Tag: construction

The free online home renovation summit you don’t want to miss

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 29, 2021
No Comments on The free online home renovation summit you don’t want to miss

RENO ADDICT Archives – The Interiors Addict

Renovating or planning to? Love looking at great house ‘before and afters’? Our Reno Addict section has the latest expert advice and inspiration for Australian renovators.

Tags building, construction, diy, extending, home renovation summit, reno, renovating, renovation

Design Interviews

Meet Rachael Turner, the pianist turned female builder

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 1, 2018
2 Comments on Meet Rachael Turner, the pianist turned female builder

Rachel Turner, runs her own construction company building boutique homes, Coomera. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

A classically trained pianist, with a Bachelor of Music in piano from the Queensland Conservatorium, Brisbane’s Rachael Turner ran a music school for a decade before turning to design and construction in 2013. “I decided to change careers and launch into construction as it’s something I have been fascinated with since I was very young. I can remember sketching up floor plans and house elevations from a young age,” says Rachael who is now a fully qualified builder with her own company, Front Porch Properties.

While Rachael started out flipping homes she now works on new builds too and finds most of her inspiration in American design. “I am hugely influenced by American style homes and I often draw inspiration from Cape Cod and Hamptons style. I love American-style barn houses, farm houses and cottages. I really love classic design as not only is it charming, but it won’t look dated in 10 years’ time.”

Rachael in front of a recently completed project

As for being female in a male-dominated sphere, Rachael sees it mostly as an asset. “I most definitely encourage women to join the construction industry. It’s a fantastic industry where women can really excel. We have a certain skill set that differs to men. For example, we are often great communicators, visionaries, organisers and multi-taskers and can add a real nurturing quality to a construction site which can make a positive difference. I also believe that dealing with clients and understanding a homeowner’s dream can perhaps be better understood and interpreted by a woman,” says Rachael who was recently a state winner and national finalist at the Australian Training Awards in Canberra (a nomination she received when studying for her technical building qualifications).

Front Porch Properties before and after — A kitchen renovation

But it’s not all been straightforward on the gender front – there were some initial challenges. “Being a female in the construction industry was certainly tough in the early days, I don’t know what the tradesmen must have thought when an inexperienced female project manager showed up on site. However, now that I have a bit of momentum, confidence and experience behind me, as well as a great team of tradespeople, it’s less of an issue,” says Rachael who has appeared in several commercial television segments as well as magazines including Home Beautiful, Marie Claire and Inside Out.

Front Porch Properties master bedroom — A master bedroom and ensuite designed and built by Rachael

And Rachael’s future construction dreams have a charitable focus too – she has plans to fund construction projects overseas for the less fortunate. “At the end of the day, money, fame and status really amount to nothing as you can’t take them with you when you die. I’m more interested in having an impact on people and leaving a legacy,” says Rachael.

Photography: Clare Sophia Photography & Liam Kidston

For more | Eight questions to ask before hiring a builder or tradie

Tags brisbane, building, construction, female builder, Front Porch Properties, rachel turner, renovating

Architecture Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Hot trend: Timber cladding is having a moment

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 22, 2018
1 Comment on Hot trend: Timber cladding is having a moment

Given the popularity of Modernist-inspired architecture, we’re so used to seeing sharp edges and hostile materials in home design – concrete, steel and myriad other industrial finishes. And I believe that it’s for this reason that timber cladding, with its softening effect, has been steadily gaining momentum as a trend. “Timber cladding can suit a traditional or contemporary home design, complementing other exposed building materials such as concrete and brick,” says Boral Timber national sales and distribution manager Leon Travis

“The adaptability of timber cladding can make it a material of choice across anything from interior and exterior walls and fences to sheds and garages. It may be installed vertically or horizontally to add character to a property. Words like ‘shiplap’ have become buzzwords among renovators both locally and internationally. Shiplap is simply the name of a timber cladding profile that’s proving popular as a feature timber,” says Leon.

“Boral hardwood timber cladding showcases the beauty of popular Australian timbers, including blackbutt and spotted gum, and is an economical finish for both new and old buildings,” says Leon.

Aside from bringing warmth, and a striking aesthetic, to the exterior of a home, timber cladding is also highly adaptable to Australia’s harsh weather conditions and carries energy efficiency benefits too. Timber has air pockets that create a natural barrier to heat and cold, thus forming an insulation layer around a home, and can even help reduce energy bills too.

And for those worried about termites, some timber species are better than others. “Forming a unique feature of many architecturally designed commercial and residential buildings, blackbutt cladding in particular is often chosen due to the species’ naturally termite resistant properties and fire resistance. Its attractive colouring also creates a blank canvas for achieving a custom stained finish,” says Leon.

Photography: Serena Pearce/Code Lime Photography

For more | Three affordable ways to transform your home with timber

Tags boral, construction, home renovating, renovating, timber, timber cladding

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

3 checks you need to do to protect your home before a storm

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date March 21, 2017
No Comments on 3 checks you need to do to protect your home before a storm

Another wet weekend across NSW has reminded plenty of us just how storm-proof (or not) our homes really are. The recent Sydney storms caused tens of millions of dollars worth of damage to homes across the state, and NSW tradies are busy keeping up with the demand for storm-related repair work. The number of jobs posted to hipages, Australia’s number one place for hiring a trusted tradie, in storm-related categories (eg. roof repairs, 24/7 emergency electricians, etc.) more than tripled during the weekend of 18 – 19 February in comparison to the weekend before.

Glenn Davidson from hipages and Complete Maintenance & Property Repairs was called to jobs all over Sydney, mostly for repair jobs to damaged and leaking roofs from the rain and hail. Before the next storm season, there are three important measures homeowners should take to storm proof their homes. Remember – the best time to take precautions is long before a storm arrives.

3 checks you need to do to protect your home before a storm

1. Check your gutters – During the recent storms, hipages saw a 250% increase in requests for gutter cleaning jobs. It’s very important to keep all your downpipes and gutters clear of blockages as these can have a knock on effect of water overflowing into the eaves of roofing, which can be a costly problem to deal with. Your drains should be checked on a regular basis, not only for debris blocking the inside of the drain, but also for obstructions such as ornaments, outdoor furniture, pot plants or children’s toys. This needs to be done to allow water to flow away freely from your property and therefore not into your home! Have a professional gutter repair service clean and check your guttering at least once a year before storm season and you won’t end up paying far more for repairs to your house or electrical system.

2. Check the trees around your home – Large branches and trees around your home can cause significant damage during a violent storm. As a precaution it’s best to trim back branches that are close to your property and remove any trees that pose a danger to avoid costly damage. Because of the nature of the work, you should consider hiring a professionally qualified tree feller. They will be able to assist with local council guidelines on what trees and branches can and can’t be trimmed or chopped down.

Image source – Treemaster

3. Check your fence – Fence damage is a commonly claimed insurance item when storms hit. Avoid becoming another insurance statistic; check and secure your fences or get an expert to do it for you! Common issues to look for are unstable bases, damaged slats and loose and/or damaged screws and hinges.

Image source: Daily Mail

Tags construction, home reno, home renovation, weather

Architecture RENO ADDICT

Real Build: Majestic, resort-style home in Sydney’s north-west

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date December 9, 2016
No Comments on Real Build: Majestic, resort-style home in Sydney’s north-west

An extraordinary water curtain, six-point-six metre ceilings and tiles imported all the way from Spain – no expense was spared when building “Le Farah,” a one-of-a-kind six bedroom, six bathroom home in Sydney’s north-west.

“It was very important to have seamless indoor and outdoor integration and a very open plan layout,” said designer and owner Kate Nelson. “My favourite part of the home is that I feel secluded. When I come home, I feel like I’ve stepped into a beautiful oasis, yet I’m only minutes from the city which makes it very convenient.

“I wanted to be the first developer to showcase luxury, high-end resort living in such a prestigious area. I believe you live once, and there are too many stresses in the world, so when you come home it should feel like a sanctuary. This home makes you feel that from the moment you walk in the front door, which by the way, is a huge three-metre cedar pivot door, that I personally designed and had handcrafted.”

Expansive walls of glass, maximise natural light and draw the eye out to home’s centrepiece – a breathtaking water curtain, that creates a serene atmosphere as it trickles water into the saltwater pool below.

“The most challenging part was creating a one-of-a-kind, eight-metre water curtain. It took a large crane to bring the beams into place and a number of people on scaffolds to hold them, while another person screwed the beams into the walls. It was a mission but it just fits into the place so perfectly,” Kate says.

The open-plan kitchen features Italian marble with high-end Smeg and Miele appliances, while the fireplace is wrapped in natural tiles, imported from Spain. “I really wanted to incorporate the four elements – fire, earth, water and air,” said owner and designer Kate.

“Fire is represented by the large fireplace. Earth is the nature stone walls that feature at the front of the home and extend into the large foyer.

“Water is the large pool and spa that makes you feel like you’re in a tropical oasis, while air is all the walls of glass and large stacker doors to further integrate indoors and out,” Kate says.

The majestic double story brick home, located at 16 Grosvenor Road Linfield, is now on the market. View the listing click here.

Tags architect, construction, design, home renovation, interiors, kitchen reno, le farah, lindfield, new build, real estate, renovating, renovation

Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Three ways to renovate without destroying the environment

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 30, 2016
No Comments on Three ways to renovate without destroying the environment

By Laney Clancy

What is sustainable renovation? Here is our guide to sourcing eco-friendly materials, selecting energy and water-saving products, and creating environmentally sustainable spaces.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword, it’s a way to be resourceful and create long-lasting changes for the better. Being aware of environmentally sustainable products and practices when you renovate can reduce your carbon footprint, help you decrease energy and water usage and give you long-term financial savings.

What is sustainable renovation?

In this context, sustainability is reducing our impact on the environment. Sustainable renovation is the practice of using materials and products that maintain ecological balance through form and function.

Sustainable materials may include recycled surfaces such as reclaimed timber, secondhand fixtures and eco-friendly choices of certain products, such as paints and tiles. You may also choose to install products that will assist energy and water saving, such as LED lighting and appliances with good energy ratings, plus low-flow showerheads and water-saving toilets.

1. Choose sustainable materials

Sustainable materials are those that come from a replenishable source or have been reused, repurposed or recycled.

Timber from old growth forests is not sustainable; compare this with plantation timber or reclaimed wood. The benefit of reclaimed or recycled wood is its beautiful weathered look and sense of history. Don’t forget you’ll need to treat the wood to protect it from rotting and this substance should also be eco-friendly.

Your choice of material may dictate the aesthetic of your renovation or vice versa, but fortunately there’s a big enough range to fit into a lot of different themes. Reclaimed pieces can be used for retro chic, rustic or industrial looks, for example, or it can shake things up in a modern home.

Consider also the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content in the materials you select. VOCs are chemicals containing carbon that evaporate into the atmosphere and unfortunately little is known about the health hazards. Low or zero VOC paints, urethanes and particle boards are all available, albeit at a higher cost.

Other materials you might consider include recycled plastic and laminates as well as glass and ceramic, both of which can be recycled.

2. Aim for efficiency

The bathroom, kitchen and laundry are the three areas where we tend to use the most energy and water so when you’re in the market to purchase fixtures, fittings and appliances for these rooms, make efficiency a key criterion. Not only will this reduce the resources you use, it will save you money in the longer term as well.

Energy star ratings and water ratings (WELS) are a good start but even before you buy items, think of how you can reduce or eliminate the need for them. Creating a temperate environment within the home through good insulation (including to insulate your water pipes) and ventilation will reduce the need for air conditioning and heating. Having a lot of natural light may reduce your reliance on lighting.

Efficiency in heating and cooling also applies to water. A continuous flow hot water system, for instance, will heat water when you need it, whereas a tank system uses energy all day by heating water in the tank whether or not you’re using it. Keep in mind that what a continuous flow system saves on energy it can waste in water as you wait for the water to heat up and reach the outlet. So choose a water wise unit or install a recirculating pump.

If you want to go a bit further, installing green spaces, such as vertical gardens or a green roof, can also support insulation as well as improve air quality.

Image courtesy of Architect Matt Elkan, photograph by Simon Whitbread

3. Future-proof your home

You can use your renovation to future-proof your home in two ways. The first is by preventing unnecessary repairs in the future, for example leak-proofing your house by checking gutters and the roof and undergoing proper waterproofing for wet areas such as bathrooms and the laundry to prevent damp.

Secondly, you can install sustainable features—or plan for them if you cannot afford to include them now. Some ideas include:

Rainwater tank to capture clean rainwater. Instead of going down the drain you can use rainwater on the garden or to flush your toilet.
Greywater recycling takes soapy water from washing machines and basins for use as above.
Solar panels and a set of home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall will store the sun’s energy. It’s possible to live ‘net zero’ (no more electricity bills!) but have the security of being connected to the grid if you ever need it.
Roof colour is often overlooked as a way to reduce energy usage. Dark colours can absorb up to 90% of the sun’s radiant heat—fantastic in a cold climate but uncomfortable if not. Studies show that a white, mid-grey, or steel roof can have approximately 30% lower heat gain than a dark roof.

Don’t forget to see what rebates, buy-backs and other incentives are available for sustainable practices.

Lastly, make sure the people you hire demonstrate sustainable practices too. There are certifications for professions such as plumbing that will help you discern practitioners. A certified Enviroplumber, for example, completes six years of training to become a qualified plumber, drainer and gasfitter and has additional training in sustainable plumbing practices such as installing rainwater tanks and fixing solar hot water systems, as well as abides by the Enviroplumber Code of Practice.

With these considerations in mind you’ll be well on your way to creating a sustainable home.

Laney Clancy is the marketing and finance Manager at Pipe Perfection Plumbers in Sydney. She is married to Darren, the owner of the business, which has a team that includes specialist enviroplumbers and more, servicing the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

Tags building, construction, design, eco friendly, home reno, home renovation, interiors, kitchen, renovating, renovation, sustainable design

Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping

Cosentino launch first granite surface in Australia and add new colours to XGloss line

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 28, 2016
No Comments on Cosentino launch first granite surface in Australia and add new colours to XGloss line

The Cosentino Group has launched its premium granite surface, Sensa® by Cosentino in Australia.

The first eight exotic granites to be launched here are Black Beauty, Glacial Blue, Orinoco, Colonial White, Indian Black, Ice Blue, Moak Black and Bianco Anticoare.

Black Beauty (polished): Perfect combination of gloss and matte. Black Beauty features a textured finish that perfectly combines the most exotic gloss and matte to provide a deep black granite with random white veining.

Glacial Blue: The more exotic side of silver Glacial Blue features a polished texture and a silver hue that combine to make a crystalline appearance.

Orinoco: The wild side of granite. White, gold and copper veins are sometimes interrupted by silver minerals which stand out against an intense black background creating a unique and inimitable stage.

Colonial White: Spectacular white with a hint of red. Colonial White, with its polished finish, is an Indian granite with a white background that is contrasted with round accumulations of various sizes that stand out for their dark red colour.

Indian Black: Exotic dark intensity. With a bright polished finish, Indian Black offers a dark and intense granite throughout the entire volume. Its black background is interspersed occasionally with different and captivating clear veins, almost crystalline, which further enrich the aesthetics of the granite.

Ice Blue: Wild combination on a surprising white background. Ice Blue is a granite with a polished texture and has a striking white background, something very hard to find in this material. The black enclaves, together with cream or tan veins, offer a seductive and wild design in the final appearance.

Moak Black: The sheer elegance of an intense dark granite. The granite in its suede finish, has a matte and intense black hue that provides impressive result for its harmony, uniqueness and beautiful finish. The neutrality born of nature with this granite is characterised by exquisite elegance.

Bianco Antico: Unpredictable exotic compositions. The combination of a clear, grey and brown background of the granite. Bianco Antico, with a polished texture, creates colour compositions giving it an unmatched exotic nature.

The Cosentino Group has also added three new ultra lustrous colours to its Dekton® XGloss line.

Glacier, Fiord and Tundra pay homage to the nobility, history and timeless qualities of materials used since ancient times. In these three colours, aesthetic beauty is fused with the fascinating luminosity and high-tech quality.

Glacier: Inspired by natural stone, Glacier displays a fine marbling of a golden colour on a white background. This is a lustrous proposal by virtue of its polished finish, and is an understated, subtle option, due to its remarkable colour. Glacier is the epitome of design, purity and elegance in its all aspects.

Fiord: Inspired by nature, Fiord recaptures the beauty of the most luxurious cream tones of Onyx. Yellows, earthen colours and other intense tones make up the range of colours within Fiord, infusing it with warmth and unmistakable nuances. The original randomness of its design lends a natural, unique and dazzling structure to its finish. Fiord is sophistication in its purest essence.

Tundra: Inspired by natural stone, Tundra offers a white base with grey flecks running through it, which create and highlight unprecedented paths. Tundra, with its candid, authentic appearance, recreates the properties of marble, with its remarkable structure of veins, its sumptuous luminosity and its subtle white background. Tundra is synonymous with infinite exquisiteness.

These three new shades are achieved through advanced nanotechnology and mechanical polishing treatment, produce a dazzling, crystalline shine, and high levels of durability and strength.

Thanks to the Particle Sintering Technology (TSP) used in its manufacture, Dekton® XGloss has outstanding technical properties, including resistance to UV rays, abrasion, staining or thermal shock, thus making it the perfect material for both indoor and outdoor use: façades, kitchen or bathroom counter tops, floors and paving, stairs and other types of cladding.

Dekton® is available for manufacture with the option of large slabs sizes of up to 144cm x 320cm and in thicknesses of 20mm, 12mm and 8mm thus increasing both its aesthetic and architectural possibilities. Dekton® by Cosentino continues demonstrate that it is the best ally for designers and architects worldwide.

For more information.

Tags benchtops, building, construction, Cosentino, Cosentino Group, design, home reno, home renovation, interiors, kitchen, kitchen reno, reno, renovating, renovation, stone

Before & Afters Expert Tips Kitchens RENO ADDICT

The key to project managing your own renovation

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 24, 2016
No Comments on The key to project managing your own renovation

We all know that a renovation well done is one of the most rewarding projects you can pull off, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. That’s why many people choose to leave it in the hands of experienced project managers, be it a licensed builder or a specialist kitchen or bathroom renovation company – if you’re doing those two important rooms.

These pros will manage and coordinate everything for you, so you can sit back and relax while they take charge of ordering in materials, organising trades, managing timelines, overseeing every stage of the renovation and ensuring all the boxes are ticked in terms of regulations and sign-off. And you’ll pay them a hefty premium for their troubles.

So if you want save serious money – and feel your have the skills and know-how to carry it off – then project managing your renovation effectively cuts out the middle man (or woman). But there are some key things to keep top of mind.

The first step is nailing your budget, followed by a detailed list of all the works you’re doing, and the precise sequence in which they need to be done. This avoids getting expensive tradies back every five minutes for unnecessary tasks they could have been done in one hit. That’s the quickest way to swallow up a budget and blow out your timelines. It also means you’ll have the right materials ordered in for your tradies – when they need them.

And, of course, you want to get at least three quotes for any major works.

Mapping out the tasks in the right order will highlight which trades you need when. For example, let’s look at the sequence of tasks that are typical for a kitchen renovation.

Strip out the kitchen so you’re back to a bare shell. You’ll need electrician and plumber to disconnect power points and water supply. And possibly a handyman for the demolition.
Wall and floor set-out (if you want to change or correct these in any way). This may require a carpenter or builder and perhaps even a structural engineer, if you’re taking out a supporting wall.
Plumbing and electrical rough-in. You’ll need this if you’re moving power points or changing around the plumbing. So back comes the sparkie and plumber.
Install the new kitchen cabinets (cabinetmarker or carpenter).
Install the benchtop (cabinetmaker or carpenter)
Install the splashback (generally glass or tiles, so you’ll need either the glass installer or tiler for this).
Install sink & appliances (you’ll need the plumber and sparkie back again).
Painting

As you can see, there’s a lot more to project managing a kitchen renovation than first meets the eye. If you’re not extremely organised and knowledgeable about what needs to be done when, you’ll have tradies waiting on work that hasn’t have been done and materials that haven’t arrived.

That’s why it’s so important that renovators invest time, and money if necessary, properly educating themselves about what is required. “Winging it” is the surest path to disaster.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Tags before and after, building, cherie barber, construction, design, diy, home reno, home renovation, kitchen, kitchen reno, real reno, reno, renovating, renovating for profit

Bathrooms Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real Reno: Weatherboard kitchen, laundry and bathroom reno with a nod to the past

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 17, 2016
1 Comment on Real Reno: Weatherboard kitchen, laundry and bathroom reno with a nod to the past

Patterned tiles and moody, dark cabinetry take centre stage in a spectacular renovation for a family of four in Melbourne’s south-east.

“This kitchen blows me away. I love the warmth and interesting features in every corner of it. There is nothing in here that should go together but because we stuck to a monochromatic colour scheme it does!” said Carmel Dee, award-winning interior designer for Gia Renovations. “The original layout actually worked really well for the open plan space so we decided to keep that and add a butler’s pantry. The old kitchen was tired looking and just didn’t have any personality which looked out of place in a home which was otherwise full of life.”

Deluxe contemporary features ground the kitchen in the present, while the fixtures and cabinetry profile are a nod to traditional elements of the weatherboard home. “The homeowners’ style was unique in that they love texture, timbers and dark finishes,” said Carmel. “To keep some of the traditional elements alive I used a simple Shaker style door in white two pack finish as our base.”

The Shaker profile also features in the island bench, where natural light and the large marble benchtop help lighten the look of the dark cabinetry. “I adore the Lincoln Calacutta marble with its beautiful matte finish and the striking dark grey veins, which are set off by the cabinetry painted in Masala by Resene paints,” said Carmel. “Because the stone was marble we used a 2mm resin finish to protect it which I have been told works a treat!”

Because the kitchen doesn’t have pendant lights, Carmel decided to use two decorative splashback tiles. “The dark grey and white Jatana tile behind the black freestanding cooktop draws the eye to a feature point in the room,” said Carmel who opted for a white gloss fish scale tile for the main splashback to complement the wooden shelving. “The owner chose to match the grout to the wall paint colour so we used a very soft light grey which looks timeless,” she said.

The renovation took four weeks to complete, along with the new laundry and bathroom. “The owners asked for more storage space in the laundry while the bathroom was to be a space of relaxation and warmth,” said Carmel.

To get in touch with Gia Renovations click here.

Tags bathroom, before and after, building, construction, design, gia renovations, home reno, home renovation, interiors, kitchen, kitchen reno, reno, renovating, renovation

Bathrooms Design Expert Tips Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Renovating? Our expert reveals where to spend and where to save

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 16, 2016
No Comments on Renovating? Our expert reveals where to spend and where to save

First up, please bear in mind that renovating your own home is very different to renovating for profit. When flipping a home, keeping costs down is usually high on the list of priorities but when you’re renovating a space to live in, it pays to splurge in some areas. You should enjoy your home and life is to be lived, right?

I have renovated many homes for myself over the years – read on to find out where I choose to splurge and where I prefer to save.

The bedroom

While there’s no denying the bedroom is a sanctuary, it pays to be wise with where you spend your money. Personally, when renovating my own home, I prefer to splurge on the things that will remain for some time – window coverings, carpet and a great wardrobe fit-out are all musts for me. Put your money into those areas and spend less on furnishing the room – there are so many bargains to be had on the home furnishing front these days.

The bathroom

When it comes to my bathroom, I think it’s important to splurge on vanities and a bath if it’s freestanding. I also think spending generously on task lighting is key (particularly if there’s a woman in the house!) and spending big on a feature tile is a good idea too – you usually only require a small amount. On the converse, you can save money on the remainder of your tile bill by selecting a simple white one for the majority of the space.

Tapware is another area in which you can save as there are so many amazing, well-priced, good-quality options around nowadays. Glazing is another key saving area – you can usually pick up a simple shower screen for a steal.

Image courtesy of Three Birds Renovations

The kitchen

As with the bathroom, I always splurge on lighting in the kitchen as task lighting is key when cooking. I also think it’s worth spending big on the splash back and benchtop as they are key to the overall look and feel of your kitchen. I always spend big on door handles too – if you have to have them, they need to be perfect!

When it comes to renovating savings in the kitchen, I think you can save on cabinetry as there are so many amazing, well-priced finishes available now. As with the bathroom, I feel you can save on tapware in the kitchen too.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging.

Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

Tags bathroom, bathroom design, construction, design, diy, home reno, home renovation, kitchen, kitchen reno, naomi findlay, reno, styling

Bathrooms Before & Afters House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real Reno: First-time flippers make $280,000 profit

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 10, 2016
No Comments on Real Reno: First-time flippers make $280,000 profit

A functional, open-plan living space leading to a backyard oasis has completely transformed an original brick veneer home in Sydney’s Forestville, making first time flipper Mariah Colella and her husband a substantial profit.

“We made significant changes to the layout,” said Mariah who purchased the two-storey home knowing it would require a complete overall including moving the kitchen downstairs. “Upstairs we converted the old kitchen into part of a large family bathroom and the remainder into a huge master with private balcony. We created a second living space by adding a wall and also combined the old separate toilet and bathroom into one space,” said Mariah.

The flip took place over 12 weeks and cost roughly $300,000. Downstairs, walls in the old granny flat were toned down to create an open-plan kitchen and dining space leading to a sunken living room and inviting backyard and pool. “Our favourite part of the renovation was the downstairs extension and how we were able to entertain in style with different zones on different levels, the kitchen and dining being on one level. The elevated alfresco area has a clear sight to the pool and gardens and the chilling lounge area outside with a gorgeous tree-lined view.”

To increase street appeal, the front façade was rendered and everything given a fresh coat of paint including the house, concrete driveway, paths, roof and aluminium window frames. “At the back of the house, we sprayed the bricks to tie into our new colour scheme and added new balustrade to the upstairs balcony,” said Mariah. “We also added a large pine timber deck, which we painted to connect the extension to the pool and the grassed garden. Lighting was also key for us – we wanted a premium finish and added downlights into all of the eaves and used aged copper lighting at the front.”

On the top level, walls were moved to make the main bathroom larger, while downstairs the bathroom had a budget revamp. “We updated the existing bathroom with tile paint and vinyl travertine tiles from Bunnings. We had our plumber put in a new toilet and shower heads to complete the room refresh.”

The biggest challenge proved to be designing a deck and stairs for the sloping block leading to the pool – an element of the backyard that was so successful, it’s now a feature. “Our builders did an amazing job at making the design work and executing it flawlessly.”

As for tips for would-be flippers, Mariah says “our biggest learning with this renovation was the importance of having a solid, experienced set of trades, in particular a quality builder. We could not have done this reno with the budget and timing we had if it wasn’t for Braden from Crearter Constructions who was able to guide us through it. A quality builder is your first step to a hassle-free reno!”

Mariah and her husband are currently working on their next flip — a weatherboard cottage. To keep up with their progress, follow Mariah on Instagram.

Tags bathroom, before and after, building, construction, deck, design, diy, home, home reno, home renovation, real estate, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

Barry Du Bois and Don Burke OAM launch National Asbestos Awareness Month

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 7, 2016
No Comments on Barry Du Bois and Don Burke OAM launch National Asbestos Awareness Month

Reno Addict resident expert Barry Du Bois and TV personality Don Burke OAM and have joined forces to remind homeowners, renovators, handymen and tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely in the prevention of deadly asbestos-related diseases for National Asbestos Awareness Month.

Barry, Asbestos Awareness Ambassador said, “Cancers caused by inhaling asbestos are preventable simply by knowing what NOT to do with asbestos-containing materials that everyday Australian’s could find in their homes.

“Asbestos is not only found in fibro homes. Australia was among the largest consumers’ of asbestos-containing materials in the world with many products remaining in any brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad homes built or renovated before 1987.

“To help save lives it’s absolutely critical that our message reaches all states and territories so every Australian can ‘Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember’.

“Asbestos was used in the manufacture of a broad range of products. It can be anywhere in the home!” said Barry Du Bois.

“Under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels so it’s vital we know where it is and the steps we need to take to manage it safely,” he said.

Ambassador, Don Burke said, “When I was a kid, asbestos was everywhere; in our homes, in our gardens – even in our toys. I have had the honour of meeting heroic people who were victims of diseases caused from inhaling asbestos dust from around their homes. Tragically, these people are no longer with us.

“With 1 in 3 Australian homes known to contain asbestos, their heroic fight against asbestosis and *mesothelioma compels me to continue their life-saving work in preventing more people from succumbing to these awful and avoidable diseases,” Don Burke said.

“Without knowing where these types of asbestos-containing products might be located or how to manage and dispose of asbestos safely, Australian’s play a risky game of ‘Renovation Roulette’ if they disturb asbestos-containing materials and release fibres that can be inhaled which may cause asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma,” he said.

The two dedicated advocates for Asbestos Awareness launched the campaign at a special event during the 2016 ‘Betty – The ADRI House’ Don’t Play Renovation Roulette Tour.

‘Betty – the ADRI House’, a purpose built mobile model home designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be located in and around homes, is touring South Australia for the first time.

Having already covered more than 36,000 kilometres throughout NSW, VIC and QLD, in 2016 ‘Betty’ and her dedicated crew will travel more than 6,000 kilometres and visit 36 communities over 46 consecutive days to deliver Betty’s potentially life-saving Asbestos Awareness message.

Senator Nick Xenophon welcomed Betty saying, “Every Australian needs to know about this campaign. Every Australian can potentially be exposed to deadly asbestos fibres. It is impossible to remove all asbestos that has been used in Australia to date and to do so would mean bulldozing one in three homes.”

“Betty and this campaign is literally about saving the lives of many thousands of Australians from a horrible substance. The fact that this deadly material is seemingly everywhere means knowing the risks and how to manage it safely can save lives” Senator Xenophon said.

Peter Dunphy, Founding Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee who initiated the national campaign and Betty’s Tours said, “It’s vital that all Australian’s learn to identify and manage asbestos safely because it’s not worth the risk!

“In launching the national campaign in South Australia with Ambassadors, Don Burke, Barry Du Bois and Betty, a proven, invaluable community education resource, we’ll reach more Australians than ever before with this potentially life-saving message,” Mr Dunphy said.

Professor Nico van Zandwijk, Director Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) said, “There is no cure for malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos cancers usually occur many years after the first inhalation of asbestos and we want Australians to stop underestimating this ticking time bomb that has a very long fuse”.

“To assist in ameliorating the Australian asbestos legacy it is vital that we learn to adequately deal with the large amounts of asbestos still present in our environment”.

“Prevention is the best solution and the National Asbestos Awareness campaign along with Betty are critical preventative measures that continue to play a vital role in educating Australians about the dangers of asbestos.” he said.

If homeowners and renovators can’t see Betty in person, they can visit asbestosawareness.com.au for a ‘Virtual Betty Tour’, ‘Asbestos In Your Home – The Ultimate Renovators Guide and search the Asbestos Products Database to identify various asbestos-containing products to ensure they manage them safely.

Asbestos Awareness Month is the initiative of the Asbestos Education Committee in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute and supported by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities to provide local, state and federal governments with practical awareness resources including Betty.

For information on asbestos, click here.

Tags asbestos, Asbestos Awareness Month, barry du bois, building, construction, danger, diy, don burke, home reno, home renovation, removating, renovating, renovation, trades

Bathrooms Before & Afters House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real Reno: Light, bright and classic bathroom

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date October 27, 2016
2 Comments on Real Reno: Light, bright and classic bathroom

Light and air now take pride of place in what was a dark 1970’s bathroom, thanks to a well-planned renovation in the Brisbane suburb of Camp Hill.

“The homeowners are thrilled with the result,” said Front Porch Properties founder Rachael Turner, who designed the timeless, modern bathroom and managed the build. “The original bathroom was dark, full of mould and had a small shower. The owners requested two basins and were really surprised when I managed to find the space!”

The original bathroom was completely demolished, including the plumbing for the vanity, which was moved to the opposite side of the bathroom. “When you walk into the room you’re looking at the mirror. Mirrors reflect light and create a larger sense of space, so that was the main reason that I wanted to change it,” said Rachael.

A nib wall in the shower also allows sunlight to stream in from the window, while floor to ceiling subway tiles brighten the pared back, neutral bathroom. “I think the tiles add an element of luxury. Even if you go for more affordable tiles, like we did in this bathroom, going all the way to the ceiling makes a big impact as far as the quality and level of finish. It’s also practical because tiles reduce mould.”

The renovation took four weeks to complete including a custom vanity, which Rachael always suggests homeowners splurge on. “I don’t like it when you have awkward spaces either side of the vanity because they can be difficult to clean. A custom vanity also creates a more seamless look.”

But the overhaul wasn’t without its complications. Experts were called in to remove asbestos before work could commence and the glazier had a case of slippery fingers. “This bathroom is memorable for me because the glazier smashed the shower screen three times while trying to get it in and around the stairs. That was pretty disastrous because to get custom glass takes about five-to-seven days,” said Rachael.

As for tips for would-be renovators, Rachael says clever tile choice can save you hundreds. “The main wall that you look at when you first walk in, that’s where I spend money in terms of tiles. Spend say $100 a square metre on tiles on that wall and on the other three walls you can go down to $20-to-$30 a square metre because it’s not the wall you look at when you first walk in.”

In the shower, Rachael recommends hiding inbuilt storage shelves because “generally it’s going to look messy with soap and shampoo bottles,” and always put the mixer on a different wall to the shower head. “Avoid putting it directly under the shower head, so you don’t get wet turning the shower on. I usually put the mixer on the opposite wall,” said Rachael.

Rachael Turner is the founder of Front Porch Properties and can be contacted here.

Tags bathroom, bathroom design, before and after, building, construction, design, home reno, home renovation, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

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Risky renos: 72% don’t insure their renovation

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date October 25, 2016
No Comments on Risky renos: 72% don’t insure their renovation

Renovators are taking big financial risks by undertaking home renovations without putting a contract in place.

Of those who have renovated in the past, 45 per cent failed to sign a contract with their builder. A further 72 per cent didn’t bother to arrange insurance to cover the upgrade of their most valuable possession. And more than one in five (22 per cent) failed to check the qualifications or licences of the builders they hired to redesign their homes.

“It is alarming that so many renovators take such big risks,” says ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt. “Especially considering the often big financial investment a renovation incurs. Checking licences doesn’t cost a cent, so we highly recommend doing so before hiring any tradespeople.”

And with a quarter of homeowners planning to renovate in the coming year, Mr Levitt says it’s a good reminder to put protections in place. “A contract will protect you against a host of errors and unforeseeable problems, so it really is worth doing your due diligence to ensure these things are in place.”

Coupled with the fact that 78 per cent* of businesses think there are still unscrupulous, and unlicensed, people trying to win work means there is always a fear of hiring the wrong person.

Mr Levitt says everyone has heard the horror stories of the few dodgy tradies painting the industry in a bad light. “There are always a few bad eggs in any industry, and that’s why our validation checks and customer testimonials are so important.”

For tips on risk-proofing your next renovation click here.

Statistics are from a recent survey of more than 2,200 ServiceSeeking.com.au customers. *Business statistic is from a survey of 1,000 registereed ServiceSeeking.com.au businesses.

Tags building, construction, diy, home reno, home renovation, insurance, reno, renovation, risk

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The five warning signs you’re about to overcapitalise

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date October 17, 2016
No Comments on The five warning signs you’re about to overcapitalise

Imagine purchasing a property with the view of adding a second storey extension for the water views or extending out the back, only to later find out the local planning laws didn’t allow it. Or approaching selling agents for the property you’ve spent months renovating, only to hear the alarming news that the estimated selling price will barely cover costs, yet alone bring the tidy profit you were banking on. They’re expensive shocks that can be avoided with proper due diligence and research. Here are five mistakes you never want to make.

1. Paying too much for the property

If you pay too much for a property to start with, you’ve thrown away the best chance you had to make a good profit. That $40,000 you overpaid will have to be clawed back somehow and it won’t be easy if you’re on a tight budget or the market plummets.

2. Ignoring a major buyer objection

A location on a busy main road, overhead power lines, right next door to an electricity substation or noisy school… they’re all “buyer objections.” And guess what? If you picked the property up for a bargain because other buyers didn’t want a bar of these turn-offs, you’ll be saddled with the same problem when you come to sell. No matter how gorgeous the renovation, the busy road will still be right out front.

3. Failing to detect a major defect

If you buy a house knowing it needs rewiring or a new roof, then you can factor in the repair costs. If you didn’t know about them, then it’s an unforeseen cost you’re going to have to wear and if the problem turns out to be major, that could run into tens of thousands of dollars. Before you can even begin the visible work that adds value, you’re going to have to spend a fortune on hidden but essential, remedial work. Always get the building report or pest and asbestos inspection done.

4. Incorrectly budgeting the renovation

In order to make money from renovating, you need to know upfront exactly how much you can spend on the renovation in order to make the profit you’re after and what the renovated property is likely to sell for, based on your market research. It’s a magic set of numbers that professional renovators and developers virtually carry in their head. A sure way to overcapitalise is to spend more on the property than it’s worth.

5. Choosing the wrong style of renovation for the area

A renovation you do in a suburb full of uni students is going to be quite different to the one you choose for a leafy family-orientated suburb. Different suburbs appeal to different demographics and you need to establish what demographic prevails in your suburb. This information is not hard to get. Doing a renovation that is completely out of step with the rest of the suburb will turn off buyers and may mean you’re spending money on things that don’t matter at the expense of ones that do. Do your research and make sure you tailor your renovation to your target market.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Tags building, cherie barber, construction, design, diy, finance, home reno, home renovation, interiors, property, real estate, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, trades

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Real Reno: Sweeping view inspires $400,000 Yarra Valley reno

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date October 13, 2016
No Comments on Real Reno: Sweeping view inspires $400,000 Yarra Valley reno

A Victorian family has completely overhauled a brick veneer home, turning it into a luxury four-bedroom abode in nine months.

“The potential I saw was in the view. We look out over green rolling hills and see hot air balloons flying over the Yarra Valley. For me, that is priceless,” said owner Kelly Berghella who estimates the extensive renovation has doubled the Wonga Park home’s value. “People thought we were a bit crazy to take on such an ambitious renovation as owner builders. A lot of people questioned why we didn’t simply demolish the whole house.”

The roof frame and half of the original home was torn down and demolished, while the remaining half was stripped back and walls repositioned. “A lower level garage and theatre room with bathroom was constructed, while continuing on the upper level, a new kitchen, family room, alfresco area and study were built. The whole house had new double glazed windows installed. Externally, all old existing brickwork was removed and the whole house was re-plastered, along with new floor coverings and cabinetry,” said Kelly.

Kelly and her husband Claude, a concreter, completed all the demolition work, poured the concrete footings and slab and landscaped the acre block, painstakingly moving each boulder into place with a bobcat over two years. “I’ll be happy if I never hear a bob cat again!” said Kelly, who warns others considering such a big landscaping job that “an acre is expensive and time consuming to landscape, it’s like seven ‘normal sized’ backyards!”

But the biggest challenge of all was project managing the build with a newborn, while sticking to a deadline and running a full-time business. “Don’t take on a job this big when you have to be out of your rental in nine months while becoming first-time parents. It’s very stressful!”

The beautiful view from the open plan living space — The beautiful view

That said, Kelly, who has now renovated three homes with her husband, says perhaps stupidly, she would do it all again and her favourite part of the renovation is the new living space which they love to spend time in as a family. “Reconfiguring the floor plan to allow for an open kitchen and living area, really capitalises on the view,” said Kelly.

As for advice for would-be renovators, Kelly says “use reliable trades which have come from trusted recommendations and get friendly with your bank manager!”

You can contact Claude here or via Instagram. To see more before and after images, follow Kelly on Instagram.

Tags before and after, construction, diy, home reno, home renovation, kitchen, landscaping, property, real estate, reno, renovating, renovation

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Real Reno: Three Birds share latest inspirational renovation

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date October 6, 2016
4 Comments on Real Reno: Three Birds share latest inspirational renovation

Three Birds Renovations have done it again with house five – transforming a fibro shack in Sydney’s north-west into a spectacular Hamptons haven, all in just nine weeks! It’s the first time the talented trio and Reno Addict resident experts have extended a home and used splashes of bold colour, which can be considered risky when renovating to sell. With the first open home scheduled for this Saturday, we spoke to marketing extraordinaire Lana Taylor to get the inside scope on the Baulkham Hills reno and all the before and afters.

You must be incredibly proud of house five? It’s always daunting when we start the next project, thinking how can we do better than the last house, but we definitely feel we have and all of our trades have been voluntarily saying “oh this is your best one yet” so we are confident it is. We are very proud of it but I’m also not hugely surprised because of the effort that went into it.

What is it that makes this house that much better? We loved the original aesthetic, which had a cottage look. A lot of the other homes we’ve renovated had an ugly brick façade. I think the fact that we clad the whole house with weatherboard (something we’ve never done before) gives a beautiful finish and relaxed feel to the house along with the colour choice. We’ve always been obsessed with white and grey and while we did paint this house grey, the pink front door, dark charcoal extension out the back and the green kitchen make this home really special.

Lets talk about that front door. It’s beautiful and what a statement! Bonnie definitely wanted to do a front door that got noticed and that everyone would fall in love with. She became obsessed with the colour blush but she got cold feet a few times wondering, “is it too polarising? Will it turn off male buyers?” But I think it’s an absolute winner. The post on Instagram of the pink door was our most popular post ever!

Is it the first time you’ve completed an extension? It’s just a simple one, about six metres by four, but it had to be done. With the extension and by converting the garage, we were able to create two living spaces which is a must for any family home and we were also able to add a fourth bedroom.

There are so many areas to sit and relax throughout the home. Was that intentional? We have learnt along the way about the importance of multiple living spaces and ones that are an escape from the other. Having two living spaces very close to each other, or open, defeats the purpose a little bit and so we created two very separate living spaces. We’ve also never had a beautiful, covered front porch like this, which we furnished to create another sitting spot. Then there’s the front foyer or entry space, which could easily convert into a study or another relaxing space. And the deck, there’s two levels to it. There’s the lower level and then the upper deck and so we did take it all into consideration. We always try to design homes we would want to live in with our kids.

The charcoal wall in the entry is very on-trend but also a little risky when you’re renovating to sell? It was a bit of a risk because the colour smacks you in the face the minute you walk in the front door and we were also worried about whether it’d make the space feel too small. We decided to give it a go and painted the wall in Taubman’s gravel and it just totally worked. The beautiful chairs are from West Elm and the bird picture from Oz Design.

What’s your favourite space in house five? The ensuite is certainly my favourite bathroom. I love how big it is! We created a wide open ensuite with a big walk-in shower and a half-wall to mount the bath on. The Caroma freestanding bath is gorgeous just being a miniature tub (it’s only 1400 long) and it has flat walls, so it sits flush with the wall avoiding all the dusk pockets you get with a normal freestanding bath. And then, it’s the stunning fan tiles from Amber Tiles that we used on the huge wall to create a statement when you look through. We used white grout to make each tile individually pop.

The kitchen has a very relaxed feel to it? It’s a very special kitchen that’s extremely calming. Bonnie spent a lot of time looking at lots of samples to find the right pastel green and I think the colour she picked in the end, called Misty Lake, was perfect. The other risk was combining gold and silver, which is quite unusual. The rule of thumb is that you have all your metallics matching but in this kitchen we have silver tapware (to match the oven) and gold handles and pendants. I remember questioning Bonnie a few times and she said “yeah I’ve seen it on Pinterest, it’s fine” and I think we’ve proven it can look beautiful. The other feature is the island. Rather than a typical kitchen island, which runs all the way to the floor, we made half of it look like a table. We did that to help the kitchen flow seamlessly into the other living spaces. The other piece worth mentioning is the Caesarstone on the backbench, which runs up the wall, then wraps around to create a floating shelf. We also integrated all the Fisher and Paykel appliances. It’s very much the hub of the house and you are part of everything when you’re in that kitchen.

To view the house on realestate.com.au and find out more about the open home this Saturday, click here.

–Lana Taylor is one third of Three Birds Renovations alongside Bonnie Hindmarsh and Erin Cayless, and one of our Resident Experts. The best friends and busy mums walked away from their corporate careers in pursuit of a more fulfilling life. They created Three Birds Renovations – a boutique renovation company where they buy, renovate and sell suburban homes. Their ultimate ambition is to build a life they love, hoping to inspire others to do the same.

Read all Three Birds Renovations’ posts.

Tags before and after, building, construction, hamptons, home reno, home renovation, interiors, reno, renovate, three birds renovations

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Go Big: The trend for large format porcelain tiles

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date September 28, 2016
No Comments on Go Big: The trend for large format porcelain tiles

Large format porcelain is one of the hottest trends in tiles right now, making for sophisticated designs in both residential and commercial projects.

Coverlam large format tiles are the result of years of research and development. Thanks to roller press technology, the stunning laminated porcelain tile is only 3.5 mm thick, yet has the strength of fibreglass so can bend on a curve.

“Coverlam is technical and aesthetic with versatile uses for heavy transit areas and interior and exterior walls and floors,” says Beaumont Studio design and communications specialist, Christie Wood.

Coverlam’s slim lines and flexibility make it perfect for decorative feature walls and even curved walls. Its resistant properties make it perfect for cladding kitchen countertops, islands or bathrooms.

With its large size, it’s also suited to facades which can be installed in fewer steps and its minimal thickness makes it one of the lightest facade coverings available and recommended for ventilated facades.

Coverlam 3.5mm and 5.6mm is produced in 3000x1000mm rectified pieces and is sold in various formats. The 3mm-thick Coverlam models have a 0.5mm-thick glass fibre mesh attached to the reverse side, which improves the mechanical strength of the piece.

Its slim profile makes handling easier and faster offering substantial financial savings in projects. It’s resistant to bending, UV light, chemicals, wear, fire and frost. It prevents mould, bacteria and is easy to clean.

Coverlam can be treated with Hydrotect – a titanium dioxide coating that gives it self-cleaning, antibacterial and odour-elimination properties. Exposing the coating to ultraviolet radiation produces a photo catalytic reaction that generates active oxygen and breaks down the dirt into smaller, less adhesive particles.

Find out more here.

Tags bathroom, bathroom design, building, construction, design, home reno, home renovation, kitchen, large format, porcelain, reno, renovating, tiles