Congratulations on Your New Home

With mortgages hovering around the 5 percent rate plus federal and state incentives for first-time home owners, many Australians are moving into the housing market. So much so, that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd claims new home owners are helping the economy.

It makes sense. Most first-time home owners inject money into the economy through, among other things, renovating their new purchases. In 2008, Australians spent more than $3 billion in home renovations and that's unlikely to change in 2009. While more families are looking for added value from their renos, they are still prepared to invest. For example, many first-time owners want to lower mortgage costs by constructing a rental apartment in their homes. (They also may be interested in saving future tax dollars by claiming depreciation on furniture and appliances as well as on construction costs.) Others are looking to incorporate green options, not only benefitting from government assistance for eco-projects (such as installing ceiling insulation) but saving on electricity costs.

But, whatever else they plan, most new home owners want to put their stamp on the house by repainting, buying new window and floor coverings, and replacing worn-out furniture. It's a smart decision; these cosmetic changes are unquestionably the easiest and least expensive way to make your new home yours.

For new home buyers, the best way to ensure their changes are value-added is to consult professionals who will help them renovate wisely and for the long term. If you are concerned about making mistakes and baffled by the choices available, why not eliminate the guesswork by hiring a colour consultant? Like architects, energy experts and contractors, colour consultants are highly trained in their field. They specialise in the art and science of colour and will work with you on a colour scheme that reflects who you are and how you live. Unless you are comfortable selecting colours yourself and know how they can create the right atmosphere, you may want to consider a colour consultant.

As with other professionals, you often can find the right colour consultant through word-of-mouth. Your real estate agent may also be a good source and local chapters of professional associations may provide lists of members in good standing.

A good general rule with any professional is to interview at least three firms or individuals. Prepare a list of questions and listen carefully to the answers. Of course you're looking for someone who has the expertise, but more importantly you need an individual you believe you can work with. Ask for references and check them out; be sure you view a recently completed project and talk to the home owners about whether or not they were pleased with the results.

The deciding factor may not necessarily be the lowest bid. In all cases you want the right fit. A contractor submitting a low bid might be doing several jobs at the same time and

not be able to give your job the time you need. A colour consultant, who is well-respected and has a great deal of experience, may submit a higher bid.

The bottom line with any renovation is that it does what you wanted it to do. Whether you've opted for a major reno or an interior re-design, it has succeeded in making your new house a home.

Leonie Barke is an accomplished Executive Colour Consultant with a career spanning over 20 years. She has a BA in Creative Arts and Visual Arts - Specialising in the Theory of Colour, and attended the School of Colour and Design in NSW for 3 years, specialising in Colour.

Leonie worked as Major Colour Consultant on contract with Dulux for 14 years and was the runner up winner to the Dulux Colour Awards in 1993 and 1994. She was also the Secretary to the Queensland Colour Society from 1993 till 2006. Leonie now runs her own business as an online colour consultant at colourndesignonline.com