Top 10 Insider’s Renovation Tips to Save You Money

Top 10 Insider’s Renovation Tips to Save You Money

You may have an urge to update your bathroom or kitchen and not know where to start.  And when you finally get around to obtaining quotes for your dream renovation, you are shocked about how much you may need.  But don’t let that put you off – it doesn’t have to be out of your range.  You have no idea how many renovations start and end at the quoting stage.

 

There is no need to be deterred, but you do need to be reasonable.  Renovating your kitchen or bathroom does actually mean that you want to renovate the most expensive rooms in the house.  Or at least that is the general rule. So be prepared for it to cost you something!

 

Here are some building tips that can help you reduce the cost of your kitchen, bathroom or extension:

 

Tip 1: Watch GST

Make sure that you are not double charged GST during the building process. Check your invoices and make sure any GST is clearly stated.  A builder can add sub-contractors GST on to your invoice, and then add GST on top of that.

Top 2: Establish labour rates in advance

Labour rates need to be reasonable.  A builder may add a premium on top of extra labour that is brought in.  This makes sense given the added effort to manage that process – but it doesn’t need to be over the top.  Make sure you have an agreed labour rate for all types of skills; from painters and electricians right through to plumbers.  Be clear of what you are up for if any contingency hours are required.

Tip 3: Manage the quote process

There are key components that must be included in your quote.  If they are left off, insist that they are inserted and agreed upon.  Tips 4 to 10 will help you understand the ins and outs of the quote process so that you can protect yourself from costs blowing out on your renovation project.

 

Tip 4: PC Allowances

Try to avoid PC Allowances or ensure that they are kept to a minimum.  Basic items should not fall under PC Allowances.  Not sure what a PC Allowance is?  They are items that cannot be costed precisely at the time of the quote.

 

Tip 5: Variations

Most variations can be quoted for before any work is completed. In the occasional case that work cannot be quoted, such as unforseen damaged pipes or termites, the variation needs to be quoted for properly.  Get a copy of any invoices of materials purchased plus labour at the agreed rate.  Expect a builder percentage for overheads and profit.

 

Tip 6: Exclusions

If you engage a builder, but remove certain items from the proposal to source elsewhere, be careful that the builder removes the ‘full cost’ of the exclusion from the quote.  Often builders can make money by having the exclusion – so beware.  If you are thinking of excluding an item during construction you should ask the builder to include what the credit amount would be in the contract prior to contract signing.

 

Tip 7: Inclusions

Make sure you insist that all requirements are included in the agreement to legally protect yourself throughout the process.  If your contract is in stages, make sure that both parties sign off each stage.

 

Tip 8: Quote validity

Make sure you establish how long the quote is valid for.  Generally this is between 30 to 90 days.  Do not sign anything until your plans are passed by council and the builder is ready to start right away.  You do not want to incur costs due to rising prices over time or be responsible for building contracts that can be blocked from permits.

 

Tip 9: Go with your gut

Often you have natural instincts.  Although this may feel intangible, make sure you have a feeling of trust and reliability.  Following all the advice possible will not cover you if you make a poor choice in a builder or other trade supplier.

 

Tip 10: The easiest way to save money – eBay

So now you are about to hear one of the biggest building and renovating tip that you will hear all year.  Without exaggeration.  Selling your existing room on eBay will you get funds to go towards your new room.   You will also save the cost of having your existing structure removed.

 

Let’s look at this example: this kitchen was quoted at $500 to be removed.  Instead, the owner listed it on eBay and received $250 for the kitchen… and the added bonus of getting the eBay purchaser to remove it themselves.  This created an additional $750 for the kitchen owner.  Think about your bath and sink, people are always in the market for these items, so see what you can sell on eBay before you start ripping away at your existing room.

 

Selling this kitchen on eBay meant the owner had an additional $750 to spend on added extras for the new kitchen

2011
05/19
CATEGORY
Kitchen Renovations
The Inside Project
Uncategorized
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Five Latest Trends In Home Renovation And Design

Five Latest Trends In Home Renovation And Design

Finally we can break free from the traditional constraints of home renovation and design that we have been carrying around for the last four or so years.

The biggest overall trend? No more matchy-matchy theme throughout your whole house! Hooray!

It’s bad enough that men were guided to wear the same coloured belt as shoes and women to match their lipstick with their nail polish… but like fashion on the catwalk, fashion in the home is going against the old rules. This is giving you the freedom in home renovation and interior design that you so rightly deserve.

The new thinking is that every room should offer its own character, style, and atmosphere in its own right. And it doesn’t have to be vanilla. It can be rainbow!
However there is one caution. If certain rooms are open plan – you may need to think about connecting the look and feel. Likewise, if certain rooms have large openings, think about how the visible facing walls will look to connecting areas. But other than that… go wild with your design.

So here it is, the latest trends:

1. Mix it up with your walls

Just because you have white walls (such as the Dulux White on White which is a fabulous true white that is often elusive to attain) it doesn’t mean you must have white in your bedrooms. If you want to do funky reds and blues in your boy’s room, but a French provincial in your girl’s room. Go for it.

And if it hasn’t been said to you a thousand times already, the most cost efficient way to do up a room is with paint. But don’t forget the woodwork. It will lift the room and make it feel brand, spanking new. Plus, and this rarely gets said, but if you paint inside your wardrobe, that will feel new as well. Too often we leave the wardrobes as if they are ‘behind closed doors’. But think about it, how often do you open them?

Here is an example of bedrooms that have used different colours and styles, but still work as part of the overall home

2. Curtains and blinds

When was the last time you considered updating your curtains or blinds? Like a good coat of paint, it can be a very cost effective way to update the look of your home.

You will be overwhelmed by the possibilities, from the type of blinds you can select from right through to the material, finish and pattern. Vertical blinds – natural wood, painted wood, synthetic? Holland blinds – brushed chrome finish rods, material, stain free? Roman blinds – with a pelmet, damask fabric, complementing side curtains?

The thing about renovating your home is that often the finishing touches are ignored, or not thought through. You need to make sure that curtains factor into your efforts, as it’s these finishing touches that can make the biggest impact.

But a warning – the old rule of thumb in renovating with curtains and blinds is that they have to be uniform across the home. If its wood venetians in one room, its wood venetians in all rooms. This is absolutely no longer the case. You can use Holland blinds in one room, and Roman blinds in another. Likewise, if you want to go satin in one room, you can go textured matte in another.

No reason you can't pair timber venetians with white sheers

3. Colour in carpets

Just like paint and curtains, you no longer need to have the same style or colour carpet in each bedroom. You can select the colour you like to match the theme you are going with. And, your ensuite doesn’t have to be a mini-replica of your main bathroom. Although it can sometimes offer savings to buy up bigger on the same sort of tile, it makes every room unique and special if they are full of individual features and makes the rooms look less like a catalogue and more like a home.

4. Freedom of fittings

If you want to use different cupboard handles in one bedroom than another, it’s no longer a sin. If you have a heritage feel for one room and a funky feel for another, you don’t have to compromise the handles of your cupboards by using a neutral handle that doesn’t add to your look. Likewise with your door stoppers, light fittings (you can have downlights in one room and a chandelier in another) and window winders.

Forget the 'rules' - pair this chandelier with your existing home decor

5. Linen gives coverage

Often when people have finished the walls, floors and windows, they are done.

Wrong.

In bedrooms, have you ever thought about how much space a bed takes? More specifically, how much coverage the doona offers? With a small investment in unique and creative quilt covers and throws, you can totally lift a room. Think about it – a decent doona cover set can cost you around $250. In comparison to walls, floors, furniture….how much really is that? Not much – right? And yet it becomes such a feature of your room – so make it good!

The linen absolutely transforms this room into the serene retreat it is

So if you are getting your home renovated and you feel restricted by some of the things you have heard or read, lose the old way of thinking and design each room the way you want. Again the only caution is open plan rooms and large exposed walls that may be viewed.

Enjoy this new way of looking at design and renovations. Send us in your photos of anything you have tried and loved. We would be thrilled to celebrate your accomplishments!

2011
05/13
CATEGORY
The Inside Project
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20 comments

Four Reasons to Include a Butler’s Kitchen in Your Renovation Plans

What Is a Butler’s Kitchen?

Traditionally, a butler’s kitchen was designed for ‘help staff’ to conduct their tasks in a discrete way separate from the main dining area.  Generally it contained additional appliances such as an oven and serving items rather than food.  The likelihood that the modern Australian family needs such a room is remote.  But wait!  There’s a new take on the butler’s kitchen that makes it functional, practical and is fast becoming the ‘must have’ in kitchen renovations.

The New-Look Butler’s Kitchen

Whether you like to call it a walk-in pantry, butler’s kitchen or butler’s pantry – in today’s new kitchen the base role of this added room is the same.  It’s to provide ample food storage, surfaces for basic food preparation and kitchen serving items not requiring day-to-day access.

The idea is to remove the ‘grunt work’ and ‘mess’ from the kitchen which has become a central point for entertaining.  It allows the kitchen area to remain free from clutter and hide the view of unnecessary food preparation from an open plan home.

What Should You Put in Your Butler’s Kitchen?

When you are ready to renovate your kitchen and want to add a butler’s pantry, the top things to consider are:

1. Size
How much space can you allocate to your butler’s pantry?  How much space do you need for the butler’s kitchen to perform the role you want it to?

This walk-in pantry has plenty of space to allow for storage as well as basic food preparation.

2. Location
It needs to be next to your kitchen with easy access.  Often you can find the butlers kitchen stemming off the garage so that you can load heavy groceries easy from the car.

3. Configuration
It is up to you what you put in your butler’s kitchen, but consider what type of functions you would like it to facilitate.  Some ideas to get you started include:
  • Microwave
  • Coffee machine or kettle
  • Bulk food items like oil tins and flour bags
  • Breakfast making facilities such as a toaster, cereal and bread
  • Cups, saucers, bowls, plates
  • Chest freezer
  • Food processor, bread maker, juicer
  • Special occasion cutlery, china and crystal
  • Table linen
  • Wine chiller
  • Dual purpose bin


    • 4. Design
    The beauty of the butler’s pantry is that it is hidden from view so you are more open to curb the cost of the design with materials that are a little less luxe.  You don’t have to use stone bench tops or wrapped vinyl or two-pack cupboards.  But do keep in mind its purpose.  If it needs to allow hot items to be placed on surfaces – make sure your kitchen pantry can handle it.
    However, if the design bug has got you, feel free to tie in your kitchen pantry renovation with the rest of your house. After all it doesn’t have to blow out the budget.

    Here the design of the butler’s kitchen has been tied to the cottage theme used in the rest of the home.

    5. Kitchen pantry fittings
    Incredibly important for your butler’s kitchen.  The space is often limited and yet as a room it has a lot to do!  As with any small renovated area – the key is to go vertical and cover off fundamentals like:
    • Making use of storage options from the floor to the ceiling
    • Utilising corners with clever pull-out cupboards and sturdy hinges
    • Installing food storage baskets for easy access and open view
    • Ensuring the floor can handle wear and tear
    • Taking advantage of natural light if possible, even if you use a skylight
    • Avoiding too many colours if the space is confined

    In this pantry we see a clever use of colours that does not emphasise the small space. It also uses vertical storage options and the wire food basket draws makes it easy to find what you need.

    2011
    05/10
    CATEGORY
    Kitchen Renovations
    The Inside Project
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    9 comments

    Make More Out of your Kitchen with New Technology

    Make More Out of your Kitchen with New Technology

    So, you are looking at renovating your kitchen?  You’ve picked the splashback tiles, the caesar stone bench tops and the finish for your cupboards.  What about the stainless steel appliances to complement your new kitchen?  All done?  Ready to renovate your kitchen?

    I don’t think so. 

    There are so many ways to enhance the usability of your kitchen that you may not have considered.  And it’s not surprising given the constant development of new technology and techniques in kitchen renovations.  They may not add much to the entire cost of the kitchen but  will certainly add vital storage space, create smooth gliding drawers, and improve the functionality of your kitchen.

    Always, and I mean always, ask your kitchen provider to supply separate costs for these whizz-bang additions so you can decide what it’s really worth to you.   If you don’t ask….you don’t get!

    Here are just a few things to add to your wish list when renovating your kitchen. 

    Flap Fittings For Hidden Space

    The visual illusion of flap fittings

    In support of the uncluttered and contemporary kitchens that we love so much, kitchen’s have become smarter on the inside.  That is, there are many parts you don’t see that support what you do see.  Confused?  Well, a picture tells a thousand words.

    Using a flap fitting you can create a hidden compartment underneath overhead cupboards that fold down for easy access when cupboards are closed.  A great way to make the most out of overhead cupboards that are often too high for convenient access.

    Soft-Closing Drawers Are Smooth As

    Sof closing drawers mean less noise

    When selecting your drawers, always ask what mechanisms are going to be used.  Make sure they are long lasting and smooth gliding.  Ask about the highly acclaimed self-closing and dampening function for your new kitchen drawers.  Even the most temperamental chef would have trouble making these slam!

    Electric Drawers For Ease

    Having the internet on your fridge or a drop down DVD player from under your overhead cupboard has been an option for a while.  But how about electric drawers?  A reasonably new kitchen drawer fitting in the market allows  kitchen drawers to open automatically by just a light touch anywhere on the drawer front. Great for making the lives of anyone with limited mobility that little bit easier.

    You can also use this type of drawer to create clean and crisp lines as you can accommodate very narrow gaps, unlike traditional cupboards.  Kitchen cupboards get used A LOT….so make the most out of what’s available for best use.

    No more unsightly bins on display

    Hide the Mess With Sneaky Bins

    Recycling is important, but is often difficult to discretely accommodate in your kitchen.  With hideaway bins you can sort your waste and run a greener kitchen without unsightly bins scattered around your kitchen.  Certainly, this idea is not new.  But having your hideaway bin on a soft-close mechanism is.  With hideaway bins, make sure that the friction-fitted lid is powdercoated with an antibacterial agent like Clinikill to help fight bacteria and minimise odour.

    Get Drawers Organised

    No more do you have to use a plastic cutlery organiser that doesn’t seem to accommodate anyone’s real needs.  Now you can add a cutlery management system to your drawers for convenient, neat and organised storage. 

    This drawer insert makes sure no one puts the cutlery in the wrong spot!

    No more looking around for the can opener… there’s now a place for it.  And it actually fits!  These can be made with wood and stainless steel, or moulded for your drawer’s exact size.  Ask your kitchen renovator for some pictures or visit a showroom that features fixtures, fittings, and hinges.

    Remember – for just a slightly bigger investment in kitchen add ons, your kitchen will go from functional to ground breaking.  If you are going to renovate your kitchen for you and not for resale – go for it!

    2011
    05/04
    CATEGORY
    Kitchen Renovations
    The Inside Project
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    Top 5 Laundry Design and Renovation Trends of 2011

    Top 5 Laundry Design & Renovation Trends of 2011

    Regardless if you have a European laundry that is tucked discreetly behind bi-fold doors, included as part of the bathroom, or a dedicated room in its own right – laundries are a renewed focus of renovations.  And in a good way.

    Whether it’s a new laundry, renovated laundry, updated laundry with refreshed look – the trends seem to be the same.  Crisp.  Clean.  Fresh.  BUT FUNCTIONAL.  No more stereotypical white rooms with white tiles.  On the contrary, laundry renovations are now introducing a similar look and feel that a bathroom or kitchen posses.  And for good reason.  It’s estimated that people can spend up to six hours a week in the laundry.  From clothes sorting, washing, folding, ironing…you name it….it all happens in a laundry. 

    Plus, with the trend continuing to lean towards open plan living, the laundry is no longer the room that is hidden behind a closed door.  Functional rooms are no longer off limits. 

    Let’s take a look at some key laundry renovation trends for 2011…

    A splash of bright green adds interest to this otherwise neutral laundry

    Laundry Trend 1: Colour

     Colour is being introduced in laundries in several ways.  From colourful glass splash backs or tiles through to wood grained vinyl wrapped doors or bright colours such as orange, green and red…themed colours from bathrooms and kitchens are being carried through to the laundry.

    You don't need a large laundry to have plenty of storage

    Laundry Trend 2: Storage

     
    Cupboards. Cupboards. Cupboards.  Bring them on!  Nothing can add to an organised and tidy laundry like cupboards and draws.  Use them for laundry sorting – a draw for whites, for colours, and a draw for towels or delicates – no longer are you burdened with overflowing baskets and floor space being scatted in clothes piles.  And, as laundries are typically small rooms, it’s all about going vertical.  Cupboards that go along the top wall are great for storing items that you don’t need to access every day.

    Laundry Trend 3: Surface Space

     

    Even though cupboards are a popular trend in laundries, they are being installed in such a way that you still have plenty of bench space.  Splitting the cupboard between low and high access will leave surface space in the middle.  Highly functional and often highly aesthetically pleasing as laundry benches are moving towards the caesarstone look, just as in kitchens.  It’s easy to clean, tolerates temperatures, chemicals and the wet.  A perfect, long lasting alternative in a room that is just as deserving as the kitchen or bathroom.

    Laundry Trend 4: Laundry Sinks & Taps

     

    With the evolution of functional yet appealing laundry renovations, laundry sinks are no longer just laundry sinks.  The standard laundry tub is being replaced by customised cupboards with deep, bathroom-like tubs.  Still functional, easy to clean and highly appealing.  More effort is being committed to the selection of the taps as well to complete the overall look and coordinate with the rest of the house.  Keeping an eye on the smaller details will mean this is a room you won’t want to keep closed up and hidden anymore.

    Laundry Trend 4: Appliances

     

    People are now selecting washing machines and dryers for features other than the size.  Where once people looked at how big the tub was in the washing machine – such as 5kg versus 9kg….the consideration is going much further.  What functions do you need?  Once that is satisfied, the consideration goes to the look, external size….and energy rating. 

    There are many options beyond the stark white laundry appliances. We now have the option of stainless steel look trimmings, all black casings and LED displays that will add to the appeal of your laundry.  But do think about whether you want to sacrifice look for cost efficiency.  A good energy rating can provide great annual savings that will endure long after the flashy exterior has become superseded.

    Make space for inside air drying of clothes

    Laundry Trend 5: The Drying Room

     

    With concerns regarding energy usage, smarter homeowners are moving away from dryers.  Sure, there is the traditional clothes line, but that puts pressure on families in poor weather.  So if you are
    renovating your laundry, consider if you can add a clothes drying area.  It doesn’t need to be wide, and clothes can be hung straight from the washing machine to the hanger for easy drying.  But remember to include a ducted fan to make sure the humidity can escape, just as you would in a bathroom.

    A powered drying cabinet

    Some companies like Asko even make powered ‘drying cabinets’ as an alternative to the traditional dryer. These low-temp gadgets are vented externally and mean you don’t need heat and humidity through the entire room. Well worth a look so that you can safely and easily dry those delicate ‘do not tumble dry’ clothes and minimise creases at the same time.

    Quick Tip- Save $$$ on a New Laundry

    Think about how much you could save if you factor a laundry renovation in conjunction with another room, such as your kitchen or bathroom.

    You reduce labour costs and material costs as you are already engaging these services and you can roll-out a similar look and feel without the price tag.

    Ask your kitchen or bathroom builder to price for a new laundry while they are there.

    Save thousands.  Add even more to the liveability of your home.  Improve the resale value of your house for a fraction of the cost!

     

    Next Gen Laundry Rooms

      

    Whatever size or type of laundry room you had in mind, go beyond the traditional and include some of the modern ideas and concepts you thought were once only acceptable in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom. You deserve a laundry room that functions as a utility area and is also a room that you can be proud to leave the door open of!

    2011
    04/29
    CATEGORY
    Laundry Renovations
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    53 comments

    Top 4 Bathroom Trends

    It’s no wonder we are seeing a major rise in bathroom renovations that show off unique and distinctive trends – when you discover that the money invested in bathroom renovations today is becoming equal to or even exceeding the cost of kitchen renovations, it’s understandable that bathrooms have trends and benchmarks in their own right.

    Why is there a rise in bathroom trends and an elevation of bathroom style?

    Firstly, just like a kitchen, a bathroom is a key room of consideration for a prospective buyer and it adds to the home sale price.  Secondly, and possibly most prominently, a bathroom isn’t just a bathroom.  It’s now a retreat for pampering.  Calming.  Relaxing.  The concept of day spas is creeping its way into our homes.  And for good reason.  It enhances our day to day lifestyle.

    So what are the top 4 bathroom trends?  Let’s break it down.

    Top Bathroom Trend No 1: Colour 

     

    2011 Colour Forecast

    The Dulux 2011 colour forecast spotlights the warm, bright shades of the Lost Memoirs palette (source: Dulux)

    Based on the feedback from tradeshows, architects and interior designers, 2011 reveals a move towards oranges and yellows.  You may think them as too bright and buoyant, but used in combination with textures and fittings, these colours bring a fresh but incredibly warm and tranquil feel.  When selecting colours from this palette, just remember that sometimes a hint of contrast is better for smaller rooms, and take advantage of colours within the spectrum.  Less can be more.

     

    Top Bathroom Trend No 2: Fresh Fittings

     

    The industry is loving the freestanding bath right now.  It offers great flexibility in terms of design, not needing to be fixed against a wall.  It can leverage big spaces as well as create a boutique and prestigious feel. 

    The Caroma Metro close coupled toilet suite in our Jovian package

    Another trend in fittings is the elimination of exposed plumbing.  Back-to-wall toilet suites where the cisterns are hidden and the pan and push buttons are flush to the wall offer a crisp and seamless feel.  They are stylish and give off a hygienic impression. Best of all they are, in fact, easier to clean!

    But the biggest change is in the vanity.  Not only is there a rise in freestanding baths, but a rise in freestanding vanities that are custom designed.  Less and less prefabricated vanity units are being installed.  Rather, a custom designed vanity with access to unlimited colours, textures and materials seems to be the trend. With push-to-open draws and greater storage capacity, custom designed bathroom vanities with an inserted sink is now a top bathroom trend.

    In keeping with crisp and clean lines, tap fittings are continually moving towards chrome mixers for a neat finish with ease of use over the 3-piece tap fitting units. 

     

    Top Bathroom Trend No 3: Shape

     

    There is a distinct shift from square shapes in baths and basins and a larger adoption of curved shapes.  Just remember, trends come and go – so be aware that when you carry out your bathroom renovation, unless you are looking to refresh the room every 5 to 10 years, make sure you consider how much of a trend you want reflected in your bathroom.�
    The introduction of curves seems to be a reflection of the desire for a more natural feel in support of a tranquil retreat rather than a single purpose wet room.  Without question the curve adds a warmth and calmative feel over the square shapes, without compromising clean, crisp lines.

    And merging an old world heritage selection of amenities with modern accents in the overall bathroom design is also emerging.
    Check out our new Venecia bathroom package to see how classic taps can merge with modern fittings for a comforting effect.

     

    Top Bathroom Trend No 4: Nature

     

    Stone look tiles

    Bring back nature with stone look tiles (Source: deziner02)

    Bathrooms have now embraced nature to create the feel of a sanctuary in the home.  Whether it’s the use of organic or natural products from stone and wood over the typical bright white tiles or the creative use of natural light and colours, bathrooms are less sterile looking and much more inviting. 

    Windows from floor to ceiling with privacy shutters or garden oasis screens are a great way to bring nature in to your bathroom.  And an interesting new addition is led lighting incorporated in baths and showers so that the flow reflects the colours of your choice.  A fabulous way to create an atmosphere that you will feel is just for you. 

    But remember, you don’t need to use every trend on the market at once.  Pick what you like and make them yours.  It’s your bathroom, your retreat.  Enjoy!

    2011
    04/21
    CATEGORY
    Bathroom Renovations
    Uncategorized
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    3 comments

    6 Steps to Selecting The Right Tile For Your Renovation

    If you are looking at a way to make your kitchen, bathroom or laundry stand out – then your choice of tile is certainly one way to go about it.  Tiles offer the unique ability to make something original, rustic, old-world or ultra modern.  The options are almost unlimited.  So what should you look for when selecting a tile?

    Application type – Can the tile be applied to walls or floors?  Check the tile thickness to determine the application.  You must also give special consideration to wet area requirements. 

    1. Size – Do you want big and bold or small and intricate?
    2. Type – What is the tile made of?  What environment can it handle?  Always check with the manufacturer to ensure that your tile of choice is suitable for your needs.
    3. Durability – Is it easy to clean, streak free and long lasting? Can it handle high traffic areas?  Chip resistant? Non-porous?
    4. Contrasts – Do you want to go for one colour or accent with contrasting colours or textures?
    5. Colour – What colour range do you want to select from?  Some tile types offer greater selection than others.
    6. Texture – Do you want a rough or smooth surface?  Rough surfaces are usually more appropriate for walls rather than floors.  What glaze do you need?  Flooring tiles require more glaze than wall tiles as they are under greater lifestyle pressure.

    Here are some examples of tiles that you can consider when renovating your kitchen, bathroom or laundry.

    Rubber Tiles

    Rubber tiles have typically been made from recycled rubber and come in a broad selection of colours.  Considered durable, rubber tiles can be applied in wet areas as well as high traffic and multi-purpose rooms including garages.

    Just one example of a style of rubber tile, this one has plenty of grip for safety when wet

    Vinyl Tiles

    The beauty of vinyl tiles is that they can look like wood or stone without the price tag attached.  Available in many colours and textures as well as thickness, vinyl tiles come with adhesive backs or can be installed with high-grade adhesive.

    Mosaic Tiles

    Mosaic tiles have netting on the back so that they are easy to handle and pre-aligned for installation.  Alternatively, you can break up the sheets to create your own pattern.  They come at a price and as such are typically used for small areas or to accent large rooms.

    Mosaic Tiles

    This complicated-looking tiling is actually a cluster of larger mosaic style tiles, which is much easier to install than hundreds of small tiles

    Terracotta Tiles

    Terracotta tiles are great to renovate your kitchen, bathroom or laundry, particularly if you are going for a Tuscan theme.  Given they are a natural material, they come in different shapes, each with an individual look.  Very hardwearing and chip resistant.  Make sure they are sealed for best and long-lasting results!

    Ceramic Tiles

    Ceramic tiles give you plenty of choice in terms of colour and texture and can be made to look like marble or granite.  This is a good option if you want a marble or granite look, but you don’t want to pay the higher prices.

    Glass Tiles

    Glass tiles are made from recycled glass and are fantastic for splashbacks in kitchens as the colour possibilities are endless.  They are durable, easy to clean and come in many shapes and sizes to free your creative mind.  Also used for floors, glass tiles can look like mosaic or even brick…. but why would you do that when they look great as they are?  You may want to take a seat when you are getting a quote as you could be surprised….they don’t come cheap.

    You can even combine two tile trends in one with this mosaic glass tile

     

    Advice in time to save you a dime!

    Again, to stress a point, always check manufacturer recommendations in terms of how the tile can be applied in your home.  If you are opting to update your home yourself, you might want to get professional advice or tilers for installation.  There is nothing worse than ripping up tiles that have been laid incorrectly.  It’s a lot of mess.  A lot of time.  And a lot of avoidable expense.

    Mirror Tiles

    Mirrored tiles are another option that will reflect more light through the room and is used very effectively in small, dark spaces, as seen here in a renovation by The Inside Project

    2011
    04/15
    CATEGORY
    Bathroom Renovations
    Kitchen Renovations
    Uncategorized
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    14 comments

    Fast Facts – Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets

    Fast Facts – Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets

    Depending on the overall look you are trying to achieve with your kitchen renovation, as well as your budget, you can consider many options for your cupboards.  To help determine the best cupboard for you, think about the following:

    • Style
    • Finish
    • Colour
    • Durability
    • Cost

    Laminated Cabinet doors

    Laminated vacuum-formed doors are economical and durable due to the tough PVC foil heat-laminated to the surface.  You can have matching laminate edges or use PVC, ABS, aluminium, or timber.   Rolled edges can be popular as they offer safety for kids.  Cleaning is easy and you have plenty of choice when it comes to colour and finish with a choice from textured, matte, high-gloss and printed designs that look remarkably like timber.  Laminate is stain and water resistant – but keep hot pots and pans well clear of your kitchen cabinets to avoid discolouration.

    Painted two-pak cabinet doors

    Lacquered and polyurethane doors offer unlimited colour choices.  If the colour exists in Dulux or another colour palette – then you can have it applied to your cupboard door with varying finishes such as satin, matt and high gloss.  It isn’t cheap – but it is long lasting and easy to clean.  There are two things to think about here:

    1. You can’t have textures or timber-grain looks and….

    2.  They do tend to chip around the edges– so you have to get them redone over time.

    Hand painted kitchen Cabinets

    If your kitchen is French provincial or country style, then you may want to consider hand painted doors. Most colours are achievable and offer different degrees of aging and patina. On the downside, they tend to chip on door and drawer edges over time.

    Solid timber Cabinets doors

    Solid timber doors may suit a modern or country kitchen design and can often weather time, given the very nature of natural wood.  They hide dents and scratches better than plain painted or laminated doors and can be sanded back and re-stained.  You can also have creative routered designs to give a very unique edge to your kitchen renovation.

    Timber veneer cabinets doors

    Timber veneer is a thin layer of real wood fixed to a particleboard or medium density board to create a smooth, flat timber surface.  It can be an affordable option to solid timber, but you are restricted by style in that you can have flat panels only.  To combat this you can create patterns in timber veneer by laying the timber grains in different directions.  It’s easy to clean and adequately durable.

    Aluminium framed cabinets doors

    Aluminium framed doors are often used as feature doors that can have glass (frosted or clear safety glass), laminate or painted inserts – giving an added style to your look.  The flexibility of inserts lets you decide if you want to add warmth or clinical stylisation.

    Stainless Steel Cabinet Doors

    Take a gulp as stainless steel doors offer a bold statement.  Giving a modern, if not industrial look, it’s hygienic, durable and holds up to heat, water and chemicals.  Not a cheap option – and not for the shy.  It does show up marks easily especially sticky fingers, but you can buy products in an attempt to minimise this.  Still – stainless steel doors are going to be more time consuming to maintain and will show scratches. But to some this is the appeal of stainless steel as they feel it can actually add to the look over time.

    2010
    12/02
    CATEGORY
    Kitchen Renovations
    The Inside Project
    TAGS

    100 comments

    Soak up the benefits of a new bathroom

    Soak up the benefits of a new bathroom

    Like kitchens, bathrooms can be one of the most costly rooms to renovate.  In fact the industry is showing more and more that bathroom investments are exceeding kitchen prices.  So be mindful with your bathroom update and make wise choices.  Depending on the purpose of your bathroom rejuvenation – 2 very different approaches need to be considered.

    Are you keeping your home and want to enjoy new bathroom amenities? Or…

    Are you updating your bathroom to sell your home?

    Based on your answer, think about the following tips and apply those that make the most sense to your current bathroom renovation challenge.

    1. Establish a budget

    Even if you are updating your bathroom for your own enjoyment, just remember that you may sell your house down the track.  You can achieve the best bathroom for your needs without having to over capitalise.  As a guide, new bathrooms should cost between 2% and 3% of the total value of your property.  Go out in the market and price items such as basins, tiles, fittings, and make sure you allocate your budget proportionately to what will bring the best outcome for your bathroom.  Try to take some of the emotions out of it.  You may want to spend most of your budget on the latest basin, but this should not be at the expense of other items that need to go the distance.

    2. Select a renovation partner

    You can certainly attempt to renovate your bathroom yourself and hire trades people such as tilers and plumbers as you need them.  Get at least 3 quotes per job as the differences can be huge.  Do not underestimate the time involved in running the project, particularly when you are dealing with many service providers.  The benefits of selecting a single bathroom supplier may be a better option for you and often ends up cheaper in the long run.  They can get items for your bathroom at cost as well as use trade professionals that are reliable and leave you with a quality outcome.  Guarantees are also important – and offer more security than ad-hoc tradespeople.  Make sure your bathroom supplier offers references as well as an extensive photo gallery of work they have achieved.

    3. Make the most out of the space you have

    Changing the layout including the shower or toilet location may cost an extra $1K for plumbing, but can make a huge difference to space, storage, privacy and usability.  Take advantage of your bathroom supplier and get as many ideas from them as possible.  You don’t need to pay a designer; it’s what they do best.

    4. Use light colours to create space

    Older home designs often leave little room for the bathroom.  Not only can you optimise the space with the layout, but use colour to give the illusion of more room.  Just look at how spacious this outdated bathroom becomes with the use of neutral colours.  Other key aspects of this successful renovation include having clear glass so that the shower isn’t closed off – so that the eye can continue through the bathroom.

    Before The Inside Project Renovation

    Before The Inside Project Renovation

    Before The Inside Project Renovation

    5. Select quality fittings

    Make sure you spend more on items that need to go the distance like tap fittings.  By fitting new matching taps that are aesthetically pleasing, you’re bringing a sense of cohesion to the house. Fittings need to be in the context of the house and not just your own personal taste or desire.  Good taps also give the impression of solid, reliable plumbing.

    If you are going to cut costs on tiles, be careful that they clean up well.  Nothing will detract more from your renovation than floor tiles that permanently streak.  And your toilet matters.  There are plenty of shapes on the market with different plumbing needs.  Select the right model that matches the overall feel of your bathroom and one that can be easily installed based on your existing plumbing infrastructure.

    This bathroom upgrade is a great example of selecting fittings that are right for the aesthetic, space, and usability.  Avoiding pedestal basins and selecting a vanity offering storage, as well as the selection of a single tap fitting for more room at the sink – this renovation will provide a great bathroom for the existing owners as well as adding to the resale value for the future.


    Before The Inside Project Renovation

    Before The Inside Project Renovation

    After The Inside Project Renovation

    After The Inside Project Renovation

    6. Go for good energy ratings

    Over 40% of the water usage of your home comes from your bathroom and toilet.  Often old taps and toilets offer poor water ratings.  Make sure you select taps and showerheads with AAA rating or higher.  A dual flush toilet is much more efficient than a standard toilet as some are capable of using as little as 4.5 litres of water for full flush and 3 litres for a half flush.   Ensure your bathroom has good ventilation such as an open window and take advantage of solar heating for your water or continuous flow heaters so that the water is only heated as and when it is needed.

    2010
    11/08
    CATEGORY
    Bathroom Renovations
    The Inside Project
    TAGS
    45 comments

    Make the biggest impact on your home with the least amount of effort in just 7 steps

    Whether you plan on staying in your home for many years to come and want to enjoy the results of an update, or you would like to get the best price possible when you put your home on the market – consider the following options.

    1. 1. Modernise and refresh with paint

    A fresh coat of interior paint is the cheapest way to makeover a house and change the mood.  It is also one that you can actually do yourself without having to engage professionals – but be prepared to work hard as it is labour-intensive.

    -          Focus on the walls and leave the ceiling for professional painters

    -          Lighter colours give the illusion of bigger rooms

    -          Neutral colours are best for resale value

    -          Feature walls using wallpaper or contrast paint colour can bring an outdated style back into fashion

    -          Don’t use dark colours when there is limited natural light.  The brighter, the better.

    -          Move furniture into the middle of the room and cover it

    -          Start early in the day to get 2 coats completed

    -          Do one room at a time

    -          Put the effort into wall preparation.  The results are worth it.

    2. Update the flooring

    When you think that flooring reveals a significant amount of surface space in the home – it needs to be at its absolute best.  Depending on your long term plans, and based on your investment / return ration, consider your flooring options.  It can make a huge difference to the value or liveability of your home.  It can make your house look brighter, larger and more attractive.

    -          Get carpets steam cleaned, preferably in warm weather for best drying and to reduce lingering damp odours

    -          Replace or remove floor surfaces that are beyond repair such as worn carpets

    -          Explore underneath old carpet for timber floorboards that can be revitalised

    -          When recarpeting, check with suppliers that have discontinued product lines for cheap deals

    -          Have floorboards re-sanded, washed, stained, painted or resealed

    -          Repair broken tiles

    -          Patch damaged floors

    3. Spruce up the entrance

    When you consider first impressions, then the entrance is the first impression that counts most – especially if you are putting your house on the market.  It gives the signal that the property is well maintained before anyone even enters and may be used to detract from limitations you may have in garaging.

    -          Paint the front door in a strong colour

    -          Make sure the paint on your door is fresh and has no chips

    -          Repair flyscreen doors

    -          Add doorway furniture and an entrance mat

    -          Remove any items on the porch that shouldn’t be there such as dog beds

    -          Add an outdoor light, new mailbox or modern house number

    -          Add a pot plant to frame the door.  Planting herbs can add a great aroma, grow quickly, and are easy to maintain.

    4. Replace window fittings

    Cleaning your windows can be one of the last aspects you consider – but take our word for it; the amount of additional light that will shine through clean windows is staggering.  Another consideration is your window fittings.

    -          Carefully select the window fittings as it can dramatically improve the overall style of your home

    -          For a sleek look, select Holland or Roman blinds

    -          To warm up a room look to timber venetians or shutters

    -          Curtains can tie in your colour scheme and can be applied to other window treatments such as blinds

    Consider how often they will be used.  If they are going to be open and shut daily, make sure you go for quality so they will last the distance.

    2010
    10/25
    CATEGORY
    Bathroom Renovations
    Kitchen Renovations
    The Inside Project
    TAGS







    12 comments