Renovations that remove bath tubs to make way for trendy double showers and double vanities can devalue the home as families put a high value on baths.
Homeowners are attempting poorly thought out renovations that prioritise aesthetics over function in a dangerous trend that is devaluing homes and complicating insurance claims, a new study shows.
The research from Allianz revealed a shift in renovation priorities among some homeowners, driven largely by social media trends.
This includes an obsession with crafting “picture perfect” interiors that has often led homeowners to make choices that compromise the working parts of their homes in the name of looking good.
And it has often come at the expensive of basic maintenance and repairs.
According to Allianz’s Home Care Report, two in five (40 per cent) of homeowners admitted to taking a “set and forget” approach to maintenance, putting their properties at risk of preventable damage.
Instead of addressing critical structural upkeep, many Australians were focusing on cosmetic upgrades, the report noted.
The data indicated that 39 per cent of homeowners prioritised visual appeal and 35 per cent focused on adding personal touches rather than performing routine maintenance.
Bathroom renos that put toilet cisterns in the wall can create future maintenance issues.
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Allianz chief claims officer for general insurance Luke Whenman said many homeowners didn’t think through the insurance implications of embarking on bold renovations.
“Before embarking on a renovation, it’s important to think beyond design and to look at your plans through a maintenance lens, as well as letting your insurance provider know before starting any building works at your home,” he said.
“Some examples of claims denials may result from not telling your insurer when you are about to undertake building works at your home, or if the renovation doesn’t meet building codes, or if poor workmanship leads to damage.”
Rebecca Cardamone, interior designer and founder of Ace Properties Agency, said the pressure to create a “wow factor” often led homeowners to overlook practical necessities in renovations.
Ace Properties design expert Rebecca Cardamone.
She noted that social media platforms heightened the pressure to have a good-looking home, yet “no one on these platforms talks about functionality and practicality”, she said.
Allianz data supports this, with 24 per cent of homeowners saying social media influenced how they managed their homes, while 15 per cent admitted they prioritised looks over long-term upkeep.
Ms Cardamone warned this focus on aesthetics over function could lead to dangerous design choices.
She cited examples of renovators wanting to remove windows to accommodate larger vanities or double showers – a decision that jeopardised ventilation and caused mould.
Ms Cardamone added that the rise of AI-generated inspiration images created unrealistic expectations of how homes could look, often depicting plumbing or layouts that didn’t meet Australian building standards.
An AI-generated image of an interior of a house: AI generated images can give false impressions of what renovations are feasible.
Renovations driven by fleeting trends rather than practicality can act as a “trap” for homeowners, Ms Cardamone said.
Following interior “fashion” could dated properties quickly, she added. “A trendy design might look good now, but it may be considered outdated in 10 years. Classic choices tend to hold their value.”
Specific trends cited as potentially problematic included:
> Removing bathtubs: While large walk-in showers are popular, removing a bath can deter families and negatively impact resale value.
> Hidden cisterns: Concealing toilet cisterns in the wall offers a sleek look but makes repairs difficult and costly if something goes wrong.
> High-maintenance materials: Installing natural stone that stains easily, or timber cladding that requires frequent painting, can backfire if the homeowner is not prepared for the upkeep.
Insurance risks
Beyond the potential for a dated aesthetic, neglecting the “boring” aspects of home ownership can have serious financial consequences.
Mr Whenman said most insurers had a general exclusion for ‘wear and tear’ and some policies may not cover damage resulting from gradual deterioration, such as the breakdown of mortar or roof tiles due to lack of maintenance.
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“Delaying maintenance can lead to bigger, more costly repairs,” Mr Whenman said, urging renovators to check essentials like flexi-hoses and waterproofing.
Prioritising style over compliance can lead to claim denials, he said. If a renovation does not meet building codes, or if poor workmanship leads to damage, claims may be rejected.
Ms Cardamone said some first-home buyers, desperate for a stylish look on a budget, often “cut corners” on permits and licenses, which could end in financial disaster and noncompliance.
To avoid these pitfalls, homeowners were advised to look at their plans through a “maintenance lens” before starting work.
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