Hello, perhaps you could let us know what work you’re planning to do. The order of trades is not always the same ;-)
Jane

Hi Trisha,
Try Karen Young from Property Zest ph 0448 111 387. She is the same Karen that does the Everyday Property Investing Podcast.
I know she is super busy at the moment but it is worth giving her a call to see if she’s taking on any more clients
Regards,
Jane Eyles-Bennett

Hi – here are a few of the things I often will recommend as a renovation designer/consultant to investors;

1) Kitchens – laminate doors/drawers not 2-pac as it scratches too easily. Or vinyl wrap can work well. Make sure if you go with laminate the doors/drawers have pvc not tape edges. Don't do white grout anywhere in kitchen or house (dirties…[Read more]

Hi Dao,

It does depend on the property. I'm an interior/exterior designer and sometimes I find that a tweak here and there can make a huge difference to the overall appearance without having to go all-out on a reno. There are loads of examples on my website if you wanted to have a look…http://hotspaceconsultants.com/portfolio.html

It might be…[Read more]

Hi all, I write a Q and A column for the Brisbane Times and just this week got asked this question. They haven't uploaded my response to the Brisbane Times website as I write this but may well be there by the time you read this!… http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/blog/good-renovation-advice. Anyway, am pasting my answer below just in…[Read more]

Hi Vic,

I have some awesome tradies – but normally keep them to myself!! It's so hard to find good people so when you do, hang on to them real tight.

I use Kitchen Evolution (for laundry and kitchen cabinetry) and they are fantastic – Dane and David are the owners and it's a small operation where they do the work themselves. David's mobile is…[Read more]

Hi,

I would estimate around $2500 perhaps a touch more (plus installation).
Be aware that when the top is replaced there will be extra costs to:

disconnect/reconnect the plumbing (two visits by a plumber)

disconnect/reconnect the cook-top (two visits by an electrician)

Replacement or repair the tiled splash-back if it is damaged when the top…[Read more]

Hi, Yes you're on the right track with a general refurb. If you can add a room without extending the footprint (be it a bedroom or ensuite perhaps) then this is definitely a great way to add value. Just make sure it's not compromising on the overall use of the house. For instance, a 4 bedroom home with 2 lounges and one bathroom. You wouldn't…[Read more]

Thanks for emailing me your fence Geddo. I tried to paste the image but it isn't working for me either – argghh!.

My first impression is that the fence makes the house seem like a prison (sorry!). You usually get this when a fence is too high for the proximity of the house. A pretty common problem.

My suggestion is to go for a horizontal slat…[Read more]

Have you got a photo? When recommending a fence I always like to see what type/colour of house it is, distance of fence line from the house etc., adjacent houses/landscaping etc. before advising.
Cheers

Jane Slack-Smith has written an excellent book on renovating. I have not read it myself yet but will be soon.

I am in the renovation game myself and know Jane quite well. She is an excellent source of knowledge with a vast background in renovating, finance and most things property.

I'd suggest this as a great one to get started on. Its called…[Read more]

Can you list the things you're planning on doing and also upload a photo? I think you'll get more accurate advice once we see what you're working with.

As a ballpark figure, a new bathroom fit-out including tiling all walls/floors, new shower, toilet and vanity, lighting/exhaust and all plumbing – you're looking at between $7,000 – $10,000. You…[Read more]

Hi, Please post a photo! I'm happy to give you my opinion (interior designer with 20 years experience specialising in value-add renovations on shoe-string budgets!) but it's much easier to give recommendations from a photo than a written explanation.
Regards,
Jane

Hi,

Agree with all previous answers and suggest you go to the property and write down everything you want to do. In order to get accurate quotes and then ultimately the renovation job you want – without any miscommunications or muck-ups, you need to be able to articulate exactly what it is you want from your tradies.

Often people 'wing it'…[Read more]

Yes that's right, the doors were sprayed and the bench-top was replaced with an end of line laminate bought from a local wholesaler. New appliances were also end of line.
My client was an avid DIYer so the only labour costs were plumbing and electrical.
Paying someone else to do similar work would cost an additional $1500 – $2000 I'd say, so still…[Read more]

I like to re-use as much as possible which means your renovation budget can go so much further. This is only appropirate for some properties though.

When advising my clients on how to renovate their properties for the biggest bang for their buck, I try to look at all elements within a room/house independently of each other.

For instance, if you…[Read more]

Totally agree with D.

Definitely worth staging the properties whether you buy the furniture or just hire it.

I know a good stager in Brisbane who has just gone out on her own. She's very talented and because she's just new in her own business she doesn't charge and arm and a leg (yet!).

Home

One way to…[Read more]

This is a great reno property – and I have seen a LOT in my time!Firstly of course the trellis has to go. Yes I went to design school for 5 years to tell you that! The house currently has quite a rustic appearance on the outside but this can easily be made more modern, crisp and fresh with some render, light colours and a new (possibly glass)…[Read more]

I'm with your wife on that one. The darker stain usually makes for a more luxurious (and expensive looking) appearance. Providing there is enough natural light in the space, then go for it. If there is minimal natural light then you'd want to really stay with the lighter colour to assist light reflectance.Another reason I like the idea of staining…[Read more]