t envisage needing in the future when, say, a child moves out, consider how these spaces can be sized, positioned and operated such that they can accommodate alternative functions. Can they be used as an office, yoga space, art studio or second living space? Could they be designed to be separated from an adjacent living room or opened up to expand the living space as needed? How can the house be arranged to ensure that you’re utilising your whole home and property as much of the time as possible, to make the most of your upfront investment while minimising ongoing energy consumption and maintenance?

Takeaway: Building functional flexibility into your design helps you get the most out of your home, while reducing the need for costly alterations in the future.

Accessibility and social equity
With the recent introduction of liveable housing design requirements into the National Construction Code, every new home must now provide (at a minimum):

– Step-free access
– Wider doorways and hallways
– Extra space in a ground level bathroom and toilet
– Wall reinforcing in the bathroom and toilet, to make it easier to install grab rails if needed.

Including such measures in your home will ensure it’s more accessible to a diverse range of visitors, and will likely appeal to future owners. For you, adequately sized hallways and doors, sufficient circulation space around fixtures and furniture, and allowing for future installation of handrails and ramps could significantly increase the length of time you can remain living in your home. Combine these measures with the fundamental principle of ensuring your house has at least one bedroom and bathroom at ground level and you should be set for long-term enjoyment of your home, making the most of your initial outlay and minimising the need to make costly changes or extensive renovations down the track. [Ed note: see ‘A plus for everyone: Universal design and why it should be in your brief’ in Sanctuary 61, and Livable Housing Australia’s design guidelines at livablehousingaustralia.org.au, for more on accessible design.]

Tip: While these accessibility features are not required for renovations under current legislation, if you’re renovating it may still be worth incorporating them where it’s feasible, to ensure social inclusion and the longevity of your investment.

Conclusion: build less, live more
Genuinely future-proofing your home is about prioritising quality over quantity: focusing on well-designed, versatile spaces, the integration of beautiful landscaping, and energy-efficient features that all combine to reduce both upfront and ongoing costs. By building only what you truly need, you can create a home that is functional, sustainable, and tailored to your lifestyle, without unnecessary spaces that add little value. You’re not alone in valuing simplicity and efficiency! Many future buyers will also appreciate a home that offers comfort, natural light, low maintenance, and a strong connection to the garden over an extra room they may never use.