RENOVATING FOR PROFIT WITH CHERIE BARBER

TOP 5 BATHROOM TIPS This week on The Living Room, professional renovator Cherie Barber counts down her top 5 tips for renovating your bathroom on a budget.    

   

     

 

ABOUT CHERIE BARBER

Cherie Barber is a professional renovator, highly sought after public speaker and media contributor. In 2001, Cherie threw in her full-time marketing job at the end of her first renovation, which saw her earn more money on the weekends renovating than her full-time employment. In 2009, she established Renovating For Profit, a company that runs 3 day renovation workshops that teach everyday people, how to do quick cosmetic renovations for a profit. She now juggles renovating with her national public speaking, business & media commitments and believes once you have the right knowledge, anyone can do it!

Cherie Barber: Renovating For Profit Phone: (02) 9555 5010 www.renovatingforprofit.com.au

   

     

 

TIP FIVE: KEEP WHAT YOU CAN Before you go crazy with a sledgehammer, ask yourself – can I keep the existing fit out and work to spruce it up? Plumbing is easily the most expensive part of renovating any bathroom. But even if it all stays in place you can easily change or rotate fixtures for a better layout.

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If you do need to rip everything out, a great rule of thumb is to budget 1.5 – 2% of the property value to the bathroom renovation.

   

     

 

TIP FOUR: BIGGER IS BETTER Even though the bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the house, a larger bathroom definitely appeals to a larger pool of potential buyers. It’s up to you to make it look bigger. You can achieve this by using large mirrors to bounce light around and remove elements that may block the line of sight in the room such as shower screens and linen presses.

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If you can’t remove something entirely, choose a transparent option like the above shower screen.

   

     

 

TIP THREE: TILE TACTICS Most people can’t tell the difference between a cheap and expensive tile. Always remember that when renovating for profit it’s about getting the best possible look for the lowest possible cost.

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Bigger often looks better as already mentioned – this also applies to tiles as they look more expensive. Even though vertical lines may be slimming, in the bathroom, lay your tiles, or the tile pattern horizontally to make the room seem as wide as possible.

   

     

 

TIP TWO: BAG A BARGAIN It might sound obvious but remember you don't always have to buy brand new. Every dollar saved is a dollar of profit earned. Check online, recycling centres or even live auctions.

Even when buying new, what costs more doesn’t always add more value. Elements like fixtures often look more expensive in chrome or metal styles, even though they might be less expensive.

   

     

 

TIP ONE: CALL IN THE PROS There are some things when you’re renovating that you just shouldn’t do yourself. Instead call in a plumber, electrician or tiler. If you’re dealing with an older home, never remove the asbestos yourself. Always call in a professional!

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There are, however, plenty of jobs you can do yourself when renovating. Think about assembling a flat pack vanity or cabinet, adding your own grouting or even giving your bathtub or tiles a new lease on life with a coat of paint.

   

     

 

WEBLINKS Renovating for Profit www.renovatingforprofit.com.au Bunnings Warehouse www.bunnings.com.au