Monday 20 June 2011

5 Tips to Give your Bathroom an Instant Facelift

Bathrooms are an area that can easily date and become tired.  However there are things that you can do to your bathroom and give it an instant Facelift.

1. Update tapware. 

New stylish tapware can instantly give your bathroom a modern vibe.  There is a large range of tapware on the market from the cheapest end at Bunnings through to stylish new squarish modern styles.  Just remember to ensure what you buy will fit your existing sink and plumbing. 

TIP:  Take photos of the current tapware and under the vanity to take to your plumbing store so they can help you.

2. Re-grout / Clean Grout

Updating tiles in a bathroom can be costly.  A cost effective way to give your bathroom a fresh look is by professionally cleaning the grout or re-grouting.  This option can give you bathroom a fresh new look.

TIP:  Do not use harsh cleaners or bleaches in your showers/bath areas as they breakdown the silicones and do damage to the grout. 

3.  Paint

Updating the colour of the walls in your bathroom will give it a fresh new look.  Be colour confident and go for colours with slight hues that will highlight the features of your bathroom. 

TIP: Never paint dark colours in a small bathroom - light and bright colours always gives a fresh and clean look.

4.  Accessory Update

Changing the colour of your towels and your matching accessories is another way to change the look of your bathroom.  It also provides a way to bring in colour rather than through your tiles and painting. 

TIP: To keep your towels absorbent don't use fabric softener.  Dry under cover and they will always stay soft.  On darker towels use wool wash which is generally bleach free and it will maintain it's colour.

5, Create a new Environment

Bathrooms are a place of peach and time out, why not use the simple nic nacs and can impress your guest when they use your bathroom.  Add in pamper style items such as lotions, bath gels, soaps and coordinated flannels.  Add a bath holder to hold these items and fresh flowers or a plant.

TIP:  Minimise mould by ensuring you have air flow and light in the bathroom.  After showering leave doors open to allow bathrooms to fully dry and air, when possible.

http://www.spruceups.com.au/

Sunday 5 June 2011

Spruce Up News June 2011

I have recently published my Client Newsletter.  I am running a Refer a Friend Campaign and all are welcome.

Please refer to my latest newsletter

Thank you

Sandy
http://www.spruceups.com.au/

Thursday 2 June 2011

Presale Makeover Currambine Completed

I so just love it when I get to see my finished properties!!.

I worked so hard with this makeover and it was a big makeover with some real challenges which I just love.  But it is a very long process and is another great example of the Spruce Up Ultimate Presale Makeover package.

Little bit about the property.....it has been rented for nearly 7 years.  It was badly managed by a local real estate company in Currambine and I was just amazed that they thought the condition of the property was OK.  The client lived overseas and was not aware at all of any issues.  They had been advised it was in good condition.

Spa Area Before Makeover
 The Spa area is an example over grown, broken tiles on the BBQ area, rusted and broken BBQ, cracks and stains on the perspex fence, stains on paving etc.
Spa Area After Makeover
What a different a makeover can make to the area.

How does the process work with the Ultimate Presale Makeover.

I start with a presales makeover assessment and detailed report. During the property visit I take indepth notes, and lots of photos of all problem areas, rooms, back areas, model numbers, equipment.  This proeprty I look over 135 photos - these enalbe me to show damage, repairs required, problems, general room photos etc to the client and also refer back to for clarification.

I provide a very honest and independent view of the property.  This then unfortunately reflects on the property manager who have not done their jobs, as the property was in poor condition. 

The report is indepth and very detailed and discuss the outcomes wit the client and agree an action plan for the way forward.

In the report I provide for a range of options of any major repairs and maintenance or minor renovations or replacements that need to be completed. 

The quoting process commences prior to the departure of the tenant and recommend my clients to not extend or renew the lease as it is much easier and more conveneint to makeover and style the property without the tenat and can be completed in a shorter time period.  

I start the process of gathering estimates and quotes and collate the information and compile for the client to review and work out what is going to be completed and what is not to be done.  Generally it is budget that restricts some of the items being done, but also the category of "nice to have but not necessary". 

As part of my service I do the entire design/styling of the property which includes areas such as floor coverings, window treatments, paint colours, kitchen and bathroom changes along with garden design etc.  I personally oversee all steps.

I have experienced times where the clients have a set idea on what would be good for the presale makeover, when it fact it will add no value and they are unlikely to get their money back.   I have to convince them NOT TO SPEND MONEY... What?  Yep I do that so I can ensure that their presale makeover and property styling budget is spent wisely and there is money in the kitty for the things that do matter.

So Spruce Ups by Sandy has swung into action and things are all go once the tenant vacates.

We start the implementation and each trade and service has been engaged and is aware of the date they are to complete the work and the importance of them turning up when required.  Every service is planned based on the work they need to undertaken and one slip can delay others

The work is completed, services and trades are paid, then we start the styling and staging of the property.  The fun bit!  It's a blank canvas.

I install the hire furniture, style it up with the furniture and furnishings and I transform this property from a very unattractive property into an amazing well presented home!

It looks just amazing and each time my clients are happy and just amazed at how wonderful their home can look.  I can also do this for existing and new home owners, it is not expensive.  Currambine is no different, it is a beautiful home, great layout, great feel and great entertaining area and will sell fast!!
Living Area Before Makeover
Very cluttered with the tenants items and it would just not be suitable to leave the tenants in and try and sell it.  It would significnatly discount the value of the property.

Living Area After Makeover
 For more before and after photos visit my gallery click here

A little bit about the styling...paint colour selected is Dulux Sandy Day Half.  Blinds and carpets supplied by Spruce Ups by Sandy. Blinds Chino and carpet Coffee colour.  It all blends well and modernises the home instantly.

The stats on the makeover to show you that presale makeovers work.  Post presale makeover the property will list in the low $600,000.  Prior to any presale makeover it would have most likely listed in the low $500,000 possibly below.

Investment return for the client = up to 2 times their investment.

http://www.spruceups.com.au/