Every architect and building designer appreciates thoughtful input from their client. It can come in the form of a simple brief or a wish list of dozens of desired changes and additions. When creating your renovation wishlist, the clearer the picture you can present, the better your designer will be able to help you make your wishes come true. A well-organised, thorough wish list can also save you money, eliminating the need for costly design changes.

What Is a Renovation Wishlist?

An ideal renovation wishlist will include three major components:

1. Function: Do you need an extra bedroom, another bathroom or a number of renovations?

2. Form: Do you want to knock out a wall that separates your kitchen from your dining room?

3. Aesthetics: Do you want to change your outlook from the street side of your home to your backyard or the views from the second floor you plan on adding on?

As soon as you say, "We need another bedroom!" you have created the beginnings of a renovation wishlist. That is the first functional item on your list.

Now consider its form. If it's a master bedroom, does it need to be larger than the one you've got? Do you want to include extra space for a pocket office or direct access to a private garden? Would your ideal master bedroom include direct access to a spa bathroom?

Aesthetic considerations include all those things you imagine your completed renovation. Do you want to stick with a particular style, such as Federation, Art Deco or contemporary? Do you want the room to be flooded with light or allow you to take in the view from the bed?

All of these things will help your architect or building designer understand your needs and preferences better.

Refining Your Renovation Wishlist

If you take the time to create a renovation wishlist, you or your designer may be able to come up with better and more cost effective wayst to bring your wishes to fruition. For example, you may want to have both a covered patio and a master bedroom that overlooks your backyard. Does this mean you'll have to cut the size of your backyard in half in order to fit them both in or is there a better way? What if you suspended your bedroom over the garden and used the area underneath it as a covered patio?

You may also want to look at your existing layout and see if it needs alteration. Let's say you have two children's bedrooms side-by-side. They're located exactly where you want your master bedroom to be, so why not just knock out the wall between the smaller bedrooms, change the layout to include an ensuite and perhaps even add a balcony? Then, instead of thinking about where to build the addition for your master bedroom, you can shift your focus to the best place for new children's bedrooms.

Don't forget your landscaping, either. If you thought moving your bedroom upstairs would improve your view, but discover that two large trees still stand between you and the distant horizon, think about removing them and replacing them with a pergola, a plunge pool or something else that will enhance your lifestyle.

As you refine your renovation wishlist, a more holistic picture will emerge. In the end, instead of just tacking a room or two on to the side or on top of your existing home, you will have a renovation that improves the functionality and appearance of your entire property, both inside and out.