Tag: renovator

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Decorating 101 Design DIY Interiors Addict

DIY interior design kits delivered to your doorstep

Styl Studio box
Each scheme comes packaged in this chic box

We have talked extensively about the impact of COVID on our homes. With more people working from home, suddenly they wanted to improve their surrounds and thus the renovation industry has exploded because of the pandemic. According to the ABS, Australians spent about $12.3 billion renovating their homes in 2021 – a figure that was up 33 percent on the previous year. Tapping into this trend is colour specialist Michal Goodman who has just launched Styl Studio – a business intended to support the DIY renovation industry through its unique style kits.

“I created Styl Studio in an effort to bridge the gap between professional interior designers who charged a premium for their services, and home renovators interested in DIY design, but not really sure how they could actually bring their creative visions to life,” says Michal who offers end-to-end design kits (Styl Sets) for DIY designers and home renovators.

Styl Studio creator Michal Goodman

With five options to choose from, each of Michal’s Styl Sets includes a curated collection of surface samples including engineered timber and vinyl flooring options, carpet samples (twist pile and loop), tiles for wet areas (floor, wall and feature), splashback and stone options as well as a full interior paint colour scheme. And if you’ve ever been down a Pinterest rabbit-hole (ahem, guilty as charged!) you’ll know how easy it is to become totally confused by the number of options out there. This is where the Styl Studio kits remove the guesswork for you.

Styl Studio box
Each scheme comes packaged in this chic box and is delivered straight to your door

The schemes range from the Hamptons-inspired ‘Midnight Mood’ to ‘Bare Beauty’ which is a Scandi-inspired look. There’s the delicate Tuscan vibe of ‘Subtle Blush,’ the deep, moody and modern ‘Grounded’ and the monochromatic and timeless ‘Mono Magic.’

The Subtle Blush sample set
The ‘Subtle Blush’ Styl Set
'Subtle Blush'
A kitchen featuring the ‘Subtle Blush’ palette

An e-book accompanies each scheme, and it includes styling tips, a specification guide with step-by-step instructions on product features, price points and ordering details. There’s also detailed 3D renders so that you can visualise the outcome as well as ‘shop the look’ links for furniture and exclusive discounts to save you money.

E-book
The Styl Studio e-books are full of information to support your renovation

“Styl Sets arm those interested in renovating their own homes, with the tools to help them overcome ‘option overwhelm’. They allow you to see how the textures and surfaces of your design elements will work together and complement each other before you commit to making a costly financial decision or, even worse, a mistake!”

For more

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Competitions RENO ADDICT

Win $7k towards your reno via the Rapid Reno Mate app!

One of Naomi's kitchen renovations
One of Naomi's kitchen renovations

Renovation expert (and Interiors Addict fave) Naomi Findlay has renovated a whopping 114 properties and is also the creator of the free renovation app, Rapid Reno Mate, which this month is giving away $7,000 in prizes to renovators.

One of Naomi's kitchen renovations
One of Naomi’s kitchen renovations

The renovation expert and internationally renowned property stylist created the app to help renovators streamline the renovation process by keeping track of their time, budget, trades and more. Titled ‘New Year, New Home,’ the competition is open to users who download the app and the $7,000 worth of prizes will come from from Beaumont Tiles, Carpet Court, Hume Doors, Luxo Living, The Block Shop and STYLKEA.

Bedroom styling by Naomi
Bedroom styling by Naomi

“Australians love to renovate but a home remodel isn’t always as simple as it looks on TV! I wanted to give renovators a free tool so they can manage their renovations with ease from anywhere, any time” said Naomi, who has had huge success with her Rapid Renovation Formula.

App competition

The Rapid Renovation FormulaTM is one of the competition prizes, giving the lucky winner access to the key techniques and methods professional renovators use to add value to their homes.

To enter the competition, you need to download the Rapid Reno Mate app, register as a user and submit a 25-word reason why you need to update your home in 2019 to [email protected]. Entries close on 28 January, 2019.

Download the app | Naomi’s top door painting tips

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RENO ADDICT

Reno Addict is now part of Interiors Addict

A reno by Naomi Findlay

As you know, we are constantly working behind the scenes to bring you new features and to make our content offering bigger, better and different! This New Year, I’m excited to tell you that our former sister site Reno Addict is no more, but fear not, it has been incorporated into this site as its own dedicated section.

We’re always testing and measuring to see what works, and to cut a long story short, it no longer made sense to keep the renovation content separate. There is no doubt that renovation is more popular than ever in Australia and more and more of the general public are interested in reading about it, whether it’s inspiration for a dream future project or that they’re actively renovating their dream home or investment property. That might be a whole home overhaul or simply a bathroom reno.

We know there’s a very good chance that if you’re interested in beautiful homes and interiors, you’ll have at least a passing interest in renovating too. So we decided to bring this renovation content in front of the eyes of our much larger readership here. We’ll still be concentrating on reno content, in fact perhaps now more than ever. We’d still love to see and share your real renos with our audience, so please email [email protected] if you’re proud of yours!

I’ll be sharing more of my own home reno this year. Pic by Jacqui Turk

As well as real reno inspiration, you can expect posts about new products, the latest legislation affecting you and expert advice covering topics like real estate, finance, home staging, health and safety and architecture.

We’ll bring you advice from the big names in the industry like Australia’s Rapid Renovation Expert, Naomi Findlay

A reno by Naomi Findlay

We know renovating can be daunting for first timers (I found this out myself last year!) so we want to demystify a lot of it and help you plan, find the right people to help you, make sure you spend wisely and are happy with the final result for years to come!

We’ll still have columns from ex Blockheads like Julia and Sasha and plenty of real renos

If you have any questions or you’re a reno expert who would like to write for us, please email [email protected]

As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas so feel free to comment below or contact us via the form at the top right of this page! This isn’t the last change for 2018, so I’ll keep you updated when we launch new things!

As ever, thanks for reading!

Jen

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RENO ADDICT

How to see the potential in a fixer-upper

AFTER

By Naomi Findlay

While purchasing a run-down property presents a fabulous opportunity to make a tidy profit, sometimes it can be difficult to see beyond its flaws. From overlooking dodgy carpet, dated kitchens, wallpaper and awful paint colours, your imagination is vital when unlocking the potential of a fixer-upper. Simple cosmetic enhancements can vastly increase the value of a property.

Simple updates
While good bones are important (if you’re not planning on remodelling), many aesthetic aspects of a home can be easily (and often cheaply) updated. New carpet, paint, bathroom fixtures and window treatments are all relatively affordable renovations that deliver serious bang for buck.

BEFORE

AFTER

Clutter
You may be looking at the home of a deceased estate, or the owners may be mad hoarders, but you need to see past the clutter and imagine the space as an empty shell. When you have done that, draw out a simple floor plan with pen and paper, and furnish it the way you would. This will help shift your mind set from what you are currently seeing to what the full potential of the property really is.

Layout
A home’s layout can be one of its most valuable aspects, but it can be a significant drawback too. Firstly, consider whether the current layout works and whether you can add value by reworking the space. For instance, can you remove walls to create open plan spaces, or walls to increase the number of rooms?

BEFORE

AFTER

Seeing green
If the property’s garden is an overgrown, ramshackle mess, there is often significant value in a simple tidy up. A neat, manicured garden adds significant value and it’s also worth noting that the presence of a large, established tree can add up to $10,000 in value to a property.

Get some distance
Some properties are so overwhelming that the only way to move past their appearance is to physically remove yourself from them. After leaving the property, draw up a floor plan and make a list of the home’s current assets to help clarify its potential.

–—Australia’s rapid renovation expert, Naomi Findlay is an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and speaker. She’s an industry leader in creating healthy wealthy spaces and creating wealth and profit from renovating property. Learn more about Naomi.

Photos of one of Naomi’s own renovations to sell.

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Expert Tips

Do you know what’s insured when you’re renovating?

Couple with laptop having a break from renovating new home

By Laura Crowden 

When renovating, plans, supplier choices, building works and selections obviously play a big part in the project management but another important necessity is ensuring you have suitable home and contents protection. Without it, you could be left with unnecessary costs should the unthinkable happen.

Understanding the terms and conditions of your policy is vital as not only could you be underinsured, a claim could be deemed ineligible if you don’t meet certain criteria outlined by your provider.

So as a renovator, what should you look for when it comes to insurance? Thanks to iSelect, we have a list of do’s and don’ts to ensure you aren’t caught out.

DO

  • Check your existing home insurance policy covers renovations. If it doesn’t, find out what policy or level of cover incorporates renovations. It’s also a good idea to do research into what other providers can offer to ensure you are getting the best value. 
  • Verify the maximum cover available if you were to put in a claim during the period of renovations.
  • Make sure your builder has adequate work insurance cover (separate to home and contents insurance). For those planning to take on works themselves, make sure you take out domestic building insurance to cover yourself financially. 
  • Keep your house protected during the period of renovations through general upkeep such as mowing the lawn, collecting the mail, leaving lights on and only having expensive fittings installed when the house is secure or someone is residing within it. 
  • Post renovations, re-evaluate your sum insured as presumably the value of your home and contents is likely to have increased.

DON’T

  • Assume that your current house insurance covers all facets. As our circumstances change, certain amendments and inclusions can go unmissed if you don’t regularly review and update your cover.
  • Leave your home and contents unprotected during renovations through lack of security or exposed entrance ways – this too could hinder a claim should something be damaged or stolen. 
  • Assume your existing home and contents provider will give you the best deal for a policy when renovations are finally completed. It pays to compare providers before locking in an agreement.   
  • Move out for an extended period without checking your policy. There are some policies that consider cover redundant if you are living elsewhere for an extended period while works are underway.

Preparation is key – so for peace of mind, that extra bit of due diligence can certainly pay off to ensure your most valuable asset is protected. If you are planning a renovation and want to find a suitable insurance provider, visit iSelect for further information.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to find good tradies. And keep them!

Hands down I owe a huge part of my renovation and house flipping success to a fantastic team of trades. The team has everything from builders, plumber and electricians to surveyors, town planners, property developers, estate agents, stone masons and great suppliers.

IIHS-Naomi-Findlay

There are loads of mainstream ways to find trades — the net, new apps, advertising etc — and there is naturally an important due diligence process that you must always follow that involves checking licences and insurance before you engage anyone. But today I am going to share with you my more common sense secrets to finding and keeping good trades; the human element, you could say. Unfortunately, people sometimes overlook these points when looking for and working with trades.

DSC_0360
Marty the builder, one of Naomi’s dream team!

Finding them

Ask other trades. If you are already working with a good team and want to add to it, ask the trades you are working with for their recommendations. Like attracts like, so if you like the trades you have, more than likely you will like the trades they enjoy working with too.

Meet with the tradies before you get them on site, offer to meet them on one of their job sites. This will allow you to get a feel for them and also get an idea of how they work. For me it is very simple: if they look me in the eye, shake my hand firmly and can hold a respectful conversation with me about the work they do, then we are off to a good start.

I generally ask them about what jobs they have on at the moment, who is in their team, what their lead times are and specifics about the task that I am keen to have them work on. I also find out who they know in the industry, as cross checking them with other trades is a great way to get honest feedback.

Then… give them a shot. Using a trade once does not mean they are yours forever. On the first job, make sure you communicate extremely well, in multiple mediums. Call them to tell them what you want done, meet them on site to show them and have the instructions and diagrams of what you want done written and stuck on the walls of the job. Then leave them to it. Don’t micromanage them or watch them work! That shows no trust.

Keeping them

This is all about respect, respect for their skill, their trade and most importantly them as people. How you do this really comes down to simple things that apply everywhere in life.

  • When I go on site I great every trade with a handshake and a big hello.
  • If I see someone on site I don’t know, I always introduce myself.
  • If I arrive to site with a coffee, I will always bring drinks for the tradespeople too.
  • Every day I tell them how happy I am with the job (as long as I am).
  • If I am not happy about something, I seek to understand before I seek to be understood.
  • I pay very quickly! Inspect the job as soon as it is complete and then you will be ready to pay as soon as that invoice comes in. I never leave a trade to wait for pay.
  • I get dirty! When required, I join my trades to demo and to clean up.
  • I show and interest in what they do and ask why. Most trades are so keen to share their knowledge they are just waiting for someone to ask.
  • I involve the trades in the project. Feeling part of a team can make all the difference.
  • I plan well. Trades are constantly being asked to do things at the drop of a hat. Be the standout client and book them in as much in advance as you can.

Enjoy your trades! It is so great to be part of a great team of tradespeople and it can be such a joy to be on site with a great team!

Got a question for Naomi or one of our other resident experts? Submit it for consideration here.

What advice would you add to the above?

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Architecture RENO ADDICT

Ask an Architect: the great online resource for renovators

Home renovations can be hugely daunting. However, you only need to watch an episode of The Block, read one of our amazing real renos or talk to a friend, to realise that there’s really more good renovation stories than bad!

aaa-web-home-hirez

But where do you start if you’ve decided to renovate your home? One of the best places is Ask An Architect, a website developed by the Australian Institute of Architects. Designed to demystify the renovation process and make architecture something everybody can easily access, they offer sound and affordable advice.

aaa-web-gallery-hirez

An unbiased voice of reason, an expert architect can work with you to take the mystery out of what might seem an incredibly complex process. No matter how big or small the renovation, the site will help you balance what’s possible against what’s desired, establish the project budget, offer advice to secure development approvals, help with your selection of builders, look at any issues with quality control and construction, assist with the design and more.

aaa-web-budget-hirez

Some of the most useful features include the detailed Cost Guide to help you budget, the ArchiAdvice and ArchiDesign Pre-Purchase Packages – which offer you a direct line to a qualified architect at competitive prices, a handy online question and answer service, relevant upcoming events, the Find an Architect directory of professional architects, a gallery for inspiration and Pinterest tools to help you start scrapbooking ideas.

Visit Ask an Architect.

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DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Do I need a building permit?

Please note this article is only applicable to Victoria. We are currently working on the same information for each state and territory.

It’s a question that plenty of DIY home renovators have asked themselves, and for good reason. You’ve already invested so much time to learn everything else, so surely there’s a way around building permits, right?

building permit victoria nicholson wright reno addict
Photo Credit: Nicholson Wright

As you’ve probably guessed, they’re an absolute necessity for many projects. But I’m not going to tell you to engage a building surveyor no matter what; that would hardly be informative. Instead, I’m going to explain the exact thresholds where you legally require a building permit. You might even realise you can build more than you expect without the expense of a surveyor!

Knowing the lines between a backyard project and a formal construction could save you a substantial fine from your council, as well as the pain and expense of having to rebuild or completely tear down your project. What a nightmare that would be! As a certified building surveyor at Melbourne’s Nicholson Wright, I see this happen regularly. So don’t rush into your build and regret it; take a few minutes to assess the plans and then grab your tools with as much confidence as any professional.

Garages, sheds and carports

If your structure meets one or more of these criteria, a building permit is something you must apply for:

  • 2.4m high or more
  • 10sqm in area or larger
  • 1m or closer to the boundary of your property
  • Connected to another structure, for example a shed with a roof that adjoins the house.

Fences

reno addict building permit
Photo credit: I Heart Budgets

Take note of these essential criteria if you’re constructing a fence. Permits are required if it’s:

  • 2m or higher
  • 3m from the street boundary or closer
  • A border to a pool (even if it’s only a partial border).

Decks

Many DIY renovators believe that permits aren’t needed for decks, however they all require one. If your deck is more than 800mm above ground level it will also need to be checked for privacy provisions. We all want to keep our neighbours happy!

Verandahs

As verandahs are roofed structures that are attached to a house, they’re classed as a building extension. This means you’ll need a building permit regardless of size or height.

Pergolas

building permit reno addict
Photo credit: DIY Network

Not to be confused with verandahs or decks, pergolas are unroofed structures that are not directly connected to your house or another building. In this instance ‘unroofed’ means it can still have a shade cloth, louvres or an open frame over people’s heads.

If your pergola meets all of the following criteria, you can avoid having to apply for a permit. Of course, as a complex structure, we recommend you still do, but it’s your choice:

  • Less than 3.6m high
  • Smaller than 20sqm
  • Not further than 2.5m forward of the front walls of your house.

Retaining walls

A permit is a legal requirement if your retaining wall is:

  • 1m or higher
  • Connected to other building structures, such as a shed or home extension
  • Supporting the soil and underlying structure of your neighbour’s property.

— Patrick Richardson is a building surveyor at Melbourne’s Nicholson Wright. With more than 17 years experience, Nicholson Wright issue building permits and conduct mandatory inspections of projects from small residential renovations to large, high-rise offices.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

Safety and first aid tips for the DIY home renovator

With the warm weather upon us, it’s time to spend time outdoors, open the windows, and start the home renovation projects. You might be planning to get some jobs done over the holiday break. If you choose to do your home renovation projects on your own, make sure to do your best to prevent injuries, be prepared for accidents, and to have a basic understanding of first aid.

It is always better to be prepared, even if you don’t need your first aid skills, than it is to find yourself or a loved one injured and not know how to handle it.

Know what you know, and what you don’t

The best kind of first aid is prevention. You know what you are capable of, so use your best judgment when determining when to do it yourself, and when to hire a professional. Saving money and pride by completing an entire project by yourself is not worth your health and safety, and the health and safety of those who will interact with your renovation when it is completed.

Wear protective clothing and gear

No matter what your home renovation project may be, you always need to wear the right kind of clothing during the completion of the project.

Eyes: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from both flying objects and airborne particles.

Feet: Especially when you are working with any kind of equipment, wear thick work boots that will protect your feet from all sides, whether you drop something on them or you step on a sharp object.

Skin: If you are working with chemicals, keep your skin covered to prevent burns, contamination, or potential allergic reactions.

Nose & mouth: If you are painting, working with chemicals, removing asbestos, or near dust, protect your health with masks to keep yourself from inhaling harmful substances.

Have the right tools

Not only do you need to make sure that you are using the right tools for the job, and using them the right way, but in order to take care of yourself or loved ones in the case that they do get hurt, you need to make sure that you have well stocked a first aid kit. Depending on what your renovation entails, you should be prepared to treat burns, cuts, abrasions, stings, splinters, sprains, strains, blisters, mild pain, and know when to call an ambulance.

Basic first aid skills

Working on home renovation projects means that there is always a chance for injury. It is in your best interest to have some key first aid skills. Make sure that you have some knowledge of first aid relating to your project. If the injured person is bleeding, put pressure on the wound. Cuts and scrapes should always be cleaned and left covered during the day. If they have suffered a stab wound, do not remove the object, but immediately call an ambulance. The best way to get the skills that you need might be to take a certification class.

CPR: A CPR certification is usually valid for one year, and could potentially be a lifesaving skill, especially if you are working around water or at heights over ground level. If a person stops breathing before an ambulance arrives, knowing CPR may be their only chance at survival and minimising brain damage.

First Aid Certification: A first aid certification can train you to take care of anything from cuts and scrapes to blisters, sprains and minor head injuries. You can learn how to set a broken bone, how to care for burns, and when you need to call an ambulance. It is always best to be prepared for what might happen.

Please remember that no matter what your project entails, your safety should be the number one priority. Good luck with your renovation, and stay safe!

–Mark Partridge is the director of Training Course Experts (TCE) in Perth, Western Australia. TCE is a registered training organisation which specialises in forklift training, senior first aid training and more.

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Competitions Expert Tips

Win tickets to the Build & Renovating Expo 2014

Australia’s premier event for builders, renovators and owner-builders, the Build & Renovating Expo by Master Builders, is the first choice for those interested in improving the appearance, performance and energy efficiency of their home or property. We have five doubles passes to give away!

DSC_0121

The expo is renowned for connecting trade professionals and keen renovators with hundreds of quality suppliers. The Modern Home will focus on adaptability, sustainability, efficiency and affordability. The ‘Speed Date an Expert’ area will allow visitors to have one-on-one discussions with industry experts about their project, vision or challenges.

With a large focus on outdoor living, this year’s expo encompasses landscaping, garden, alfresco living and pools. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with the expo covering bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, lighting, heating/cooling, doors and windows, energy efficiency and solar products, roofing, fencing and gates, building materials, finance and sustainability solutions.

Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf

When: Friday 4 (10am to 9pm), Saturday 5 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday 6 July (10am to 5pm) 2014.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the door or can be pre-purchased online. Adult – $20; student/pensioner – $15; children (under 14 years) free.

Try your luck and enter our competition below by midnight on 27 May 2014 for your chance of winning one of five double passes worth $40 each.

[gravityform id=”14″ name=”Interiors Addict Competition Entry 3″ title=”false” description=”false”]

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Styling

Video: Diary of a Reno part 3

This week, Naomi talks about the importance of having a contingency fund because unexpected things do (always!) go wrong or crop up and require more cash! There’s also drama with some very stubborn wallpaper glue, but it’s not all negative! Watch the video for the full story.

If you haven’t already, watch part 1 and part 2 of the series first. The fourth and final part is coming soon! We’d love to know if you enjoyed this series and what else you’d like to learn about renovating? Please comment below.

Naomi Findlay is founder of SILK Home Staging & Styling and the International Institute of Home Staging and an experienced property developer in NSW.

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Interiors Addict

Better Homes & Gardens LIVE this weekend

Better Homes & Gardens LIVE will be at Melbourne Showgrounds from today (Friday 3) until Sunday 5 May. Whether you are a renovator, foodie, DIY or craft lover, it’s the place to go for all the latest products, advice and tips for your home. Get inspired with live demonstrations and workshops from your favourite Better Homes and Gardens experts and shop for the latest gadgets and technology from more than 250 exhibitors at the one-stop home and garden product showcase.

Continue reading “Better Homes & Gardens LIVE this weekend”