Tag: construction

Real homes: antique collectors’ renovated federation home

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 19, 2015
1 Comment on Real homes: antique collectors’ renovated federation home

After spending most of their 39 years of marriage overseas, Robyn and Russ Bellis were ready to return to Sydney and find their forever home.

Purchasing a federation house in Killara, they immediately fell in love with its period features; think pressed metal ceilings, transom windows above the doors, servant bells and a wrap-around front verandah. However, it couldn’t be denied it was in need of an update.

[contextly_sidebar id=”m5nu9U2Bq5UjZ5JLaNrV5O03fDJhlpg1″]So, enlisting the help of Bjil Architecture and Stuart Wilson Constructions (coincidently the same people who renovated my family home) the house underwent a massive two-year overhaul. “The renovations comprised of a new kitchen/pantry, TV room, garden room, covered patio, bathroom, sewing room, gym and ensuite and walk in wardrobe off the master bedroom,” explains Robyn. “The house had originally sat to one side of the block so we were able to add on across the back and at the side keeping all the living on then one level and then excavating down for the workshop, garages and wine cellar.”

With the renovations keeping to the Federation style, the mouldings, picture rails and pressed ceilings were kept throughout, but with the addition of modern conveniences such as open plan living, the gym, the wine cellar and Robyn’s favourite space, the garden room. “It is a favourite with its glass bi-fold windows and doors, a six metre high brick wall and large architectural wooden trusses. After having a conservatory in Wimbledon, where we lived for 10 years, we wanted a room with lots of light overlooking the garden and pool.”

Working closely with Bijl Architecture on designing the house to fit their needs, it was immensely important that Robyn’s many collections were housed for all to see. “I have collected for many years from all parts of the world and have collections of antique needlework samplers, sewing accessories, maps, scales and boxes. So when renovating the house we made sure there were enough shelves and glass door cabinets for display purposes.”

As a regular at auctions, antique and flea markets, the home is unsurprisingly full of many unique treasures. “I think one of my favourite pieces is a Regency (1820) sewing box with all the fittings including Bessey’s silk from 1825. This came from a large country house near Billinghurst, West Sussex. Also a friend introduced us to antique maps which came from old atlases and bibles, some of which are over 350 years old, printed from hand carved copper plates and hand coloured.” All these additions make the home spectacular, and truly, on-of-a-kind!

Photography by Peter Bennetts

For more on Bijl Architecture.

Tags Bijl Architecture, collector, construction, design, federation, federation home, home reno, house tour, real home, renovating, renovation, Robyn and Russ Bellis, Robyn Bellis, Russ Bellis, Stuart Wilson, Stuart Wilson Constructions

DIY RENO ADDICT

How much should I spend on my reno? Part one: valuations

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 18, 2015
No Comments on How much should I spend on my reno? Part one: valuations

Kitchen with Island, Sink, Cabinetrs, and Hardwood Floors

Number crunching is one of the less exciting parts of renovating – but unfortunately it’s also one of the most important. Whether you are turning over an investment property or renovating your home as a long-term nest for your family, it makes sense to know you are not overcapitalising and the money you are spending is adding value in the long-term. What’s more, the scope of the work can often determine the best type of finance you need to put in place.

This is the first part in a series about steps to take to ensure the hard work you put into your renovation pays off financially.

Know where you stand – valuations matter!

Start with the end in mind – is the work you are planning going to add more value to your property?

Even if you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, it’s important the work you undertake not only improves your lifestyle, but that it’s work that actually adds to the value of the house and you know where you stand financially up front.

In my work as a broker, I always advise clients to get two valuations. Having your house valued by both a real estate agent and a registered valuer is one of the most beneficial steps you can take. It’s best to have valuations from both, because the two tend to look at property values differently. Real estate agents look forward to what people will pay in the future, while valuers look in the rear vision mirror at what people have already paid for similar properties.

Show them your plans and ask them what they think your property will be worth when the work is completed. A good rule of thumb with valuations from real estate agents and valuers is to work with a number somewhere in the middle of both estimations – agents tend to be optimistic and valuers conservative.

Once you have an idea of what your home is currently worth, what it’s estimated to be worth on completion and how much the work you are planning is actually going to cost, it will become apparent whether or not your renovation is going to add value.

Ask the real estate agent what buyers are looking for in your area and how your house compares. For example, if they tell you swimming pools are turning people off buying, you may need to reconsider your plans to install one, especially if your budget is going to be tight. It may make more sense to use your pool money to install another bathroom or an extra bedroom.

As well as obtaining professional valuations, make sure you do some legwork yourself. Go to as many open houses in your area as you can to get a feel for what’s on the market and how much it’s fetching.

Use your valuations to guide your design choices. If your house has already significantly increased in value thanks to its location, it is less likely you will spend more than the value you’ll add in the long-term and you would probably do well to upgrade the finishes you install. Look at the kitchens and bathrooms in similar houses that are on the market and use them as a guide as to what buyers are expecting. Similarly with floor plans and soft furnishings.

Your valuations can also steer you in the right direction when it comes to how you are going to finance the work. If you are planning a major renovation that’s going to add significantly to the value of your home, you may choose to leave more of the work in the hands of a builder and take out a construction loan that is paid directly to your contractor.

For a smaller DIY reno that is going to enhance your lifestyle more than the value of your home, a personal loan could be the way to go, while a renovation you plan to complete in a few stages may be best serviced by leveraging the value of your home as work progresses.

Arming yourself with a thorough knowledge of the market before you begin is a solid foundation for any reno, especially one that’s close to your heart!

— Paul is the Director of CVG Finance, a leading brokerage offering financial services across all areas.

Tags construction, construction loan, construction loans, CVG Finance, finance, loan, paul lambess, personal loan, personal loans, real estate, real estate agent, reno, renovating, renovation, valuation, valuations, valuer

RENO ADDICT

NSW home renovations now cheaper than national average

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 12, 2015
No Comments on NSW home renovations now cheaper than national average

Living in Sydney you get a lot of perks, beautiful beaches, a one-of-a-kind harbour, a bustling city and the list goes on. But you do get one huge disadvantage, everything is ridiculously expensive! So I must say, I was shocked to hear that the cost of renovating your home in NSW, is actually less than the national average. Finally, something goes our way!

The Renovation Consumer Price Index (RCPI), a quarterly report released by ServiceSeeking.com.au, found the cost of renovating in NSW has increased by 2.5% year-on-year compared to the national average of 3.8%. Analysing 52,000 quotes submitted by tradesman on the website, the latest RCPI compared the cost of renovating in the fourth quarter of 2015’s financial year versus the prior year.

While renovation costs for NSW homeowners have increased, average hourly rates remain 1% lower than the nation’s average ($59.77/hr vs. $60.56/hr). “Other states are in the grip of an even greater skills shortage than New South Wales,” says CEO of ServiceSeeking.com.au, Jeremy Levitt. “For example, Western Australia and Victoria”.

To support the release of the RCPI, ServiceSeeking.com.au has created an interactive map that plots price changes across 10 popular renovation services in New South Wales year on year (check it out here). “We believe the current shortage of skilled tradesman has resulted in price increases across most renovation industries,” explains Jeremy. “The interactive map highlights the effect of this by industry.”

However, there are still plenty of renovation bargains still to be had, the largest savings were found in flooring services, which fell 15% quarter-on-quarter. Concreters dropped their prices by 7%, while hiring an electrician and plumber became cheaper by 2% and 1% respectively.

With more than 1.7 million jobs listed on ServiceSeeking.com.au to date and over 6 million quotes compared, the company’s latest findings provide a strong indication of renovation costs around Australia.

Tags building, construction, design, home reno, nsw, reno, renovating, Renovation Consumer Price Index, serviceseeking, trades, tradies

Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Which tradies do what in a kitchen reno?

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 7, 2015
No Comments on Which tradies do what in a kitchen reno?

Planning on revamping or rebuilding your kitchen? Depending on the scale of your project you are going to need the right tradies to make it all happen. Knowing who does what will help you decide who you are going to need.

Benchtop installer

Having tons of space to work on is essential in the modern kitchen, so a benchtop specialist can install whatever surface is right for you, including budget laminate, timber, engineered or natural stone, amongst others.

Cabinetmaker

A cabinetmaker can help you get exactly what you want in terms of storage for your kitchen including a dedicated pantry, deep drawers and all the latest hardware like soft close drawers. Don’t forget to plan for that wine rack, a must for any kitchen!

Electrician

A sparkie is a must-have tradie for any kitchen project no matter the size. Besides obvious elements like lighting you are also going to need tons of powerpoints and all your integrated appliances wired and installed.

Kitchen designer

A kitchen designer can help you squeeze the most out of your space. Let’s face it a well laid out kitchen is an efficient kitchen. Expect to chat about the kitchen work triangle, layout and cabinet sizes.

Plumber

Nowadays you’ll be installing not just your kitchen sink and tapware but your dishwasher and that fancy fridge with water/ice dispenser. A licensed plumber can make it all happen and more.

Splashback installer

Unless you like the look of raw concrete (some of you just may) a glass, tiled or stainless steel splashback are perhaps more practical options to frame your work area.

Tiler

Whether you are thinking of a snazzy tiled splashback or simply having tiles underfoot, an experienced tiler can lay these on walls or floors.

Dedicated kitchen builder

If you are doing a whole kitchen reno and want someone to take care of the whole project, then a dedicated kitchen builder is definitely for you. They can manage all the above trades and save you a heap of time trying to juggle it all. Expect to pay for the convenience though.

If you are installing a flat pack kitchen there are also dedicated services that will do just that for you.

Don’t forget, like any other job all the tradies who work on your kitchen project need to be licensed for the work they undertake.

— Craig Gibson is the online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest network of trade professionals and the perfect place to find a kitchen specialist in your local area.

RENO ADDICT

How to finance your reno: part three

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 5, 2015
No Comments on How to finance your reno: part three

Renovating a house – for lifestyle or profit – is a big financial commitment. And for most of us, that means borrowing the money to do the work. There are lots of different ways to finance a renovation but the key to optimising your success is to find the one that best suits your situation.

This is the third in a series (read the first and second article) outlining the different ways a renovation can be funded and how you can navigate the huge range of products to find out which is the best option for you. Renovating can be a stressful undertaking, so knowing you have made the right decision about funding your project from the beginning is a great way to start!

Construction loans

Has the time come for your game-changing reno? A second storey or a total revamp that takes your home to the next level? If so, financing your project with a construction loan is often one of the cheapest and best ways to fund it.

Construction loans are great for major renovation projects; for example, a renovation that needs council approval or when building costs are going to exceed $100,000 and you don’t have enough equity sitting in your home to draw from.

There are many reasons people find themselves needing a construction loan and it’s always an exciting stage to be at, because it means change is in the air – there’s a baby due, so a family needs a bigger house; or someone has decided to open a home office and needs to build one; or a couple has decided to bite the bullet and finally make their dream home a reality.

This type of financing works by basing the loan amount on the estimated value of your home after the renovation is complete; and rather than your lender giving you access to the money up front, instalments are paid directly to the builder as the project progresses. You will generally be able to borrow up to 90% of the completed value of your home.

When you apply for a construction loan, lenders need to see your council-approved plans and your contract with a licensed building contractor. At this stage, the lender will often send a valuer to your home to ensure your project will meet the loan criteria.

Lucy and Ross came to see me when they needed to borrow $300,000 for a major renovation on their home in Newcastle. The plan was to gut the existing two-bathroom, three-bedroom house, build on two more bedrooms, a bathroom and a large family living space and deck out the back.

They originally bought the home six years ago and already had a $400,000 mortgage. Before the work, their home was worth $600,000, so borrowing the $300,000 up front wasn’t an option because the total loan of $700,000 would have exceeded the home’s pre-reno value. So I suggested they take out a construction loan so they could borrow all the money they needed to complete their renovation.

The first step was to estimate the completion value of the home. Not only was this a vital step in the construction loan process, it was also important to ensure Lucy and Ross would not be over-capitalising on their home when they did the work. (We will talk about over-capitalising in the coming weeks).

It was estimated their home would be worth $900,000 once the work was done – meaning they would owe $700,000 on a $900,000 home, which was well within 90%.

It was all smooth sailing for Lucy and Ross, which meant at the end of the process their renovation was finished exactly the way they wanted it done; and they were able to settle happily into their dream home for the foreseeable future, knowing that their repayments were affordable and the value of their house had increased and would more than likely, continue to do so.

— Paul is the Director of CVG Finance, a leading brokerage offering financial services across all areas.

Tags building, construction, construction loans, CVG Finance, design, finance, home reno, interiors, paul lambess, reno, renovating, renovation

Bathrooms Before & Afters Design Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: the contemporary facelift of an Edwardian weatherboard

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 29, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: the contemporary facelift of an Edwardian weatherboard

As first time renovators Melanie Zammit and her husband Jason set out with one simple aim: to create a home that felt like they were on holiday everyday.

Happily, they succeeded, with the six-month transformation turning their liveable but dated Edwardian weatherboard into a contemporary family home. “The last reno the home had was in the early 90s, so it just needed a huge facelift and more than anything, another bathroom,” explains Melanie. “Luckily it has a north facing rear so the home was already quite light and airy and the existing floor plan was suited to our needs, so we could absolutely see the potential.”

Completely gutting and redoing the kitchen and main bathroom, they also added an ensuite, removed the laundry to make way for a walk in pantry (with laundry nook), sanded and repolished the floors, repainted the entire interior and sold all their old furniture, light fittings and even the kitchen to make way for brand spanking new furnishings. “Definitely my advice for would-be renovators would be to sell anything that may be of some value, including old doors, lights fittings, drapes, curtains, sinks and taps. Our home had a number of period features and fittings which sold quite easily. It all adds up and contributes to the reno fund!”

As a result of Melanie’s efforts, the reno ended up costing $170,000, including all new furniture. And while they have no plans to sell, current estimates have the Melbourne home valued at $1.3 million, a big jump from its $740,000 purchase price in 2006.

However the transformation didn’t come easy, with Melanie, Jason and their two children remaining in their home throughout the renovation. “The biggest challenge was sleeping on the floor in one room and the never-ending stream of dust that engulfed us every single day! If you have the option, definitely move out.”

But uncomfortable sleeping arrangements aside, the reno was relatively challenge-free and Melanie is overwhelmed with the finished result. “We have a modest home and although the reno wasn’t overly big, what we have done, has made a big impact. Adding an ensuite gave us an extra bathroom, which we needed desperately; the new lick of paint has just made the whole house look brand new and I can’t forget the kitchen. I am a bit of contradiction in that I don’t like cooking but I love entertaining friends and family and the 3.5m kitchen bench has turned out to be the hub of our home. I love it!”

Tags bathroom, building, construction, design, home reno, interiors, Jason Zammit, kitchen, kitchen reno, Melanie Zammit, real reno, renovating, styling

Architecture Design RENO ADDICT

Going green: the homeowner’s guide to saving energy

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 14, 2015
No Comments on Going green: the homeowner’s guide to saving energy

With energy costs rising and consumers becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, builders and renovators are looking for ways to save costs and ensure their own build is green.

Ask an Architect, the online building design, inspection and advice service, offers owners, builders and renovators some helpful advice that could not only save money but hopefully help save the planet. Here are their tips:

1. Quality based building inspections. One of the biggest trends in new homes and renovations is the introduction of quality based building inspections, which are aimed at ensuring homes with a six or more green star design will actually perform as expected. The six star building code rating only applies to the building fabric (floor/walls/roof) – how the owner lives in the home can bring the performance down substantially.

2. Site orientation. The first step in orientation is maximising the northern aspect, where exposure to the sun is best controlled. Eaves and pergolas can be precisely designed to block the summer sun, and still allow the desirable winter sunshine to penetrate. It is important to prioritise rooms based on access to views and solar penetration orientation. An open-plan kitchen and living area, for example, should have top position, while bedrooms or bathrooms require less daylight, as they are largely used for short periods of time, or at night.

3. Zoning. By zoning the home, unused areas can be closed off, and cooling and heating appliances can be designed for maximum efficiency and minimum use.

4. Additionally, Ask an Architect recommends the following:

Insulate the ceiling
Weather seal windows and doors
Fit blinds, curtains or drapes
Buy high star-rated appliances
Install solar panels
Replace single flush toilet cisterns with dual flush cisterns
Upgrade your heating system to a more efficient design
Put in a rain water tank
Upgrade your hot water service
Fit a grey-water diversion system
Upgrade your windows using double glazing or other high-tech glass

For more information.

Tags 6 star building code, ask an architect, building, construction, eco, energy costs, environment, green, renovating, site orientation, zoning

Before & Afters Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: a six week reno and a $230,000 profit!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 8, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: a six week reno and a $230,000 profit!

When just a few months ago we took a look inside the amazing first reno by best friends Lana Taylor, Bonnie Hindmarsh and Erin Cayless, we knew we had not only stumbled upon a trio that had impeccable taste, but one that seriously knew how to renovate for profit. Their first reno, under their boutique business Three Birds Renovations, made a staggering $155,000 profit in just two and a half months (read all about it here), and their second? $230,000 in two months!

Situated in Sydney’s Castle Hill, the four-bedroom, two-storey house was purchased for $975,000 in January and sold for $1.32 million in March. With the renovation taking six weeks and costing $115,000, when it came to transforming the property the girls had three goals in mind. “With this renovation we wanted to transform ugly into beautiful, closed-off into connected and dark into light,” explains Lana. “It’s a cliché, but we wanted to create the house of our dreams.”

While the home was certainly livable prior to its renovation, the interiors lacked flow — with endless rooms and a tiny master suite, the exterior was beige and bland and outside housed an area said to be an alfresco zone but was really a random brick room that looked like a garage and led to nowhere! “We saw the potential straight away and knew it could be completely transformed,” says Lana. “Our main job was making the layout of the home open, open, open – even the shower screens have no doors! We tried (and we think succeeded!) to create a breezy, open-plan living style designed specifically for indoor/outdoor entertaining.”

To achieve this look, the girls removed several walls and moved the kitchen from the centre of the home up to the far end. This made the kitchen a destination rather than a thoroughfare and enabled them to connect it directly with the new alfresco area via a custom-built breakfast bar and gas strut window. Upstairs they converted four bedrooms down to three, which allowed them to deliver a large, luxury master suite that reflected the resort-style living they had created downstairs.

“Probably my biggest learning on this renovation was that you must make a master suite big,” explains Lana. “At first we tried to work within the original dimensions, but eventually the penny dropped and we decided to rip out the dividing wall with the bedroom next door and combine the two to create a proper parents’ retreat. As a result we had to build a new fourth bedroom downstairs and in hindsight this was a masterstroke because it provided a great guest or teenager’s room as it was located away from the other bedrooms. Most importantly, this change in floor plan allowed the master suite to truly live up to its name.”

Marking the luxury master as the home’s biggest change, the girls are also huge fans of the alfresco area and kitchen. “A kitchen needs to be an open, breezy space that invites people to take a seat, so by moving it to the end of the long room we created a new alfresco zone directly off the kitchen. Our finishing touch was to add a pair of French doors directly out to the pool giving mum the perfect view of the kids whilst preparing an early summer dinner.”

Now onto their third renovation, the girls of Three Birds Renovation are absolutely in their element. So what advice to they have for any newbie renovators? ” Firstly, don’t do it alone – grab a friend or two to share the load and build ideas. Secondly, be organised and plan, plan, plan – the devil is in the detail. And lastly you can achieve beauty on a budget – try not to spend more than 10-to-12% of the purchase price (or current value of your home).”

For more on Three Birds Renovation.

Tags Bonnie Hindmarsh, building, construction, design, diy, Erin Cayless, home reno, interiors, Lana Taylor, real estate, reno, renovating, renovating for profit, three birds renovations

Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

Boutique Sign Company: one woman’s journey from physics to custom-made house signs

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 29, 2015
2 Comments on Boutique Sign Company: one woman’s journey from physics to custom-made house signs

In 2008, Rebecca Seddon left her job in physics to join her husband in their family sign writing business. With no practical experience, but a love of homewares, Rebecca began thinking about how she could combine that passion with the sign writing techniques, materials and skills; and so, Boutique Sign Company was born.

“I started out making name plaques for children and then followed that with a few years of doing signage for weddings (seating plans, welcome signs, etc). But then I stumbled on the idea of house signs. I really love homewares and enjoy the idea of making a great first impression at the entry of a home, with a product that has obviously been custom-made.”

Liking her house signs to have a classic feel: “Because unlike cushions, throws or bedding they’re not going to be updated or changed from one season to another,” Rebecca has a wide array of signs on offer. “All our signs are made to order so our clients can further personalise their house signs by tweaking the colour, size or font. Also, a proof is included in the cost of our signs so our clients know exactly what they’re getting.”

With styles that suit all types of homes — from terraces and Queenslanders through to cottages and Victorian homes — Rebecca believes her house signs are the perfect finishing touch to your abode. Made with longevity in mind, all signs are three-dimensional, featuring raised acrylic letters or perspex faces to give a sophisticated finish. And excitingly they’ll soon be releasing a brand new gold leaf design (with 23 carat gold), and what’s more sophisticated than that?!

Shop online.

Tags Bec Seddon, boutique sign company, building, construction, homewares, house signs, Rebecca Seddon, sign writing, signs

Design RENO ADDICT

PGH’s collection of distinctively designed Dry Pressed bricks

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 26, 2015
No Comments on PGH’s collection of distinctively designed Dry Pressed bricks

Australia’s leading brick manufacturer, PGH Bricks & Pavers have introduced a new collection of exclusively designed and highly desirable house bricks: the Dry Pressed range.

As the latest addition to their comprehensive range, the collection includes nine bricks in an assortment of natural Australian tones which includes: Belgenny Brown, Gledswood Blend, Hawkesbury Bronze, Livingston Gold, Macarthur Mix, McGarvie Red, Megalong Valley Grey, Mowbray Blue and Wolverton Cream.

Focusing on design and construction, Dry Pressed Bricks are architecturally solid and epitomise brick manufacturing excellence. The high-compression used as part of the manufacturing process provides a grainy, yet smooth and velvety appearance and their extremely square arris is also an important part of their aesthetic appeal; allowing infinite possibilities when it comes to innovative architecture in both traditional and contemporary building.

Like all the bricks PGH produce, the Dry Pressed range is:

Sustainable – bricks are made from natural materials and are recyclable
Energy efficient – bricks create thermal and acoustically efficient homes
Low maintenance – the colour of the bricks are enduring and do not require painting
Flexible when it comes to design – the comprehensive colour range and smooth finish of Dry Pressed Bricks are easy to use in any building design
Strong and safe – durable, non-combustible, termite resistant and will not rot or decay
Cost effective – low maintenance means virtually no ongoing costs

For more information on PGH Dry Pressed Bricks visit their website.

Tags bricks, building, construction, design, Dry Pressed bricks, pavers, pgh, PGH Bricks & Pavers, the block

Architecture Before & Afters Design DIY Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: the $9,000 budget transformation by one very determined woman

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 25, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: the $9,000 budget transformation by one very determined woman

Making a net profit of $20,000 in just six weeks is no mean feat, but it is one that Kylie Nolan achieved when she undertook her first renovation for profit.

Buying her two bed, one bath Queensland duplex for $215,000 in May 2014 (and selling that September for $265,000), she took the two month settlement period to get her plans in order, buy all the fittings and fixtures and organise trades. And while she admits she was raring to go, her detailed prep time saw Kylie manage to spend just $9,000!

Before - Living Room — Before – Living Room

After - Living Room — After – Living Room

“I was on a tight budget so I was careful to keep existing fixtures that were okay like the carpet, the wall tiles in the bathroom and the shower cubicle,” explains Kylie. “However, the kitchen had to go and was replaced with a new IKEA white gloss design for $1200. I then bought a packaged appliance special at ALDI for $1000 which included the oven, cook top, dishwasher and range hood. I had to line up at ALDI before they opened to get one before they sold out!” Other ways Kylie saved money was by doing a lot of the work herself — such as painting the whole home, grouting the tiles and even laying the floors — as well as getting the help of a bargain handyman.

Before - Kitchen/Living — Before – Kitchen/Living

After - Kitchen/Living — After – Kitchen/Living

With the previous owner having crammed belongings into every corner of the property, Kylie’s aim was to open up the cluttered space. To create a light and bright home, Kylie got rid of the kitchen island that cut the kitchen/living room in half and gave the high rake ceilings a fresh makeover; though the latter was no easy job! “The raked ceilings were an issue as I wasn’t sure what to do with them; but I knew they had to be changed as they were so dark and dated. I had called painters to work out a way to paint the gloss wood, but they all said to sand it back, prime and paint, but I couldn’t do that on my own, it would just take too long. I didn’t have the budget to plaster them, so I just googled how to paint gloss wood and found the product Zinsser B.I.N Primer at Bunnings. I’m really happy with how they turned out and I think they are a great feature of the duplex.”

Clearly not afraid to get on the tools, Kylie’s biggest hurdle was surprisingly no DIY challenge, but rather getting people to take her seriously. “I had a few tradies and guys at some trade shops laugh at me because I was a single female with no real experience doing renovations on my own – but I guess I’ve had the last laugh! It was a massive learning experience and has given me much more confidence in my ability.”

Before - Guest Bedroom — Before – Guest Bedroom

After - Guest Bedroom — After – Guest Bedroom

Already onto her second renovation, Kylie has well and truly caught the renovation bug. So she is the perfect person to go to for advice: “When renovating for profit education is key. The saying: ‘You make your money when you buy a property,’ is really true. You just have to know which property can make you money, the renovation is the easy bit! Go to seminars on renovating by renovation experts, read books and watch the real estate market in your area. Don’t let fear stop you. You can do it!”

For more Real Renos.

Tags building, construction, design, diy, interiors, Kylie Nolan, real renos, renovating, renovating for profit, trades, tradies

Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Why winter is the best time to start planning your pool

Post author By ClickWP
Post date June 24, 2015
No Comments on Why winter is the best time to start planning your pool

Planning the installation of your pool during the colder months is the perfect way to ensure you’re ready to dive in by the time summer rolls around. Below are five main factors to consider when preparing for your pool:

1. Create a look book

Gather design inspiration from a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines and even scenic shots taken on holiday, pay particular attention to the pool water colour and the finish/treatment, tile or otherwise that is helping to create it. Then get an expert in to advise on making your design vision a reality. A good landscape designer will then put your ideas into a cohesive plan that considers your property holistically as it is not just about the pool. A comprehensive landscape design will mean you are ready to construct a clear vision of what your pool oasis will look like come summer.

2. Find a credible team

After you’ve established your aesthetic vision the next step is to source the right team to execute the job. Ensure they are credible and well established; a great way of monitoring this is to check that they are a member of the right associations. Spasa for pool builders and the LNA Landscape Association NSW (for which I am the current president) for all of the other exterior construction builders; as this will mean that they are highly regarded, have earned the respect of the construction industry, government bodies and other associated professionals. Going with a LNA member will also offer protection should there be any issues during the design and construction phase, as all LNA members have the necessary insurances and proven track records.

3. Establish a budget

It’s likely that you will have an idea of what you’re willing to spend on your pool installation and materials. However, it’s also important to speak with your team to establish a more accurate idea of what the process will cost. Design experts will be able to collate more information and give you an estimate on what it will cost to make your pool come to life and integrate within your outdoor space.

4. Check your local building codes

It is important to know the rules before you embark on the pool installation process. The NSW legislation states that pools must be registered with local councils or risk facing fines. To ensure compliance with the regulations, a ‘Development Application’ can be lodged through council, or if certain guidelines are met a ‘Complying Development’ can be carried out through a licensed private certifier. Both will need to meet the following requirements: that pool fences are 1.2m high (with no gaps of more than 100mm), all horizontal pales must be at least 900mm apart, latches must be 1.5m above ground and boundary fences must be 1.8m high.

5. Water features for a finishing touch

Once you’ve made the decision to dive into swimming pool ownership, why not add a stylish water feature. A water feature can be an eye-catching addition to any pool design and also adds to the ambience with the sound of running water. I recommend installing your water feature during the initial construction period as retrofitting can be difficult and costly.

– Matt Leacy is a landscape designer and director of Landart Landscapes.

Tags buidler, building, construction, design, interiors, landart landscapes, matt leacy, pool, pool construction, swimming pool, water, water feature

Architecture Before & Afters Design DIY RENO ADDICT

The Reno Rumble grand final!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 23, 2015
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Just months after taking home $665,000 on The Block, fan favourites and self-confessed ‘dark horses’, Ayden and Jess, have walked away as the winners of Reno Rumble. Wining $50,000 for themselves, $50,000 for their chosen charity, Two Little Boys to Avene, and a car; the couple took out the win after going head to head against House Rules winners, Carly and Leighton.

In just six weeks, the Reno Rumble teams transformed a staggering 12 houses! And the last two houses saw the teams presented with their biggest challenge yet, renovating two homes from front door to back — plus four gardens — in just one week. It was a challenge worthy of a grand final and the race to the finish line was extremely tight, with Ayden and Jess taking out the win by just half a point! So what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Redbacks – Ayden and Jess

Front Yard and Entrance – 17.5/20

Walking up to the house, Darren immediately commented on his love of the picket fence, the beautiful colour palette and the plantation shutters. Romy also loved the flower choices, but both judges agreed the tiles were a bit too ‘2005 bathroom’, than the brief: classic contemporary with a twist of plantation. Into the entrance and hallway and both judges were fans of the sand blasted timber door frames and skirting. They both liked the artwork, but thought a coat hook would have been a welcome addition.

Girl’s Room – 16.5/20

Romy loved the beds come cubby houses and thought the bold pastel pink of the frames worked wonderfully with the rolled felted wool rug. The attic storage got a huge tick, however both judges weren’t fans of the bed choice or lack of bedside storage.

Living Room – 19/20

“Wow,” said Romy. “This is a massive improvement, it’s amazing.” Both judges thought the space was very grand and had a great connection with the outdoors. The only criticism was the bulkhead around the TV, which they thought was odd and unnecessary.

Our pick to buy: Norman Floor Lamp Antique Brass

Bathroom – 20/20

Romy thought it was a lovely, big and generous room that had an amazing amount of light. Darren was impressed with the mirrored cabinet and face level storage solution, as well as the beautiful wood panelling above the tiles. Both judges agreed it was spot on brief and provided heaps of space for the homeowners’ kids. The laundry also got a big tick for its practicality, storage and bench space.

Our pick to buy: Lapuan Kankurit Kivi Hand Towel – Natural

Kitchen and Dining – 18/20

Both judges loved the light and bright space and applauded the use of skylights. They thought the island bench was a beautiful addition, as were the integrated appliances and porcelain butler’s sink. They also liked the shelving but thought the range hood was too industrial and that an enclosed option would have allowed for more storage. Into the dining area and the judges loved the pendants and table.

Our pick to buy: Injiri Napkin – Set of six

Back Garden – 18.5/20

“This is heaven,” said Darren. The indoor/outdoor terrace had even more skylights, which the judges thought was excessive but amazing. Darren thought it was a wonderful entertainment space and was waterproof, insect proof and windproof: “literally an outdoor room!”

Blue Tongues – Carly and Leighton

Front Yard and Entrance – 18.5/20

When Darren walked up to the home he immediately commented on what a good move it was keeping the vines. Both judges loved the beautiful travertine tiles and only criticised the sad-looking geraniums at the front door. Inside, the judges loved the fresh, bright and modern space with square set ceiling and cute art, bang on brief for contemporary Australian.

Study – 15.5/20

The first thing the judges noticed was how the room had been made smaller. Both judges thought it was a great decision, opening up the living room but leaving enough space for a study. Romy liked the lamp and artwork but thought there was need for a lot more storage and more accessible power points.

Living room – 18/20

Right on brief, the judges loved the artwork, couch and rug. Romy liked the colour palette of all the furnishings and thought they had a lovely warmth to them. Both judges, however, didn’t like the Gyprock finish over the fireplace and thought the fireplace and TV didn’t integrate well together.

Our pick to buy: Box Day Bed

Laundry and Bathroom 17/20

The judges liked the laundry (positioned in the hallway), especially the detailing of the black vanity and handles. Into the bathroom, Darren thought the bold layout change was very successful and loved the positioning of the vanity in the nook where the fireplace used to be. The basin, tapware and hardwood also got big ticks, as did the tile choice, heated towel rail and underground heating. However, both judges thought not including a bath was shortsighted, as were having the light switches in the hard to reach spot behind the door.

Our pick to buy: Uashmama | White Paper Bag

Kitchen and Dining – 19.5/20

There were hits everywhere, with the judges loving the pendants, appliances, black sink and tapware and great amount of storage. It was a bold idea not to put a dining table inside, however the judges believed the dining table outdoors could be used year round and was therefore the right design choice.

Our pick to buy: Kurvi Pendant

Back Garden – 19.5/20

An indoor/outdoor room, the space was an entertainer’s dream. Romy loved the lazar cut treatment on the wall, the built-in seating and fire pit. Darren liked the ceiling, paneling, flooring, dining solution, TV and BBQ. With the only miss being the lack of taller plants to break up the space.

Our pick to buy: Fab Outdoor Fabrics

So now that it’s all over, do you think the right team won? And what did you think of Reno Rumble in general, will you be tuning in next season?

Brooklyn Apartments to bring a taste of NYC to the Gold Coast

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 22, 2015
1 Comment on Brooklyn Apartments to bring a taste of NYC to the Gold Coast

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Taking its name and inspiration from the most populous of New York City’s five boroughs, Brooklyn Apartments will bring edgy architectural design to the Gold Coast, by effortlessly blending open style warehouse living with modern urban design trends.

Positioned in the hub of Varsity Lakes, the residential tower designed by the Howard Group and Alceon, will consist of one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom penthouses split over two-levels. Each individual apartment is designed to be a blank canvas, with occupants able to bring their own personal vision to life.

The warehouse apartment design is unlike anything available on the Gold Coast. Sleek designer galley kitchens and finishes are offset by high concrete ceilings, exposed feature brick walls, generous balconies, landscaped communal spaces and skyline views.

On the ground floor, there will be a wi-fi equipped central courtyard, offices, eateries and bars; offering residents and locals a range of convenient amenities in the one venue. One floor up and residents will be welcomed into an urban garden, a semi-private oasis that invites individuals to sit-back, relax and enjoy the exceptional six-storey atrium green wall. Then, up on the top floor, the quintessential ‘New York’ rooftop terrace with its bbq’s, spas and seating is the ideal setting to entertain friends, watch the stars or enjoy panoramic views of Lake Orr and the Burleigh Heads skyline.

Brooklyn’s unique architectural design, high rental returns, convenient location and entry price point (from $319,000) make the mixed-use development a highly desirable investment choice. Construction is about to commence, with the first apartments ready to occupy mid-2016.

For more information.

Tags Alceon, apartments, Brooklyn Apartments, construction, design, gold coast, Howard Group, interior, residential, Varsity Lakes

Architecture Before & Afters Design Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: the extension of a Victorian classic

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 22, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: the extension of a Victorian classic

Originally bought by his father in the 1950s, Tony Sattes has called his double-fronted Victorian weatherboard home his whole life. However, when wife and interior designer Michelle Downing moved in three years ago, she immediately saw the potential to renovate.

“Our land space was ideal for development and we loved the area in Melbourne’s inner east,” explains Michelle. “We had looked at moving, but weighed up the cost and it made more sense to invest money in our existing house and get exactly what we wanted.”

With the exterior of the house tired and uninviting and the interior falling apart too, it got so dire that Michelle would wedge their broken oven door shut with a broom while baking, and on cold days leave it open to heat the home! The toilet was in an old outhouse in the backyard and there was hardly any room for a modern family to live. It was screaming for a renovation!

RlTyAFlrO-IXYpleOw3z8tsXJRaW9fTigSnHQSkSe6Y — After – Bathroom

So, calling on Sherbrooke Design and Construction for the build, Michelle took 10 months and an initial budget of $680,000 to transform the property into a home that combined period grace with modern open plan living and unique features and furnishings. Retaining the front four rooms and building out the rear, Michelle wanted to preserve the traditional look from the street but have a luxury contemporary home out the back. “The home now has a light filled stairwell, which accesses a second storey addition with a retreat and home theatre room. The ground level features magnificent Oak flooring, an open plan kitchen with a Calcutta marble bench top and the living area leads out to the alfresco entertaining area. At the rear is a beautiful pool surrounded by landscaped garden beds. A rear double car garage also provides off street parking and storage space. We are more than happy with it all!”

While Michelle loves it all now, that doesn’t mean the reno came without its challenges! “The power was disconnected to the site for the majority of the build but fortunately the builders worked through this. Also we had a slight hiccup just after the build commenced. A Yarra Valley Water inspection pit was discovered and by law the building needed to be one metre away from it. Luckily we were able to change the design and solve the problem.”

After - Front Living Room — After – Living Room

With the home being utterly transformed, Michelle struggles to pick her favourite part of the home, but if she had to say… “My favorite room would have to be the front original living room with the bay window and fire-place. I also can’t get pass the insulation and double glazed windows, it’s so much warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It’s made a huge difference.”

For more Real Renos.

Tags building, construction, design, interiors, Michelle Downing, real reno, renovating, renovation, Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke Design and Construction, Tony Sattes

Architecture Bathrooms Before & Afters Design House Tours Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: a dated home’s contemporary overhaul

Post author By Jodie Bowker
Post date June 17, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: a dated home’s contemporary overhaul

Featuring patterned carpet, vinyl flooring and dark internal brick walls; the 1980s Perth home was in vital need for a contemporary overhaul!

With the homeowners employing the help of design studio LAHAUS, Lara Staunton and her team of interior architects had 12 weeks and $250,000 to create an open plan home fit for a young family. “The potential of the house was the large spaces and the opportunity to lighten and brighten the whole home,” explains Lara. “Once renovated the family would benefit from the generous floor area.”

Renovating the entirety of the interiors, which included a kitchen, three bathrooms, a laundry, floor finishes, windows and sliding doors; the biggest challenge was the lack of natural light. “We had to select the material palette carefully to encourage the natural light to travel through the house and into the spaces,” says Lara. “For this reason the stairwell and slot window, which directly links the interior to the native trees in the exterior, are my favourite parts of the home. The light just pours into this room.”

Another standout area is the kitchen, which was transformed from a small U-shaped layout. “We completely changed the orientation and built a large kitchen island over three metres long. This has become the heart of the home and caters perfectly for modern living.”

As a seasoned renovator and designer, Lara was able to save her clients significant cash, with all kitchen and bathroom products receiving trade discounts. However, that’s not the only reason she’d recommend homeowners engage a professional. “It can be easy to lose your way during construction,” explains Lara. “Trades and suppliers can talk people into increasing the scope of work for their own benefit, so it is important to stay grounded and question every decision. By working with a designer or project manager — who is experienced in the renovation field — you can be directed by them and know that you are receiving competitive rates for trades and subcontractors.”

For more on LAHAUS.

Tags bathroom, building, construction, design, home, interiors, kitchen, lahaus, Lara Staunton, real reno, renovating, renovation

House Rules RENO ADDICT

House Rules’ 24-hour challenge and first elimination

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 17, 2015
1 Comment on House Rules’ 24-hour challenge and first elimination

This week our six teams returned to their renovated homes for a high stakes 24-hour transformation, where they had to choose one zone within their home to make-over.

Eliminated couple: WA's Karina & Brian — Eliminated couple: WA’s Karina & Brian

It was a fast and furious fight to the finish with an elimination on the line. WA’s Brian and Karina needed big points to lift them from last place. However, while they finished with a respectable score of 15/20, it wasn’t enough to save them.

So what did judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell think?

Ben and Danielle — 18/20

Before - Master Bedroom — Before – Master Bedroom

Queensland’s Ben and Danielle topped the challenge with 18 points. They hit the zone left unfinished by team NSW – the master bedroom, butler’s pantry, hall and back entrance. The thick navy stripes in the hallway and the new artwork were a big hit with the judges. “You have a great knack for bringing together a collection of art,” said Wendy. The newlyweds added shelving and storage in the master bedroom as well as an eclectic print of a cat. For coming first, the pair were awarded five bonus points bringing their final score to 23.

Cassie and Matt — 16/20

Competition leaders Cassie and Matt made a bee line for the dining room and bathroom that had been renovated by WA. The bold move paid dividends for the Tassie duo earning them 16 points. “It was a brave choice re-tiling that back wall with the same tile as the floor,” said Joe. “Changing the colour and the tone was a good idea and it added drama to the space.” De-cluttering the busy dining room table also won them points. “You did a great job using styling to completely change both the look and atmosphere of the room,” said Wendy.

Brian and Karina — 15/20

The WA parents tackled the pantry, laundry and living room previously done by SA. They made the brave decision to change the terracotta wall colour, which the judges had originally loved, but it paid off. “The paint colour was such a big change,” said Joe. “It was a big risk and it was lovely.”

Ryan and Marlee — 13/20

SA’s Ryan and Marlee tackled a monster zone – the living room, laundry, entry and hallway – and finished with 13 points. “The hallway looked so much better,” said Wendy, noting the vast improvement on Victoria’s unfinished efforts. “I love that deep teal you chose.” The black penny round tiles in the laundry and the furniture rearrangement in the living room were also standouts.

Steve and Tiana — 13/20

For NSW, it was a no-brainer to remake the master bedroom, toilet and linen closet by team WA – who received the lowest score this series for that zone. The judges commended them for demolishing the walk-in robe and awarded them 13 points. “It was just too small to ever be luxurious,” said Wendy. “You put the master back into master bedroom.”

Bronik and Corrine — 12/20

Before - Dining Room — Before – Dining Room

After - Dining Room — After – Dining Room

As last week’s winners, Victoria received an extra $1000 on their budget, but that didn’t stop them finishing last on 12 points. While their unfinished deck would have been a prime fix-up candidate, Bronik and Corrine chose a zone the judges had loved instead. “I don’t understand why you chose to redo the dining room and bathroom when immediately next door was the unfinished deck that really needed some love,” said Joe. “You were not able to make a big enough change to make the impact we are looking for in a 24-hour fix-up.”

The scores from all the transformations so far — plus the 24-hour fix up — were then combined, with Tassie’s Cassie and Matt topping the leaderboard and only one point separating NSW and WA from elimination. Sadly, it was the end of the road for Karina and Brian, who kissed goodbye any chance of winning the incredible grand prize of having their entire mortgage paid off.

Now, the leaderboard has been wiped clean and the biggest week in House Rules history will kick off this Sunday. Over one massive week, the remaining teams will tackle the biggest renovation in the show’s history!

For more on House Rules.

Tags building, competition, construction, design, home, home reno, house rules, interiors, reality tv, reno, renovating, renovation

Bathrooms Before & Afters Design DIY House Tours Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: the Hamptons inspired home with a French twist

Post author By Jodie Bowker
Post date June 16, 2015
No Comments on Real reno: the Hamptons inspired home with a French twist

As first time renovators, Mazzy and Jeff Espiritu had high hopes for their renovation. With the aim to have their whole house completed in just the one year, two years later they’ve only finished the top floor (real renos are nothing like reality shows, are they?!). But what is done, is looking incredible. So we thought we would share with you the open plan kitchen/living/dining space and the main bathroom.

“I saw the potential the moment I stepped into the house during home inspection,” says Mazzy. “The house was old but it had a lot of character, and we knew we could work with it to create a Hamptons/French style cottage if we just allocated some renovation money.”

Putting $80,000 into the kitchen and bathroom, these rooms alone have added an estimated $150,000 to the value of the 1950s Thornleigh property. Enlarging both spaces, the bathroom by removing a linen cupboard and the kitchen by removing the surrounding walls to create a shared living/dining space, Mazzy and Jeff did a lot of the work themselves. “We did the styling, layout design, gyprock work, waterproofing, tiling, painting and installed all the appliances/decor that didn’t require trades.”

Unsurprisingly, doing all the handiwork themselves was a huge learning curve and one that led to many a challenge. “In the bathroom we definitely underestimated the difficulty in tiling with 600x600mm porcelain tiles, especially with the walls being uneven. We had to level the walls before putting them on. Also in the kitchen, redesigning it to make it functional, practical and visually appealing was a huge effort. We had so much options, which made it very difficult to choose whilst staying within budget.”

However, the challenges were worth it, especially in the kitchen, with the couple favouring the light and bright space. “Knocking down the walls to create an open plan living area has made such a difference. It’s allowed for air and light to flow throughout the top floor. It also caters easily for entertaining people and makes cooking more enjoyable with plenty of room to move around.”

Still in the process of renovating, Mazzy is very happy with the results thus far, even if she does admit she’s a little traumatised! “Renovating is not for everyone and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Just the thought is exhausting. We’re a bit traumatised for now as we’re still trying to get over the current challenges.”

dZHR2njJ10gWjAamasqH4TNqx8W3rbBDDoT8tE14Nao — After: Bathroom

However, if that doesn’t scare you(!) and you decide to take the plunge, Mazzy recommends doing your research and being prepared. “Research, research, research. It’ll build your knowledge and help you make wise decisions before and throughout the renovation process. There is a lot of thought and weighing-up that you should do before going ahead.”

To follow their renovation journey, visit Mazzy’s blog.

For more Real Renos.

Tags bathroom, building, construction, design, home reno, interiors, Jeff Espiritu, kitchen, Maz Espiritu, real reno, renovating, renovation