Your house is supposed to protect you from the elements, but there’s a huge chance it wasn’t made to withstand climate change. Even with the collective effort of climate change warriors globally, the current damage to the environment is so grave that it will take more time and action to remedy. In that time, temperatures may continue to rise, and natural calamities may happen more frequently and intensely.
The question now is the damage this may pose to your property and, subsequently, your health. Living sustainably may not be enough. You’ll want to guarantee that your home will remain a refuge throughout the unexpected highs and lows of the weather in your locality. Doing so guarantees not only your safety but that your financial investments will mean more in the long haul.
Understanding how you’ll be affected
Australia has vast geography, which means that it will experience climate change differently depending on where you are on the map. The general assumption is that there will be more rainfall in the north and lesser in the south. Droughts are a possibility, and the danger of sudden fire emergencies is great. Usual natural disasters like cyclones and floods will be more severe than ever, and higher temperatures can be expected throughout the country.
If national and global policies paired with sufficient action aren’t done, predictions may grow gradually worse. What you can do is to determine how you’re being affected locally at the moment and research existing hazards. Your local council is one reliable source you can tap into for guidance regarding your home construction or renovation.
There’s no telling what a fail-proof design looks like right now, but you can make wise decisions based on your findings. This is especially relevant if you’re just in the process of finding house and land packages for your family.
Mind your insurance
Your finances will receive one of the biggest blows in case of a calamity. When you incur damages and loss due to flooding, wildfire, or hurricanes, you may not be in the right physical, mental, and emotional state to make the right financial calls. Having insurance that offers adequate protection will come as a source of reprieve. Insurance, however, can be a complicated web in itself. You’ll want to first review your existing insurance, get expert advice regarding hazards relevant to your locality, and get your finances in order.
The worst thing you can do in this regard is to make assumptions about your coverage, only to figure out later on that you were paying for the wrong investment. Depending on the risks you’re gearing up for, the premium may be significantly higher than what your budget can handle. Speaking with your insurance agent will give you an idea of your alternatives and whether you can slowly increase your premium once you’re ready.
A new house place
The ideal house plan is a flexible one. This means you can adapt to changing conditions without compromising your quality of life. You’ll want to ask yourself the kind of weather elements that can affect your infrastructure. Is there any danger to your foundation, roof, sides, or entry points? What’s the worst-case scenario in case a calamity happens, and you’re stuck at home? What can cause immediate dangers, and how can you remedy that?
Apart from renovation or construction concerns, you’ll also want to consider the labor and cost that will go into maintaining your new house design. Certain features cost more to keep in top shape, so it’s good to know early on how much you’ll be shelling out annually.
Like with your insurance, always get professional advice. DIY renovations without expert knowledge or experience may prove more detrimental than beneficial. One way to determine whether you’ve chosen the right design is whether it allows you to make needed changes in the future. This means adapting current features without high costs.
Don’t expect that this will look the same for every household. Different lifestyles mean different needs, and different hazards mean different design options. Go with what suits yours based on your contractor’s expert advice.
Efficiency is the goal
You don’t need a fortress to feel safe in your own home. What you need is something that is cleverly designed to withstand whatever climate change throws your way. Above all, don’t overlook your convenience. Preparedness isn’t the same thing as paranoia, and you still deserve to go with the aesthetic you’ve always wanted after you’ve factored in the environmental hazards you might face.
