Brighter And some

Budgeting for renovation

by Kate Watt, Marketing Manager 19 September 2018

Australians love to renovate and if the latest series of The Block has inspired you to pick up the tools or call in the tradies, it’s important you have the budget to see your plans through to fruition.

Bessie Hassan, a money expert at www.finder.com.au, says the popularity of renovating is soaring.

“Our survey round one in three Australian home owners have renovated their home,” she told realestate.com.au

“Knowing what the average cost of your renovation is can help you set a budget, although it is near impossible to predict the exact cost of a renovation project.”

There are some tips for saving money on your renovation, starting with the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home and can be a pricey room to upgrade, but you can save money by buying a pre-fabricated kitchen. Opt for neutral tones and think about doing smaller tasks – like replacing door handles – yourself.

In the bathroom, keep an eye out for bargains on tiles and look online for cheaper fittings. You don’t have to go with the latest looks either – classic chrome fixtures are always in style and can cost you a lot less.

Painting is one area where you can definitely save money. It’s a DIY job almost anyone can do, especially inside your home.

If you are calling in the experts, make sure you get more than one quote. A good renovation can add between 10 per cent and 15 per cent to the value of your home, so it’s worth getting it right.

Are you looking for a gem to renovate? Browse our listings for sale or contact our team.