{"id":20142,"date":"2018-02-16T01:00:32","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T14:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realestatetalk.com.au\/?p=20142"},"modified":"2018-02-16T01:00:32","modified_gmt":"2018-02-15T14:00:32","slug":"heart-of-the-home-kitchen-reno","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/channels.realty.com.au\/realtytalk\/heart-of-the-home-kitchen-reno\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart of the Home: Kitchen Reno"},"content":{"rendered":"

Also known as the \u2018heart of the home\u2019, the kitchen is the central hub of every house and apartment. It\u2019s also the most frequently used, meaning it can get dingy and damaged quickly from frequent use, food prep and water leakage.
\nThe idea of renovating a kitchen can turn investors off due to the sheer magnitude of effort and work involved. However, while some may see the kitchen as a massive renovation challenge, it is also one of the greatest opportunities to add value to your property.
\nIn fact, when it comes to renovation projects, the kitchen is one of the most profitable rooms to work with.
\nWhether renovators go for a full revamp of the kitchen or a quick cosmetic refresh, there are always opportunities to make a big impact on a small budget.
\nKitchen renovations don\u2019t have to be overly expensive \u2013 and as this renovation project shows, a full kitchen upgrade can be achieved with change from $7,000.
\nHere, we show you how you can upgrade your investment property\u2019s kitchen smartly and beautifully through a few strategic transformations that won\u2019t break the bank.
\n\"\"
\nSTEP ONE: CONSIDER THE EXISTING PRODUCT<\/strong>
\nFirst things first: step back and see what you\u2019ve got to work with instead of deciding right away to redo everything. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective.
\n\u201cLook at what you can retain or recycle,\u201d advises renovation expert Cherie Barber. \u201cIt\u2019s far cheaper to cosmetically refresh what\u2019s there rather than demolish and start from scratch.\u201d
\nFor instance, Barber suggests that maybe all you really need is to change a few things, like replacing a laminate benchtop with one of stone, or going for a tiled splashback. Little modifications can enliven an old space without having to resort to taking everything down.
\n\"\"
\nTOP TIP<\/strong>
\nWhile the splashback is an opportunity to add some colour and personality to the kitchen, don\u2019t go too bold: vibrant shades of deep red and shocking lime green can quickly date the home.<\/em>
\nSTEP TWO: ADD A FRESH COAT<\/strong>
\n\"\"
\nIf your current kitchen offers a lot to work with from a structural perspective, you\u2019re all set, because you can just make minor cosmetic changes to update its look. Barber recommends using specialty paints and finishing products from brands like White Knight.
\n\u201cIf the cabinetry, benchtops and tiles are in good condition, you can simply revamp them,\u201d Barber explains.
\n\u201cPaints can be tinted to virtually any colour, so the possibilities to modernise are endless.\u201d
\nAside from a paint makeover, an old benchtop can also be given a facelift by adding a granite-like finish. This can be achieved using a resurfacing kit from a brand such as Rust-Oleum.
\nTOP TIP<\/strong>
\nLighter colours suit a smaller kitchen as the neutral tones create the illusion of space and help to re\ufb02ect light.\u00a0<\/em>
\nSTEP THREE: PUT UP A FRONT<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s definitely possible to achieve a new facade for your kitchen without sacrificing the foundations. For instance, you can simply replace the fronts of cupboards and drawers to freshen them up aesthetically, while taking advantage of perfectly functional aspects of the room.
\n\u201cThis gives you the flexibility to choose any door profile you want, from the popular shaker style to the classic flat finish,\u201d Barber says.
\n\u201cNot having to pull out all the old carcasses will also save a lot of the time and disruption that comes with replacing an entire kitchen, but you\u2019ll still get a brand-new look.\u201d
\n\"\"
\nTOP TIP<\/strong>
\nThe installation of cupboard doors can certainly be a DIY task \u2013 just don\u2019t rush the process. Take it step by step, based on the instructions.<\/em>
\n\"\"
\nSTEP FOUR: LIMIT STRUCTURAL WORK<\/strong>
\nIf you do opt for a complete overhaul, try to work with the existing layout of the room to minimise costs.
\n\u201cMessing with a perfectly adequate layout is just wasting money,\u201d Barber remarks.
\nThe plumbing and electrical installations, such as lighting, in particular, are best kept where they originally were, as relocating them can be more trouble than they\u2019re worth, especially if things go wrong.
\nIt can be easier to adjust your vision in accordance with your means rather than pushing a major makeover that could cause damage throughout the house.
\n\"\"
\nTOP TIP<\/strong>
\nIf you need to make structural changes, get an architect on board to help you come up with a design plan, to lessen the chances of making expensive mistakes.<\/em>
\nSTEP FIVE: NOTICE THE SMALL DETAILS<\/strong>
\n\"\"
\nEven minor details can make a big difference when it comes to creating an impact. Make sure that small finishing touches, like doorknobs and handles, get updated, as well as the bigger items, Barber says. This goes for whether you get a new kitchen or opt for a cosmetic renovation. Modern accessories can add to the overall aesthetic of the room by helping it look shiny and new, while enhancing durability.
\nThere\u2019s definitely no need to go all out and splurge on doorknobs and accessories \u2013 the important thing is to go with a timeless style that suits and complements the surrounding space.
\nTOP TIP<\/strong>
\nAround $100 may be all you need to update all of the handles and boost the aesthetics of your kitchen. Do a lot of shopping around so you have as many options as possible.
\nSTEP SIX: KNOW THE FLOW<\/strong>
\nBefore you start on a kitchen reno, endeavour to determine the order of works to minimise tradie call-outs.
\n\u201cFor example, sparkie and plumber will invariably need two call-outs \u2013 once at the start to disconnect and rough-in, and then at the end to connect appliances and plumbing,\u201d Barber explains.
\nKnowing the process also helps you determine the materials you need to order, such as tapware and lighting, so you can have them ready at the right time. Thus it\u2019s important to talk to your installer about project time frames and requirements, as this will limit potential problems such as miscommunication, inadequate tools to work with, and making unnecessary appointments.
\n\"\"
\nTOP TIP<\/strong>
\nKeep your reno project schedule tight so that your tradies don\u2019t get the chance to slack off. Time is money \u2013 the sooner the reno is complete, the sooner a tenant can be found and income can begin flowing once more!<\/em>
\nSTEP SEVEN: OPT FOR FLAT-PACKS<\/strong>
\nWith affordable flat-pack kitchens becoming more and more customisable these days to fit different room layouts, this type of kitchen could be a great option for reno work on a budget.
\n\u201cA customised \ufb02at-pack kitchen offers many of the pluses of a bespoke designer kitchen, without the hefty price tag. They can be custom-made to \ufb01t most sizes at very reasonable prices. Just search online under \u2018\ufb02at-pack kitchens\u2019 to see the options available, or try the likes of Bunnings and IKEA,\u201d Barber suggests.
\nQuality should definitely be kept in mind when picking out a fiat-pack for assembly. Badly made sets could end up collapsing on you. Check that each component is stable and drawers and doors close properly and gently.
\n\"\"
\nTOP TIP<\/strong>
\nInstalling a kitchen can be intimidating for DIY renovators, but stress not \u2013 many tradies specialise in installation of flat-pack homes.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\nOriginally published as: https:\/\/www.yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au\/property-renovation\/heart-of-the-home-kitchen-reno-242932.aspx<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Also known as the \u2018heart of the home\u2019, the kitchen is the central hub of every house and apartment. It\u2019s also the most frequently used, meaning it can get dingy and damaged quickly from frequent use, food prep and water leakage. The idea of renovating…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":176692471,"featured_media":20144,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,31],"tags":[70],"class_list":["post-20142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-story","category-your-investment-property","tag-featured"],"yoast_head":"\nHeart of the Home: Kitchen Reno - Realty Talk<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/channels.realty.com.au\/realtytalk\/heart-of-the-home-kitchen-reno\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Heart of the Home: Kitchen Reno - Realty Talk\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Also known as the \u2018heart of the home\u2019, the kitchen is the central hub of every house and apartment. 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