If you are considering renovating your home, keep in mind the following four architectural trends that are expected to gain traction in 2015. 1. Elevators. Although elevators have been a common fixture in Pakistan’s commercial buildings, elevators in homes are rare, mainly due to the high cost of buying, installing and maintaining them. However, new technologies – such as vacuum elevators – have reduced costs substantially. Consequently, home elevators – have reduced costs substantially. Consequently, home elevators are not only less expensive, they can be installed within three to five days. Costs (including installation): Rs 2-2.5 million. Impact on property value: An increase of 10-13%.
2. ‘Flex’ Rooms. Rooms are increasingly being designed to serve multiple purposes. Flex rooms can include spaces that serve as dining rooms with open plan kitchens, home offices that can be used as children’s nurseri, as well as car garages that double as storage rooms. They can also be designed as standalone studio units (with an attached bathroom) which can be rented. Construction costs: Rs 140,000-350,000. Impact on property value: An increase of 10-12%.
3. Gyms. With an increasing number of people recognising the importance of exercising regularly but struggling to find time to visit a fitness centre, home gyms are becoming increasingly commonplace. If the covered area of a house – or apartment – is under 1,600 square feet, designers are increasingly creating nooks in rooms where people can exercise and store exercise equipment. Costs of equipment for home gyms: Rs 250,000-300,000. Impact on property value: An increase of 8-9%.
4. Powder Rooms. Primarily used by guests, powder rooms should ideally be located near living rooms for accessinability. Usually, powder rooms are equipped with a sink, mirror, a WC and wall-mounted cabinets.a. To add character, vibrant wallpapers and mural artwork should be used, as well as tiles made of porcelain or marble for the walls and floors. Construction costs: Rs 150,000-250,000. Impact on property value: An increase of 3-5%.
By Ibrahim Murad. The writer is a consultant engineer.
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