Top Tips for Renovating or Flipping

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Whether you're renovating your home or 'flipping' a development opportunity. Here are our 5 top tips to help you make the right call.

1. Get the basics completed early 

Having to make repairs down the line can be an expensive, inconvenient and messy experience. So before you start introducing new finishes and floorings, make sure the electrics, plumbing, windows and roof are to the best standard – there's nothing worse than seeing your hard work undone by a sudden leak or wiring issues.

Even if you're planning to sell the property on, your buyer's survey will pick up on issues – so head those off at the pass, and you might secure a better purchase price.

2. Invest in the finer details 

Cheap items can wear out quickly, so spend a decent amount of money on things you touch and interact with frequently (ie light switches, door handles and taps) and save money on things you only look at, like paint, wallpaper and wall tiles.

These higher-quality items should not only last longer, but they can also elevate the appearance of doors, sinks and baths – meaning you can afford to save on those too.

3. Make a plan and see it through 

One sure-fire way to burn through your budget is to change your mind mid-renovation – which is a passport for spending twice on something that could've been done once. Decide what you want to achieve before you get started, and see it through.

Rethinking things like taps and wallpaper isn't the end of the world (they can always be returned and money saved) but when it comes to the layout of kitchens and bathrooms – with all the associated plumbing and electrics – it's a case of 'measure twice, cut once’.

4. Fake it 'til you make it

Panelling is one of the big trends in interior design at the moment, but real panelling is very expensive.

You’ll only need a glue gun, with this you can creating the look of panelling with MDF and decorative moulding (good if you're working with older walls that aren't completely flat), or simple strips of timber (which works well on perfectly flat walls, to add character in new-builds).

If done right, panelling can make a room look very grand and modern. Aim for panelling to be one- or two-thirds the height of the room, if not full-height – but avoid half-height panelling, which can trick the eye into lowering the ceiling.

5. Consider an 'unfinished' look

Plastering is something of an art form, and good plasterers command a pretty penny for their skills. If you've got an internal wall that needs a fresh skim, consider instead taking it back to bare bricks.

A recent style that has become very popular amongst home owners is pure concrete. Concrete is a great way to achieve to that industrial feel, and looks even better paired with warm lighting and dark tones to give the room ambiance.

 
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