Renovation Suggestions for investment property

Lsimplys on 23/08/2020 - 15:29

Hi all,

I am looking to renovate my apartment which was previously an investment property but now looking to move in to make it my primary residence for tax purposes.

I am planning a kitchen/bathroom renovation on the 70s kitchen/bathroom - looking at something pretty basic that will be durable and less likely to become outdated.

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions re: products that will go the distance as I will likely rent it out again in a few years. Looking to spend 30k all up (it is tiny) and the only structural changes will be knocking out half a wall and removing the bath.

I had caesarstone bench tops recommended but hear they chip easily? Potentially also looking at a kaboodle kitchen (professionally installed) vs. cabinet maker if anyone has any recommendations.

Also looking at floating floors but have no idea what is good/ what isn't.

Any tips or common pitfalls would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • elgrande on 23/08/2020 - 18:01

    Check if you need approval from strata, especially the floating floorboards.

  • woodg on 23/08/2020 - 18:13

    Also check for the need for strata approval for bathroom renovations. They will often require a by-law that makes you (and any future owners) responsible for any damage due to failure of waterproofing in the bathroom.

  • 87percent on 23/08/2020 - 18:23

    Budget for asbestos removal, highly likely in bathroom and possibly kitchen, if 70’s house

  • DisneyPrincess on 23/08/2020 - 20:25

    Have a look at some other brands of engineered stone: Caesarstone is the most common, but also the most expensive. It will take a bit more effort/research but YDL or trendstone are some cheaper brands. However, you’ll probably have to find your own stone mason to do the benchtops (I’ve found cabinet makers only quote Caesarstone just because it’s the most common). Same materials & process for making the engineered stone, but just a different brand.

    What city are you in?

  • Indomietable on 24/08/2020 - 04:39

    Try IKEA for kitchen, I find their quality, choices, service and support are better than kaboodle. They have easy to use kitchen builder app, free virtual appointment to verify your design and 25 years warranty. Include lighting as it make huge difference. I went with laminate benchtop since it's cheaper to get and easier to install / replace.

  • deeevan on 24/08/2020 - 07:15

    How important are those structural changes, as they will add a fair bit to the cost?

    Adding to the strata approval comments, you don't own that wall you want to take out.

    I never thought a bath was a big deal until my friend with a baby moaned about the lack of one, keep that in mind for when you rent it out again. My upstairs neighbour got rid of their shower for a washing machine and installed a showerhead over the bathtub.

    • Euphemistic on 24/08/2020 - 08:28
      -1

      As an alternative to a bath, a laundry tub with a bench nearby is great for bathing babies. Waist high is great for parents, already has a drain unlike a plastic baby bath. We had a laundry next to the kitchen, worked great.

      • deeevan on 24/08/2020 - 21:31
        -1

        There's definitely ways to bath a child without a bathtub, just pointing out that it can be a point of difference for prospective tenants and there are other ways to create space in the bathroom.

        • Euphemistic on 25/08/2020 - 06:03

          Which is exactly what I was pointing out. Planning a decent sized laundry tub in a warm accessible place can be a good alternative to putting in a bath which is a lot larger and avoid having the shower over bath compromise that many people don’t like.

          Which ever way you go you won’t please everyone.

          Our current house does not have a laundry tub at all. For the very few times we’ve actually used a bath I think the laundry tub would be more useful.

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