Free DIY Tips
Property renovations or make-overs are not for the feint hearted! You often simply do not know what you will find when you remove cupboards, showers and the like. Be prepared for the unexpected when involved with a property or home renovation. Looks can be deceiving!
There’s always something that won’t go according to the property renovation plan! If not properly managed, this can cause time and cost blow outs that compound as the property remains vacant or isn’t functional.
Doors
When changing door handles and locks, check the distance between the edge of the door and the middle of the lock. Most door handles are fitted between 60-70mm from the edge of the door to the middle of the door handle. Then make sure that the handle/lock that you purchase will fit! Some have a variable distance and will fit a 60-80mm length, whilst others are fixed at either 60mm or 70mm – so check the label carefully. If the length required is larger (e.g. 150mm) you will need to purchase an extension latch as well. These can be found at specialist door furniture stores. Just let them know what the length requirement is and they will order in the appropriate fitting. Don’t forget to purchase a standard handle/lock as well!
When replacing doors remember that the door frame may no longer be square, so your new door may look crooked or there may be a "gap" at either the top or bottom! To make sure that this doesn't happen to you, when measuring the door size make sure that you measure the width of the existing door opening at both the top and the bottom. Order the door to fit the widest width size and then plane down the excess where required.
Painting
It may come as no surprise but a repaint throughout can do amazing things to almost any property renovation or makeover. We recommend you use neutral tones and a maximum of two colours. It’s also possible to do a place in just one colour and make it look like two or three colours – it’s about using tricks of light, shade and texture.
When wanting to remove silicon - use a blade and a strong metal blade holder. Available from glass shops. You will save heaps of time and get a better finish.
Sick of trying to find things to open paint cans? Purchase a paint can opener. Makes the job quick and simple. Available from Bunnings - just ask at the paint desk.
Also, want a more colourful and fun paint for your children's bedroom? Resene paints (only available at a few outlets in Melbourne) for kids are fantastic -they have pearl shimmer paints, pixie dust paints, crackle effect paints, blackboard paint and a hole host of others in fantastic colours. Visit www.resene.com.au where you can check out the online Resene Decorating Inspiration gallery and also their virtual painting software so you and your children can try out their favourite colour scheme without lifting a paint brush.
Lighting
Light fittings are also important but often overlooked in property makeovers. They are cheap and can really help with the visual impact. However, remember that it will cost you to get them installed by a licensed electrician – so make sure you buy ones that look great and are in keeping with the character of the property. Don’t forget to check how easy the light globes are to change!
New power points and light switches can really help add that finished look to a home or property renovation. Consider adding extra outlets in some rooms as many older houses were designed without foreseeing our love affair with electrical appliances.
Light fittings – when purchasing new light fittings check how easy it is to change the light globe before you purchase the fitting. No point in getting a “bargain” of a fitting when you need to call an electrician every time a globe needs changing.
Wardrobes
If you are considering putting in built in wardrobes - if you want to reduce the cost, then do not have a "back" on the wardrobe - simply use the existing wall. similarly, you may only require one "end" to the wardrobe, if the other "end" is a wall. This will save time and money without changing the functionality.
Poorly used spaces – do you have an area that is a dust collector (above wardrobes or kitchen cabinets) or simply not used efficiently (under stairs)? Consider “filling in” these gaps with a new cupboard to turn it into a storage area. If putting in a cupboard above an existing one – make sure you line up the door opening so it matches the door opening as per below
Tiles
Warning! Decorative Wall Tiles The ACCC has warned of wall tiles containing Tremolite asbestos - a prohibited hazardous substance. Under the brand name ‘Snow White’, the tiles are bright white, with a quartz like appearance, and give the appearance of stacked stone. More info: www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
When deciding which wall tiles to use - use tiles that come in a size that will fit evenly on you wall, without having to do a whole lot of tile cutting. For example, if you are tiling to a height of 1.2 m, it makes sense to use tiles that are either 100mm, 200mm or 300mm in height, as this way you will get a full line of tiles at the top (ie you will end up with either 12, 6, or 4 complete rows of tiles). This will give a smooth and even finish. However if you used tiles with a height of 350mm you would end up with 3.4 rows of tiles - so every tile on the top layer would have to be cut to size (and thus take more time, effort and $) as well as ending up with a look that isn't that fantastic.
Tile quantities - when you measure up for tiles - make sure you allow an extra 20% to the area that you require. This will mean that you won't have to go back to the tile shop, in a rush, because you are a few tiles short. You always require extra tiles when tile cutting is involved! It also means that you will have a few tiles left over at the end (so when a tile cracks you can replace it easily). As the current "lifespan" of tiles in most retail shops is only 6 months, if you don't have any spares you are unlikely to be able to match the tiles down the track.
Floorboards
Do you have squeaky floors? Only happened recently? Usually this is the result of the floor boards or yellow tongue sheeting shifting. To fix, simply install new nails into the floor every 300mm.
If you are planning on doing some DIY work, make sure that you have the right tools, knowledge, skills and time for the job before you purchase the items. Recently I was contacted by someone who had purchased DIY flooring - only to get it home and find that he neither had the skills or time to lay it himself. Do your research before you buy something like this, and attend a workshop on how to install it before the purchase - otherwise arrange for someone to install it before you purchase it!
Floating floors: To get a really neat finish - if you are putting down new floating floor, remove skirting boards first, lay the floor and then replace the skirting boards. You will get a better finish (no quad!!) and fewer paint touch ups required.
When building from scratch make sure the structure is strong and stable enough for a new floor, especially if laying over on old one. You may have to restump (adding galvanized white ant protectors).
Timber floors may need to de delivered weeks before laying to acclimatize them to the local humidity conditions - see this web site for more: www.timber.net.au
Kitchen and Bathroom
For those of you wanting to design and plan your own kitchen or bathroom, check out the range of tools available, including 3D kitchen views and bathroom calculators at http://www.realestate.com.au/renovate/resources/tools/index.htm. Some of these are free, whilst others require payment.
If you are renovating your bathroom or kitchen - remember that it is important (and legally required) to use a waterproof membrane before you tile. Membranes are fairly easy to apply - for best results use a roller. They can be purchased from hardware shops or a speciality shop such as the Waterstop Shop in Burke Rd, Camberwell. Check that the membrane you are using is appropriate for the type of wall/floor surface you are covering. Most membranes will wash off in water when they are still wet. Do make sure that you protect the adjoining floors and surfaces before you apply the membrane as once it is dry it is difficult to remove.
Do your research – compare your property with others on the market.
Check out rents on similar properties. Look at the “new” and near “new” looking properties in the area so you get a good idea of what tenants want in the property and most importantly, what features they are willing to pay for. For example, it’s no good having a kitchen without a dishwasher if every other place has one – tenants will expect one! Make sure you use this information in your property renovation.
For more information please contact us.
