Tips, Tricks & News

How much does a kitchen cost? Ask a kitchen designer that question and they are likely to think, “How much do you want to spend?” Though they’ll put it more politely and show you your options. A better question might be: “What is the range of costs for a new kitchen?” This way, you can buy a kitchen that fits the area you have to cover and your budget, too.

Source: elledecor

When you're planning a tiling project, it's exciting to choose tile colours and designs – but these aren't the only things which will make a big difference to how your tiled space looks and feels. The tile pattern you choose will also have a big impact on the finished project. Here's our quick run down of eight of the most popular tile pattern choices.

This is the most commonly used tile pattern of all, and the easiest to do. It's probably the best choice if you have never tiled before. The tiles are simply laid side by side in a straight line, to give an overall even grid pattern. It's a good choice of pattern for rooms where you don't want the tiles to distract from other design features.

Kerrie and Spence took out the top prize with their elegant, high-tech kitchen, while Hayden and Sara made it into second place for their great choice of orientation. Hans and Courtney, however, were criticised on the placement of their kitchen and its disconnection from the main living area.

Functionality, natural materials and moody colour palettes were among the key trends showcased on the series, but what can we expect to see for kitchens in 2019?

It’s good to know what to expect when such a large project is happening in your home. Here is a step by step guide so you have a better idea what jobs happen when.

The first step is to work out how your new bathroom will look and work. It needs to be laid be practical if you are going to enjoy using it and spending time in it. There needs to be a logical flow to all the major elements, including the bathtub, vanity, toilet and shower. This can be done on paper, or there are some really nifty apps or 3D modelling tools that can help you nail your bathroom design. Your bathroom builder can help design your bathroom for maximum convenience.

As the housing market cools, sellers are having to splash out tens of thousands of dollars on renovations to make their homes look brand new to appeal to “picky” buyers.

According to Carrie Law, chief executive of real estate portal Juwai.com, Chinese buyers in particular want “like-new” properties, while Chinese vendors are faster to spend on renovations than locals.

“Chinese buyers are the biggest international buyer group, but they are picky,” she said.

“They are especially picky in this market. They want a gorgeous home so they can show the pictures to their friends back home and make them jealous. They tend to like homes that look as close to new as possible.”

Foreign buyers are able to buy only established, second-hand property if they have Australian residency or have become citizens.

Concern about Chinese buyers driving up prices forced state and federal governments to implement a number of tax changes last year, causing many to go elsewhere. Chinese investment in Australian real estate has fallen by roughly 70 per cent since 2015.

Ms Law said Chinese vendors tended to be much more aware than others that property needs to present well to sell well “because that’s what’s expected in China, too”.

“The Chinese in Sydney who we see selling today are much more likely than other vendors to have invested in pre-sale renovations,” she said. “While others ask if they should spend $5000 on staging, Chinese vendors are spending five times that on a new bathroom.”

In mainland China, many Chinese keep investment properties empty so it’s in better shape when they come to sell it. Sometimes they even maintain it as a shell, with no ceilings, floors, walls, kitchen, or bathrooms.

“From the day of purchase, they are calculating how to generate the best return when they sell,” Ms Law said.

“In China, rental yields are very low while price gains have been extremely high. That explains why many property owners don’t bother to find renters for their investment properties.”

SYDNEY’S housing market might be cooling, but apparently, home renovations are booming.

ServiceSeeking.com.au recently analysed 5000 home improvement and renovation jobs which occurred throughout the NSW capital over the past 12 months.

The findings revealed western Sydney residents undertook the highest number of renovations since 2017, at a speed of 50 per cent more than residents in the eastern suburbs and more than 25 per cent the amount of those in the north shore.

CEO Jeremy Levitt said the results were a fascinating insight into the priorities of Sydney homeowners.

“Greater Western Sydney is where the majority of the residential work is. With a developing CBD in Parramatta, many white collar workers can live in these outer suburbs with less of a commute to work, and a smaller mortgage,” he explained.

“Additionally, houses further from the CBD tend to be larger in size with more scope for home improvement, renovations and repair jobs.

“Residents living in the eastern suburbs renovated 40 per cent more than their counterparts across the bridge in the Lower North Shore. Most notably, those living in Bondi Beach required 47 per cent more renovation services than those in Mosman.”

According to the findings, the suburbs that renovated the most over the past year include Blacktown at 9.8 times more renovations than average, followed by Baulkham Hills, Barangaroo, Quakers Hill, Parramatta, Castle Hill, Surry Hills, Ryde, Carlingford and Hornsby.

Meanwhile, the suburbs that renovated the least in 2017 were Clontarf, Clareville, Roseville, Willoughby, Millers Point, Balmain East, Watsons Bay, McMahons Point, Church Point and Berowra.

The analysis also revealed that in some suburbs, a significantly higher amount of residents completed renovation jobs than their neighbours, with residents in Lane Cove completing 89 per cent more renovation jobs than their neighbours in Artarmon.

Residents in Auburn undertook 53 per cent more makeovers than their neighbours in Granville, while those living in Hornsby took on 42 per cent more jobs than their neighbours in Turramurra.

Source: news.com.au

Appliance designs have adapted to the increasing amount of technology that is now incorporated into products, and appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers are often integrated into the cabinetry to blend in with the rest of the furniture.

You can realistically spend anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more on a bathroom renovation, depending on the size of your bathroom, and how much your materials, fittings and labour costs are.

Most people spend somewhere in the middle of this range - in fact the Housing Industry Association (HIA) found $17,000 to be the average value of a bathroom renovation.  As you can expect there are a lot of variables that impact how much your bathroom renovation will cost. Factors that will affect the cost of your project include:

• the size of your bathroom

• the materials you choose

• the fittings you select

• labour costs

• permits, if these are required for your job

Let’s take a more detailed at costs, which we have broken down into three price brackets.

Source: nine.com.au

Declining house prices have been well documented in recent months. Auction clearance rates in Sydney at the start of December were as low as 41% and many economists are predicting interest rates hikes and a recession like housing market.

It’s partly fuelled by an unprecedented amount of growth which is being ‘corrected’ and the Royal Commission’s effect on lending criteria. There are strong economic forces which suggest that house prices may continue to fall for at least the next 12 months.

So, that said, homeowners should now consider adding value to their existing home, particularly if their strategy is to wait out the downturn. A good builder or renovator will be able to help you with this.

By making small but considered changes, you could update your home to suit your current needs, and it’s simpler than you think. But it’s more than just adding value, the right investments can upgrade your lifestyle too.

Here are some of the best ways to add value to your home and some suggestions on how to approach it.

It’s a look that is undoubtably striking and effortlessly chic, but is black tapware here to stay? It’s a big question in the bathroom space right now. Will black tapware date? Will black tapware fade? We spoke to the senior designers from Porter Davis, Randall Pye and Keith Fuller, to get some answers and delve a little deeper into the design debate.

Paint color and light go hand in hand, and are a complex couple. Your paint color will look different depending on the light that it's exposed to. The tricky part is this: light is never consistent and how it shines depends entirely on time and context. Learn the different light variables, and how color responds, and you are well on your way to becoming a paint master of the universe. Read more.

As we are extremely busy with ongoing kitchens and bathrooms renovation projects, our kitchen and bathroom showroom is open by appointments only.

Bathroom waterproofing is a method which prevents water from penetrating your property floors and walls. It is extremely important for your bathroom renovation. In New South Wales, you can only do your own waterproofing if you’re licensed to do so.  Waterproofing has to be done in accordance with the Australian Standard AS3740-2010 - 'Waterproofing of domestic wet areas'.

It's tempting to choose the most stylish kitchen or the most affordable options and forget to think through everything that you need. Whether you're renovating your own kitchen or an investment property, it's important to remember the most desirable and most used features in a kitchen.

Bathroom renovations can transform your home and add great value to your property when they are done well. It's important that you think about what you want to achieve in a new bathroom before you get started, and hire qualified professionals to ensure that your plumbing and electrical don't cause unwanted problems down the road. When you call us to discuss your bathroom or ensuite renovations, we'll talk to you on how to make the best decisions, and here are a few tips of what to keep in mind.

Source: The RiotACT

Below we've collected just a few of our favourite Melbourne bathroom renovations we've showcased over the years here at Complete Home - a range of projects that are sure to inspire you no matter what city or part of the world you live in!

The bathroom is one of the most essential rooms of the house and a refresh can add considerable value to your home. In this cost guide we delve into the range of potential costs associated with a bathroom renovation.

When renovating a bathroom, cost is a considerable factor for deciding on style, features and amenities. But how much should you expect to budget for when planning a bathroom refresh?

For an estimate figure, you can expect to spend anywhere between $10,000 to $35,000+. The cost can vary depending on the size of your bathroom, the materials used, as well as any labour costs. However, it is possible for a renovation to cost lower around $5000 if you are willing to swap out a few items or keep the refresh a largely cosmetic update.

Expect to pay more if you are thinking of a complete renovation or:

• Undertaking any structural work
• Want new features that require additional plumbing works
• Are moving plumbing from one area to another
• Replacing all wall and floor tiles

How long will my bathroom renovation take?

Depending on the scale of the project, the renovation will take time so allow anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks of labour. Factors that can affect this timeframe include:

• Any structural works
• Moving plumbing and/or electrical elements
• Having large amounts of tiles to lay
• Unforeseen events, like discovering asbestos in your wall or floor cavity.

The research, planning and design of the renovation, with no major structural changes, allow around 6 to 8 weeks for this phase. This includes:

• Time to develop the design
• Selecting materials and fittings
• Getting quotes from a range of businesses.

Which tradies do I need for my bathroom renovation?

Wondering who you may need to hire for your bathroom project? These are the most common trades you will need to call on:

Bathroom builders can manage and run your project completely on your behalf, and often have all trades on staff to cover different aspects of the job. If not, they can coordinate sub-contractors. This will cost you extra but will take the hassle out of any renovation job.

If you are hiring individual trades:

Architects help to design floor plans for your new bathroom, ensuring everything is logically laid out to suit your lifestyle. Expect to pay for the privilege of their expertise.

Carpenters and cabinet makers can help install custom storage in your bathroom, such as a vanity, cabinetry or any other timber elements such as a new door or window.

Electricians can help install lighting, power points, heating, ventilation and much more.

Painters will need to paint any areas that are not covered by tiles or other elements, preferably with a moisture and wear-resistant paint.

Plumbers are perhaps the most crucial tradie on your project, so make sure you hire one who has a good track record of working on bathrooms.

Tilers are another crucial trade who can can make or break the look of your bathroom. They also need to get small details right, like making sure your shower recess drains properly.

Waterproofers will use a variety of sealants and membranes to make sure your bathroom is properly sealed - so you don't have leaks sprouting up all over the place.

Does my bathroom renovator need to be licensed?

Most elements of a bathroom renovation, such as plumbing and tiling require the use of a licensed contractor. A complete bathroom renovation will typically require a licensed builder, with some states having a licence specifically for bathroom and kitchen renovations. Individual trades such as plumbers, waterproofers and sparkies all need to be qualified and licensed.

Hiring a bathroom renovator

When it comes time to hiring a contractor make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask then include:

• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up?
• Can I see examples of your work?

Complete bathroom renovation costs

So how much will you have to spend? As a guideline, expect to spend in the region of:

• $5,000 - $15,000 for a cosmetic makeover or smaller bathroom renovation using budget materials and fittings.
• $15,000 - $25,000 for an average sized mid-range renovation using mid-range materials and fittings
• $25,000+ for a high end bathroom renovation using top of the range materials and fittings.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) found $17,000 to be the average value for bathrooms installed as part of a renovation in 2015. The best way of working out how much your project will cost is to get a range of quotes from local businesses who specialise in renovating bathrooms. You may be surprised how different they are..

#hiptip: Get at least three quotes before you commit to hiring anyone, so you can compare price and level of service

Estimating your bathroom renovation costs

Some of the major costs to plan for include:

• Plumbing, especially if you are moving plumbing or installing new elements.
• Tiling, which could include floor and wall tiles.
• Frameless shower screen, semi-frameless shower screen or standard shower screen.
• Bath, which could be integrated or freestanding.
• Toilet, which could be a standard version or have an in-wall cistern.
• Vanity, standard or wall mounted which looks cleaner and gives you more floor space.
• Lighting, which could be task, general or mood.
• Waterproofing, to ensure your bathroom doesn’t leak.

Plumbers charge a call-out fee of $60 to $100, with hourly rates anywhere from $100 - $150 depending on the plumber. The fee your plumber charges will depend on where you live and may vary according to the plumber’s skill level.

Expect to pay:

• $80 to $250 to replace and fit bath or basin taps or a new shower head
• $160 to $550 to install to install a toilet, basin, sink or bath

If a plumber is quoting for a large project such as your bathroom renovation project, ask for an itemised quote which details all the elements they are charging for.

Tiling

The size of your bathroom is going to be a major factor in the cost of your renovation, and since so much of a bathroom is tiled, you need to know what the boundaries of your budget are. Expect to be quoted on a per square metre rate by bathroom tilers, which could range from $35 per square metre to $120 per square metre. $60 per square metre is the average for laying bathroom tiles. The cost of the actual tiles would be on top of this, so be sure to factor this in.

For wall tiles expect to pay from $20 to $28 per square meter for standard white ceramic wall tiles (600mm x 300mm) to $68 per square metre for steel grey polished porcelain wall tiles (150mm x 600mm). Moving up in price expect to pay around $86 per square metre for handmade Spanish white gloss ceramic subway tiles (150mm x 75mm) and $159 per square metre for artisan manufactured ceramic wall tiles (200mm x 200mm).

For floor tiles expect to pay $35 to $50 per square meter for ceramic or porcelain tiles, $50 to $100 per square meter for high quality porcelain and $80 to $130 per square meter for high quality natural stone tiles.

Baths

Baths range in price from affordable and versatile acrylic, to durable cast iron and flexible fibreglass to high end natural stone. Expect to pay anywhere from $350 for a plumber to replace and fit a bath. New baths can range from as little as $400 to thousands of dollars, with stone freestanding versions at the upper end of the scale.

#hiptip: Keep your existing plumbing layout to avoid costly works

Shower screens

Shower screens vary in price according to their size and if they are framed, semi-frameless or frameless, with the latter being the most costly. Expect to pay in the region of $400 to have a basic framed shower screen installed. Frameless shower screens use thicker glass, and are consequently more expensive - expect to pay in excess of $600 depending on the size and number of panels.

Toilet

Depending on the toilet you choose, these can cost from $150 to $750 or more for a floor-mounted hidden cistern or wall hung toilet. On average, a good quality floor-mounted vitreous china toilet costs between $275 and $450.

Vanity

Bathroom vanities range in price from:

• $467 for a 900mm wall hung vanity with hidden handles
• $849 for a 750mm floorstanding console vanity
• $999 for a 1500mm double bowl vanity
• $1360 for a 1200mm wall hung vanity with integrated cermaic basin

Waterproofing

Expect waterproofing to cost anywhere from $500 to $750 for an average sized bathroom.

Alternatives to a complete bathroom reno

If you’ve estimated the cost of a dream bathroom renovation and the amount is higher than you can afford, there are ways to modernise your bathroom without breaking the bank. Some alternatives to a complete bathroom renovation include:

• Installing a new shower screen
• Bath and basin resurfacing
• Painting bathroom tiles
• Installing a skylight

 * All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.

Source: hipages

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In order to secure more potential buyers, developers are looking for ways to incentivise their projects – but what if an incentive could be as simple as transforming a bathroom from "mediocre" to "luxury".

As the residential market becomes more competitive and more developments are brought to fruition, developers are beginning to use luxurious bathroom and laundry spaces as unique selling points to secure more buyers and to stand out from their competition.

Since the bathroom is often viewed as the second most important room in a property (after the kitchen), this strategy makes sense. That’s why it’s important for developers to think about how they can strategically transform these spaces in order to drive their project to success.

Creating a luxury bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult, either. Here are five simple ways to take a bathroom/laundry space from mediocre to luxury:

Get Colourful

Kitchen and bathroom spaces are now becoming statement areas, where bold colours and accents work to show-off the property. That’s why developers should be moving away from stock-standard colours and beginning to think outside the box.

Instead of opting for standard chrome tapware, black and gun-metal colours are becoming more popular options and are an easy way to transform the space. Couple this with bold colours that are accented throughout the entire property and the space instantly gets a touch of "luxury".

There are brands of tapware and fittings that come in every colour and style so it is easy for developers to quickly replace their standard options for something more sophisticated.

Embrace Technology

Technology is constantly evolving in every facet of residential development, and bathroom/laundry design is no different. By implementing the latest and most accessible technology in a bathroom, the space feels modern, innovative and forward-thinking.

Imagine being able to tell potential buyers that they can step into the shower and have it set at the perfect temperature, every time. Or that they can set the shower temperature based on a ‘his’ and ‘hers’ method where it’s different depending on who’s using it. That is a powerful selling point.

That’s just one example of the type of technology that modern bathrooms should be implementing: thermostatic mixing valves.

Customise

One thing that has become clear in the residential development industry is that potential buyers value the ability to choose. This can be capitalised on by including elements in a bathroom/laundry that can be fully customised depending on the buyers’ individual style.

These customisable elements allow the buyer to create the luxury space that they want – completely dependent on their own style, needs and desires. This is a unique selling point, and it gives the buyer the ability to connect with the development and create something that is their own.

Choose Quality

One of the easiest ways to transform a bathroom and laundry space is by opting for better quality products and toilet suites. Instead of utilising cheap products, choosing brand-name Italian and German products works as an incentive for potential purchasers.

With the rise of home renovation shows and as bathroom design becomes embedded in popular culture, buyers are now becoming more familiar with high-quality brand names and are actively looking for developments that feature Italian and German products.

Use Thoughtful Design

Creating a bathroom/laundry floorplan that has been thought out – right down to where the toilet is in relation to the shower – is the smallest thing that can transform the space into a luxurious one. If a bathroom and laundry space is well designed, it can add significant value to the property and entice more potential buyers.

Developers should consider using smart design strategies and including features such as glass screens, wall-mounted appliances and space-saving techniques to significantly change how the space looks and feels.

These simple tricks work for residential developments of any size and scale, and are an ingenious way to attract potential buyers – especially in a competitive market where having a point of difference is paramount to a project’s success.

Source: The Urban Developer

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THIS beautifully renovated and cleverly extended townhouse sets a high standard in contemporary living.

Owners Gavin and Nola Allen originally bought the home in 2004 as an investment and have rented it out, used it as a weekender and their son lived at the address while attending university.

“This year, we have done a full renovation including adding a new kitchen, bathroom, laundry, ensuite, floor coverings, light fittings, plumbing fixtures and plantation shutters,” they said.

“Outside, we removed the existing courtyard and built a front entrance onto the house, and removed the existing back verandah and built a new large patio with bifold doors and kitchen servery with bifold window.

“As registered builders, we have been renovating homes for the past 20 years.”

The fittings combine luxury with industrial, such as exposed metal beams, feature lights, engineered wood-look flooring and lush carpet.

The warm and welcoming open-plan living and dining zone seamlessly connects to the alfresco area.

The stunning white kitchen will please any home chef, with spacious breakfast bar, stone benchtops, full complement of European appliances, soft-closing cabinetry and servery.

With a private balcony and ensuite, the master bedroom offers the perfect retreat, while the two minor bedrooms have access to the family bathroom with luxury shower and stylish wood and metal cabinetry.“We have been able to lock and leave the property as it’s only a small group of neighbours who are very considerate of each other,” the Allens said.

“You are two blocks walk to the Preston Street shops, with IGA, restaurants, cafes and Cygnet Cinemas and our son has been able to ride to uni.”

Source: Community Newspaper Group

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Securing the maximum price on auction day is front of mind for any vendor. But getting top dollar for a property that needs work can be challenging, especially if your budget for improvement is tight.

There are many reasons for selling a rundown or tired property. Downsizing, selling a home inherited from a deceased relative or a sudden urgency due to a growing family are all common factors.

Renovating is one way to improve the value of a home prior to sale, but significant improvements can be costly and time consuming, and not everyone has the spare cash to splash on an extensive reno.

So how do you get the best price for your fixer-upper for under $5000?

Where to spend $5000 to prepare your home for sale

Although updating the kitchen and bathroom can have a big impact, a major renovation can set you back tens of thousands of dollars and take weeks to complete, which simply isn’t possible within a tight budget and time frame.

Instead, focus on the areas of the home that will enhance the look for minimal outlay and make a good first impression.

One example of an affordable pre-sale renovation is this four-bedroom character home being sold in Carlton.

Although the tidy home has had some improvements over the years, including a new bathroom, the vendors limited their scope to minor cosmetic updates when preparing for sale, and avoided renovating the kitchen.

“The vendors did the minimum to get it ready for market, but there’s still scope to make money on this house by opening up the rear,” selling agent Kristina Lee, from Professionals Montgomery Group, explains.

To prepare a dated property for sale, Ms Lee always recommends repainting interior walls in a neutral colour, as well as replacing carpets or refinishing floorboards.

“For $5000 you could repaint and recarpet, which freshens up the smell of the home too,” Ms Lee says.

First impressions are especially important, so tidying the front garden, pruning hedges and mowing the lawn will enhance curb appeal.

“We advised the owners to put up a white picket fence, which cost less than $1000,” she says.

“Those changes would certainly add, in my opinion, at least $50,000 to the value,” she says.

$0 updates

The changes that will make the biggest impact may actually cost nothing more than a few weekends of hard work.

Decluttering is essential in preparing a property for sale. If a potential buyer can’t see past mountains of junk, they won’t be able to visualise the potential of the space. Clear out the clutter and put anything that can’t be tossed into storage out of sight, such as in the garage or under the house.

Likewise, removing daggy or outdated furniture, and paring back the space to staple items will make rooms feel bigger. Although styling might not be in your budget, consider borrowing statement pieces from friends or neighbours temporarily to improve the look of the home for inspection.

Give every surface a deep clean, including exterior surfaces and windows, floors and tiles. If you don’t have the time or energy for cleaning and decluttering, consider services like Airtasker to find an extra helping hand.

Untidy gardens and lawns can drag down a property’s potential value and make the home look uncared-for. Pruning, weeding and mowing all make a big impact, but adding bark mulch is an affordable update that is especially effective, as it injects colour and makes garden beds look neater.

If you don’t have a green thumb, include the cost of hiring a gardener for a day in your budget.

Know your buyer

It’s important to understand that the buyers of a dated or rundown property will likely be planning on renovating themselves, and will have their own ideas on what changes they want to make.

Sydney buyer’s agent and associate director of RPM Property, Kyah Johansson, believes that spending big on significant improvements can be counterproductive.

“If a home is liveable and it’s neat and tidy, you may be better off putting it to market as is,” she says.

That being said, Ms Johansson agrees that updating interior surfaces can appeal to buyers looking for a renovation project.

“If buyers can tick the walls and floorboards off their list, then they can focus their money and attention on the major areas like the kitchen and bathroom,” she says.

“A lot of people are looking at buying something that’s very liveable, then renting it out and saving for a renovation further down the track.”

Potential renovators may be living in the home or renting it out prior to starting work, so as long as the kitchen and bathroom are functional, they are best left alone as these are the areas renovators like to inject their personal touch.

Richard Baini, director of Richard Mathews Real Estate, agrees. “If there are areas of a home that people want to put their personal touch on, it’s the kitchen and bathroom,” he says.

The same notion extends to outdoor areas, as major work won’t necessarily get you the return you might expect.

“Everyday people aren’t professional landscapers, and it doesn’t make sense spending money on changes that don’t have broad appeal,” says Ms Johansson.

However, if your home has any significant problems, such as leaks or structural issues, it’s worthwhile hiring a building inspector to highlight any potential issues, and spending the money to repair them before sale.

“Most buyers want somewhere that just needs superficial work, most of them shy away from anything that needs structural work,” says Ms Lee.

Apart from turning off potential buyers, serious issues can also become bargaining chips, giving buyers a stronger negotiating position.

How to prepare a rundown home for sale for under $5000

• Paint interior walls in a neutral colour
• Replace carpets or refinish floorboards
• Clean and declutter the entire home
• Mow the lawn and prune overgrown plants
• Paint the front fence to improve kerb appeal

Source: Domain News

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AN affordable way to get into Melbourne’s inner-north has hit the market.

But just make sure you watch your step.

The old charmer was once flagged for a ripper renovation. But a change in circumstance has left 71 Rae St, Fitzroy North, longing for some TLC.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Nelson Alexander Carlton North agent Janine Ballantyne said.

You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking you’d stepped into a storage shed after throwing open the front door of the terrace house.

Bric-a-brac has taken the place of bedrooms and you won’t find ceilings or plastered walls.

There’s still space for daily life at the rear of the home, but it comes with some quirks to contend with.

The kitchen and bathroom are brought together in a single room, with the toilet just a few steps away from the kitchen sink.

Ascend a ladder to a loft bedroom, adorned with a rather striking arched window and another loo, too.

Despite the home’s rough condition and the sales campaign’s early days, Ms Ballantyne said buyers were eagerly knocking at the door.

“But I haven’t taken anyone through yet,” she said.

“It’s a very unique opportunity in a lovely pocket of Fitzroy North, and has a huge amount of potential.”

She said the price guide of $800,000-$850,000 was reflective of the property’s condition. It is set to go under the hammer on December 19.

CoreLogic sales records reveal it last sold in 1998 for $214,000.

The data firm recorded a 14.8 per cent rise in Fitzroy North’s median house price to $1.4 million across the 12 months to August.

Source: news.com.au

Flaunting a fantastic outlook, but in dire need of some tender love and care, Drew Leverett and Rhionagh Rowley knew they had found the project for them when they stumbled upon this gem of an apartment in Claremont.

“Having grown up and gone to school in Mosman Park, I knew the area well and recognised the value in renovating in Claremont,” Ms Rowley said.

A love for updating and remodelling brought Mr Leverett and Ms Rowley together to start their own apartment renovation company, Leverett Design Co.

Mr Leverett is at the helm as the company’s cabinetmaker and builder and Ms Rowley serves as an interior designer.

The pair undertook a complete remodel of the Claremont apartment, taking out everything that formed the bathroom, laundry, kitchen and all the flooring.

“We sheeted the walls and ceiling and included negative detail around the skirting boards and cornices to give the illusion that the walls and ceilings were floating. This is really effective in rooms with low ceilings,” Ms Rowley said.

The living, kitchen and balcony were tiled with travertine imported from Italy and the bedrooms were given a new lease on life with fresh carpet.

Mr Leverett created and installed a whole wall of custom cabinetry in the living room, as well as cabinetry for the bathroom, laundry, toilet and kitchen.

An undisputed highlight of the renovated apartment, the kitchen features an all-glass breakfast bar supported by a brushed stainless steel leg.

“The glass is really effective in opening up the area, almost ghost-like while still providing seating and counter space,” Ms Rowley said.

Also helping to make the home feel more spacious is a full-height mirror behind the built-in bar that runs the length of the hallway, and essentially doubles the size of the apartment from a visual point of view.

A mirrored splashback in the kitchen reflects the treetops out over the balcony, giving the illusion of an additional window.

The bathroom is truly luxurious, with a large piece of statuario marble porcelain in the shower and a custom-made raking concrete sink with double faucets.

As the apartment is on the fifth floor, Mr Leverett and Ms Rowley faced the huge task of hauling equipment up several flights of stairs.

“The lift was just a tiny bit too small to get the Gyprock sheeting in, the ceilings were popcorn and the walls painted brick, so everything had to be sheeted. Fifty-two sheets of Gyprock had to be carried up the stairs two at a time because of the weight,” Ms Rowley said.

The team worked on the home during standard work hours only to minimise disturbance to the nearby neighbours.

Source: The West Australian

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House owners are still very confident about return on investment putting money into their property so there is a lot of work going on in the renovation market.

Kitchen renovation offers the best profit return when you sell the property as recommended by Domain. Some other renovations can cost much more than they will ever give you back.

Bathroom renovations can cost up to $30,000. Renovating new modern bathrooms significantly add to your home value and your quality of life!

Contact Us For A Free Quote And Renovation Design By Email.

Contact Us For A Free Quote And Renovation Design By Email.

Contact Us For A Free Quote And Renovation Design By Email.