Author: Swati Tiwary

Renovating your own house is something that most people would look forward to and why shouldn’t they? The thought of changing your kitchen, bathroom or entire house to give it a complete makeover would get anyone excited.

One of the most important aspect of renovations however is the design process. This article will focus on the design process of a renovation. It will give you some vital interior design ideas that are important for a successful renovation.

The design phase is where all the excitement lies. This phase however can also be a complicated process. it is often difficult to put your ideas and vision into paper. To add to this complication, different members of your family would have different ideas on what they want from your home renovation. There is often a lot of back and forth with your family members which can make it all seem very frustrating. So what should you do?

Meet Orly from Place2Be

As a designer, my highest purpose is to create for my clients a tailor-made design that contains the ideal floor plan, colour scheme, material combination and concept, while considering their goals, style and budget and make sure they are happy with the outcome.

I believe (and it is also scientifically approved) that the environment around us affects our mood, productivity, and energy levels. With my efficient design process, I can help you to create a space where you would feel comfortable, organised and at peace.

Orly Baliti – Interior Designer

Website: https://www.place2be.design/ | Email: orly@place2be.design

Orly specialises in space planning and concept/color consultation which is exactly the kind of person who renovators need in order to get the best outcome from a renovation.

We decided to have a sit down with Orly Baliti who has been an interior designer for over 11 years to discuss various factors that come into play when clients are planning a renovation. She has worked with architects, engineers and builders designing and managing various projects in the commercial and residential sectors.

Here is what we discussed with Orly:

1. Importance of Planning for renovations and the design phase
2. How the correct design can add value to your renovation
3. 5 crucial steps in space planning to complement your renovation as told by Orly
4. Designer Home renovation projects by Superior Renovations in Auckland

Importance of space planning in your design process

When asked what the most important step for success was, Orly had no hesitations saying that it was planning. It was something which resonated with us as that is exactly what we tell our clients when they renovate with us. Your planning should include the following:

• Budget planning
• Your top priorities for renovating
• What outcome you want from your renovation
• Research
• Timeframes
• And the often forgotten one which is space planning.

What is space planning?

If you are wondering what exactly space planning is? Orly explains that space planning is an important aspect of the interior design process. Space planning is an in-depth analysis of how physical space is used in structures. It considers the purpose of spaces and who will use them. Space planning is a process that takes several steps, and its an important component that helps to ensure efficient use of floor space without wasting it. This also shows how you would move within the space. The plan is finally completed by putting details like textures, colours and even furniture in their places to show the overall look and feel of the place.

What can go wrong if space planning is not done well?

Orly explains that there are several things that can go wrong if you do not plan your space properly. If you do not plan your space well then it could lead to several problems once your renovation is completed. Space planning is a part of interior design that goes hand in had with renovations.

You might want a L shaped kitchen with a huge island but did you account for the dining table next to it? Perhaps that L shaped kitchen with an island has left no space for a decent sized dining table. Now you can only buy a 4 seater dining table when in fact you have a 6 person household. Having the right type of kitchen design especially in an open planned kitchen is important. For more kitchen and bathroom design ideas look at our kitchen gallery and bathroom gallery of renovated kitchens/bathrooms in Auckland.

Orly has shortlisted Top 5 things that she has seen with poor space planning.

1. Bad planning that leads to a space where you cannot fit your furniture
2. Non functional kitchen layout which leaves little working space
3. Non functional power points and lighting positions.
4. Lack of storage
5. Awkward material and colour combinations

Storage and Disposable solutions for our client’s kitchen renovation in Papatoetoe

How interior designers are an integral part of a renovation process

An interior designer can really take your renovation to the next level if you make her an integral part of your renovation process.

Orly explains that a lot of her clients renovate to add value to their property, whether it’s for them to enjoy it, rent it or sell in future. We found this to be very true for our clients as well because most of them looked at renovations of a way to add some sort of value to their home. In our experience renovations that add the most value to any home were:

• Kitchen renovations
• Bathroom renovations
• Painting their home
• Adding a deck

Naturally, you are looking to increase your return on investment and, the last thing you want is to be disappointed by the outcome. You also need to consider that during the renovation, there are lots of decisions to be made and lots of options available.

For example; choosing the right style, colours and materials, planing the lighting, create a better layout to maximise the space, add storage, etc. Confirming these details at the beginning of the renovation is essential to ensure there are no delays when it comes to finishing your home. Orly mentions that she often helps clients choose the materials for their renovation (like kitchen cabinets, tiles and wall paint) to help them realise their overall vision of their renovation.

Full house renovation completed in West Harbour, Auckland

5 Simple steps of space planning as told by Orly

So now that you know that space planning is important for a successful renovation you must be wondering where you should start. Orly says that the most important thing is not to get overwhelmed. Interior designers are there for a reason. It is their responsibility to narrow down the choices for you and make your design process as seamless as possible. She has outlined her 5 Step process to successfully plan a space for her clients.

Step 1: Explore the space and understand your purpose for renovation

Your first step should be have a walk around your space and ask yourself what the use of the space would be? What is the purpose for this renovation and what do you want to achieve? Is there anything you can do without? what would you like to change? Do you have a particular vision or is it a mix of things?

Once you get the answers to these questions, you will be able to prioritise the work that needs to be done, focus on the most critical issues and update your budget accordingly.

Step 2: Defining Zones and Natural Pathways

Take your time to do proper space planning and confirm it meets your needs and lifestyle. Try to define zones depending on their primary use.

If you are after a modern open floor plan where the kitchen, dining room and living room are all connected, it’s necessary to define each area. One way of doing it is adding an island to mark the heart of the kitchen. Just don’t forget to double-check if you have enough space to sit conveniently around it and that it doesn’t block your natural pathways.

You can also use furniture like the back of a sofa or a stylish bookshelf to create boundaries. Alternately you can even set a unique flooring feature to define a space like the living room. Once the spaces and your requirements are clear, you can sketch out the area. It would be useful to do it in scale, so you will be able to visualise how it all works together and achieve a functional layout. This will make shopping for furniture in the future easier.

Step 3: Choosing Colours and Textures

After you finished planning your space, it is time to choose colours and materials. It would be easier to start with tones and textures of design elements such as flooring, tiles, cabinetry, benchtop and splashback. It would be good to consult an interior designer for this process. You can select the wall paint colour last to finish up the look and create a complementing background

Step 4: Create a Mood Board

Collect samples from showroom and suppliers. Gather these materials and finishes to create a mood board. Explore, take your time to compare, see how they all work together. Remember that colours affects our mood and the atmosphere in the room. So don’t try to save time here as this process can definitely save you from making unnecessary mistakes in the future.

Step 5: Lay the actual space in your room with Samples

Once you’ve chosen your favourite colour tones, buy small pots of the paint to make a larger model that you can place around the room. Play around with lightings as things can look very different under different lighting. Also get some samples of textures to put around the room to see how they would look in different spaces.

Full house renovation completed in Epsom, Auckland

So do you need an interior designer for your renovation?

Your renovation company will have a designer on board to design the basic layout. However, if the process of pre-planning and designing your aesthetics sounds challenging to you then you should consult an interior designer. Consider working with an experienced interior designer alongside the builder at the very beginning of the project.

This can save a lot of frustration in the future. An interior designer will help you focus on functionality. The interior designer will also help create best layout and room flow for your needs. This will include furniture placement, kitchen and bathroom design, lighting design and colour consulting.

There’s no need to stress and overwhelmed about the colour, materials and choices in finishes. A skilled Interior designer will recommend and present a cohesive plan of how all the different elements work together. An interior designer and builder working together could yield a remarkable and highly functional space.

Designer home renovation projects by Superior Renovations

1. Urban Luxury home Renovation in Parnell

Our client had a centrally located quaint townhouse in Parnell. While the location was great, it lacked modern conveniences in the kitchen and living space. It was tiny, not functional and aesthetically unappealing. This home was fully renovated with concrete designer floors, changing the location of the kitchen to maximise functionality, adding a luxury modern feel to the bathrooms, building a false wall to install a fire place. See more of our finished bathrooms in the bathroom design gallery. See full case study here.

Full Town house renovation in Parnell by Superior Renovations

2. Cottage Style Kitchen Renovation

This was a special kitchen as it was about incorporating natural elements into the kitchen to reflect our client’s country surroundings. The kitchen was dated and was transformed into a chic country style kitchen complete with treated real wood as bench-tops, butler’s sink, floating shelves and cabinets that were wrapped in Dezignatek Thermoform with a ‘Ronda’ pattern to give them cabinets a vintage look see more

Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Auckland

3. Entertainer’s dream Kitchen and Lounge Renovation

Guru and Neeta from Massey had a closed off kitchen which did not let them enjoy an open plan living. They wanted to renovate to introduce a feel of luxury but also make it an open space which could double as an entertaining space. We opened up the space for them and also extended the kitchen counter towards the lounge to act like a bar. For more finished kitchens like this, browse our kitchen design gallery. The black and white see more

Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation in Massey

4. Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. Her inspiration came from the arched hallways when she first bought her home. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more

Bathroom, Kitchen and Laundry renovation in Stanmore Bay

Further Resources for your house interior design

1. Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
2. Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
3. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
4. Real client stories from Auckland

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Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations,
we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!

Are you looking at adding comfort and convenience to your home? Or renovating for an investment property?

Intention or motive is a key factor when planning your home renovation. It will determine your budget, the type of suppliers, raw materials, design and time-frame of your renovation. When you are renovating with the intention of renting it out or selling then your budget can be more limited as you do not have to make the house luxurious.

As long as it is functional and aesthetically pleasing with everything working well then you can look at getting more medium range supplies. However, if you are going to be living in the house then you might want to splurge more on design and luxury along with making it more functional.

In this article we will discuss the following:

We will discuss there broad intentions for renovating a home in Auckland. This guide will provide a comprehensive guide for planning your renovation based on 3 broad categories. It will talk about budget, types of materials that we recommend for the three types of renovations based on your intention to renovate in Auckland.

1. Renovations for when you want to rent your house in Auckland

2. When you want to add value to your home to sell in Future

3. Home Renovations for a family home – to increase functionality and comfort

1. Intention of renting your property

When you are renting your property your two aims should be aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to aesthetics you want to renovate your kitchen and bathroom with a medium range budget. Tenants are looking for a place which is modern and with minimal wear and tear. They also look for homes that are functional so they face the least amount of inconvenience.

Kitchen renovations in Auckland for rentals

Kitchen is one of those places that should always look and feel clean and hygienic. Old Auckland kitchens usually have a dated look about them which make them look aesthetically unappealing. No matter how any times you clean them they always appear slightly worn out and yellow. Hence, giving your kitchen a makeover greatly increases its chances of being rented at a good price. An easy way to renovate old kitchens is to replace the flooring, counter tops and work benches.

You can use mid-range materials for counter tops which will look nice and are durable but will not break your bank. Materials such as laminate, Engineered stone and glass counter-tops could be a great option for the kitchen if you are looking at renting the house out. They look great and will instantly make the home look much more appealing to the tenants. Laminate flooring is also a good option for such kitchens as they look great, are good for the budget and are durable.

Read more…

10 ways to increase rental yield through renovations and upgrades

Bathroom renovations in Auckland for rentals

If your bathroom is looking grimy then it is best to get it renovated before renting it out. An average bathroom renovation costs about 15K if you are replacing the shower, toilet, adding a vanity and replacing the floors. You can use Vinyl floors or simple tiles for the bathroom at a very reasonable cost. Basic showers and toilets can also be found at a reasonable price. If you are not changing the pluming around then bathroom renovation costs can be done at a very minimal cost.

Adding Rooms

One of the tricks for getting most out of your rental property is to make larger rooms into two different rooms. If you have a two bedroom home then it would be rented for about $550 on an average in most Auckland suburbs. But if your lounge is very spacious, you could erect a wall making a small study out of the lounge. This would give you a third bedroom or study. This would effectively let you increase the rent of your place. The added wall would cost you as much and is almost always possible because there is no structural change if the wall is added inside the house.

Read more…

Rental Full house Renovation in Hillsborough to get better rental yield

Painting in Auckland for rentals

If your home has started looking worn down then a good paint job throughout the house can also prove to be a good investment. The important thing is getting it done by a professional. A good paint job will make all the difference to your home and overall aesthetics of your rental property.

2. Intention of reselling or adding value to your property

If you are thinking of selling your house in the future then you should renovate with the intention of adding value to your home. Adding value does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money to ‘add value’. The perceived value of your home is the buyer’s perception of your home.

They want the foundation and structure of your home to be sound as they do not want to buy something that they will have to put more money into ‘fixing up’. Some of the key elements of the house like kitchen, and bathroom also need to be in good condition so that they do not have to spend money in maintenance like fixing leakages etc or even renovating.

Kitchen renovations and Bathrooms renovations to add value

When trying to sell your home you want to make sure that your bathroom has no plumbing issues, leakage or damage. That is the first thing that you should fix. You do not have to install the latest fixtures or accessories if your present toilet and shower are still in good shape. If they are however dated then it would be a good idea to pull the old bathtub out and install a new shower. The idea is to make the buyer have a higher perceived value of the home.

The kitchen is another aspect of the house that should be looked into before selling your home. If your kitchen is very outdated and has started to look shabby then a change is in order. Change the flooring and pull down the old cabinets to give your kitchen a fresh new look. There is no need for customisation; simply use the most basic cabinets and counter-tops to make it look modern.

Todd Chandler’s Home renovation in Saint Heliers to Add Value before Selling (see case study below)

Read more…

Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add value before selling

Stay away from themes

When selling your home it is good to stay away from modelling your rooms after certain themes. This might actually become detrimental to the sales process as your personal themes might not appeal to the buyer. If you are going for classic themes then it would be okay as classic timeless themes do appeal to most people. We would however not recommend renovating your home keeping a theme in mind as the return on investment for a project like that would not be great.

Painting in Auckland for Adding value

Adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior and interior of your home can also add considerable value to your home in the minds of the buyers. Again, we would advise you to paint in neutral colours as opposed to bold colours. Buyers will be willing to buy a house at a higher price if the house is well painted and looks striking.

Adding a deck to add value to a house

Add a deck to the house to instantly increase the value of your home. If you do not have a deck but do have the space on the outside of your home then we would recommend you to add a deck. The return on investment for building a deck is exponential as buyers would pay much higher for a home which provides them outdoor living.

3. Intention of giving your Family home to add comfort

When it comes to doing your own home renovation, then the options are unlimited. You can renovate your home based on your priority and needs of your family. If modernising your home is a priority then kitchen and bathroom would be the first few things to consider renovating. If you want a stylish makeover then you have plenty of options based on your budget, trends and personal preference for your home renovation.

Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay for a family home (see case study below)

Read more…

Full Kitchen transformation in Blockhouse Bay of an old dated kitchen to an open plan space

Kitchen Renovations in Auckland for a family home

If you want more functionality then consider changing the interior of your cabinets to the current shelf storage system trend. These cabinets have custom built shelves in cabinets for different types of appliances. This saves space and adds functionality to your kitchen. There are also numerous styles and designs available for designer kitchens if you want to add a touch of luxury to your home. Browse our kitchen design inspiration for finished Auckland projects. Most renovation companies have an in-house designer that can help you with the design process and source supplies to complement the style of kitchen you are after.

Lynette and Henry’s Kitchen renovation was done keeping their lifestyle in mind (see case study below)

Read more…

Lynette and Henry’s kitchen in Bucklands Beach was renovated to make it more functional for their family

Bathroom Renovations in Auckland for a family home

You could renovate your bathroom based on the needs of your family. If you are a growing family then you could convert your en-suite into a separate bathroom and toilet. Or you could convert the bathroom and toilet to make a luxurious en-suite. This type of renovation will really depend on your budget and your needs. For layout and finish ideas, see our bathroom design ideas.

Adding Rooms

You could add or pull down walls to either add rooms or make your current rooms more spacious depending on what you want out of your house renovation.

When doing your own home renovation, you should first ask yourself what you want and how much are you willing to spend. When you have a limited budget then drawing up a priority list is a must. If you have any problem areas like leakage then it is best to tackle that first as opposed to giving your home a makeover. If next on your list is the kitchen due to limited functionality then the best way to go forward would be to increase functionality rather than getting a makeover in terms of design.

Before the kitchen renovation

After completion (see case study below)

Read more…

Amber and Craig’s full home renovation (picture above)

Materials for family home renovations

When doing your home renovation we recommend using premium materials and supplies even if it means doing your renovation in stages. For example use granite or marble or solid wood for your kitchen counter-tops rather than laminate as you want to be able to enjoy the luxury of your home.

Guru and Neeta’s Kitchen renovation (Kitchen area + Bar area)

(see case study below)

Read more…

Guru and Neeta’s full Kitchen renovation to add luxury, comfort and convenience

Featured Projects for Family Homes and Investment Properties

Investment Property to increase rental yield in Hillsborough

Our client had a 2 bedroom house in Hillsborough which fetching very little rent due to its state. It was an old house with a very old and dilapidated bathroom and kitchen. Our client renovated the entire house in accordance with the current tenancy laws. The bathroom and kitchen was renovated with mid-range durable and easy to maintain materials see full project specifications

Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add Value before Selling

Todd Chandler initially started his renovation for the family but then decided to just add value to sell it. We renovated 3 of his old leaky bathrooms with mid-range materials. The entire house was painted and the decks were re-built in accordance to the code of compliance see project specifications

Full home renovation in Avondale for a 3 generational family living together

A full home renovation with structural changes, making space and room for 3 generations to live with comfort and convenience. This home needed to accommodate three generations with each generation having its unique needs in terms of convenience, comfort and aesthetics see full project specifications

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

References:

• https://tiledepot.co.nz

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

How exactly do you plan a rental renovation?

Planning a rental renovation is very different from renovation your home. A rental renovation is not an emotional investment where you consider the needs and wants of your family members. A rental renovation is all about investing your money in the right upgrades and renovations to get the maximum return on your investment.

You want to add value so you can get a better rental yield and also be able to resell it at a good profit. The materials you choose and the areas you renovate are considerably different from when you renovate your home. It is important to understand this difference so you do not over invest in your renovation.

In this article we will first discuss the following:

1. What exactly is rental yield
2. the reasons you should invest in a rental property renovation
3. whether a rental property renovation is the right thing to do for your current finances.

Finally we discuss in depth the 10 different ways that you can add value to your home and most importantly how you can increase your rental yield. Rental property renovations need a bit more planning than your normal home renovations as you want to be able to get a good return on investment.

Having the right plan is important before you invest into your rental property.

What exactly is rental yield?

If you are a property investor in Auckland, you are either looking at getting the maximum rental yield for your property or renovating to sell for a maximum return on investment. For the purpose of this article, we will be talking about ways in which investors across Auckland can maximise their rental yield through rental property renovations.

Rental yield is one of the most important figures for any landlord. It is basically the rent that they can charge for their investment property. You cannot however charge any number that you desire. The rent a landlord can charge is always in proportion to the value of the property. This is easily explained with an example of a luxury two-bedroom apartment that can yield $900 per week

whereas another 2-bedroom apartment in need of some sprucing up might yield only $450.

At every stage of your investment, you will have to carefully consider your rental yield. What is your realistic rental income versus mortgage payments? Many lenders will require you to show that you can at least get 125% of your repayments in rental income.

Not every renovation is the same or as important to your tenants. Some types of renovations offer more rental value than other renovations. Kitchen and Bathroom renovations are the top two renovations to add value to your property.

However, exactly why do you need to renovate your rental property?

Why should I renovate my rental property?

So it is really worth renovating your rental property? The answer is yes. Even simple renovations to your rental property can bring higher quality tenants who are willing to pay more for a comfortable modern home. They want a home that is functional, has all the modern amenities and is easy to clean and maintain.

Differentiate your property from other competitors by putting some thought into your renovation. Make it attractive for potential tenants and for future buyers.

Expert Tip: Do not renovate your rental property as you would your home. When you are renovating your home, you personalise your renovations according to your taste. However, your taste could be vastly different from your renter’s or buyer’s taste. If you personalise your property, then it could put a potential renter or buyer off the property.

When renovating to rent, choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain. This will make life easier for tenants but more importantly it will ensure that you have lesser wear and tear. Do not choose the most expensive hardwood flooring because you love it. Instead choose laminate flooring to mimic hardwood floors which are of a great quality, easy to clean, and fantastic for your budget.

Top 3 Reasons for renovating a rental property

• Improve energy efficiency: Adding energy efficient appliances such as induction cook-top means lesser electricity bills for tenants as well as a great selling point when you plan to sell in the future
• Increase property value: By renovating in a thoughtful manner you could add value to your property which would attract higher rent or fetch a higher yield when you plan to sell the home.
• Improve renter satisfaction: Include good quality appliances for your renters. Good quality appliances such as dishwashers etc would mean that they will increase renter satisfaction and also there will be fewer fixes that you have to make throughout the tenancy.

Now how much is too much to spend on rental property renovations? Let’s look at budget planning for rental property renovations.

Is a rental property renovation the right thing to do financially?

Research is important when renovating either your home or investment property. But when you decide to renovate your investment property it is even more important to do some thorough research about the market. Your first step would be to see whether you are charging low, median or higher rent as compared to the average rent for similar properties. If you are charging below the median rent then getting the property renovated to add value would be a great idea. However, if you are already charging way above the median rent then renovating to add value would not be great return on investment.

Here are a few questions to think through:

• How much will the property cost to renovate?
• How much will it allow you to increase the rent if renovating?
• How long will it take for you to pay off your cost of renovation with your new rental increase?
• How much can you increase the rent of your property realistically for people to want to renovate your property.

Once you have conducted your research, it would be good to contact a renovation company for advice related to the areas that could renovated with the goal of adding value to your property.

Do your research and get several quotes from various companies compare them in terms of what they offer and the costs. Choose a company that can give you a fixed quote in order to avoid future budget blowouts. Also as this is your investment property, you do not want to spend too much time on the property managing things. Choose a company that can provide a Design to Build service while providing a project manager to over see the entire renovation from beginning to end.

10 Improvements to increase rental value of your property through rental property renovations

A lot of landlords see minor upgrades as an expense rather than a long-term investment. Experts suggest that keep the formula simple. Invest in small upgrades that add convenience to a tenant in order to attract a more interest for your property, higher quality tenants and better rental yield. In the long term you will more than make your money back. Following are a few minor upgrades to add convenience:

1. Increase the comfort of your home

Heat pump installation

Adding a heat pumps are an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioning. Summers and Winters in NZ often require either fans or heaters. If you install a heat pump in your home, you are bound to differentiate your home and attract tenants that are willing to pay more for this convenience. You can either get single units for each room, multi-level split units for multiple rooms or ducted heat pumps for central heating. Moreover, central heating will add value to your home when you want to sell in the future.

Insulation for your rental property renovation

A well-insulated house does not only provide health benefits but is also important to ensure the longevity of your property. A house that is not insulated will encourage the growth of black mould which is detrimental to the structure of your home. Black mould can seep into your walls and cause them to crack which in turn weakens the structure of the house.

Homes which are not insulated further deter good quality tenants and retainability of good ones. A home that is not insulated will not attract families as they can prove to be an unhealthy environment for families. Families usually are better tenants who will look after your home better that students etc.

Ensure the longevity of your property and increase rental yield by insulating your property. It should never be mistaken as an expense but an in investment.

Kitchen renovation in Hillsborough

Read more…

Craig and Amber’s renovation in Hillsborough (picture above) started with fixing all leakages

Make sure your electric wiring is in good shape

Having your electric wiring in good shop might not translate into higher rental yield but it should be something you should check regularly. If your electric wiring is old and you have not checked it in a few years then it would be good to get a professional to carry out an assessment to ensure that it is in good shape. Bad, damaged or old electric wiring could be detrimental to the safety of your home and tenants. The sure signs of bad or damaged wiring could be frequent bulb blow outs or a fire.

2. Kitchen upgrades and Kitchen renovation

Gone are the days when a kitchen was a secluded room at the end of the house. Kitchen now is a very integral part of everyday living. Open plan kitchens are not just a trend but a way of living. Apart from structure and layout, easy to clean materials are a must if you want to attract good tenants and retain them. You should also use materials that are not hard to maintain such as hardwood flooring as you cannot guarantee whether your tenant will take good care of it.

Expert tip: Rental properties should never be renovated according to the owner’s personal taste. Too much personalisation can deter tenants as well as future buyers. When renovating an investment property use classic colours and low maintenance materials. Classic colours allow tenants as well as future tenants flexibility to mould the house to their tastes.

We have listed a few ways that you can get the most out of your kitchen renovation if you want to get a higher rental yield or add value to your kitchen. For layout inspiration, browse our kitchen design gallery.

• Flooring Use Laminate or Acrylic if you are redoing your kitchen floors. Laminate and acrylic flooring are low maintenance materials which are easy to clean and cost effective. They can imitate any other type of flooring in terms of texture and looks which make them a highly versatile material. Unlike most cost-effective solutions, they are also very highly durable which means that they increase the longevity of your kitchen floors. In case you do want to change this type of flooring in the future you can do so at a fraction of cost compared to hardwood flooring.

Property renovation in Avondale (see full case study) – Laminate flooring to imitate hardwood flooring

Read more…

Property renovation in Avondale (picture above)

• Cabinets and Drawers Changing or replacing your kitchen cabinets is a great way of refreshing the look of your kitchen. Most people think that it is cheaper to just change cabinet drawers rather than replacing the entire kitchen cabinet. This is far from the truth. This is because it is easier to manufacture entire kitchen cabinets rather than finding the right cabinet doors to fit your previous cabinet structure. The cost of manufacturing new kitchen cabinets, doors, drawers, drawer runners and shelving can range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the materials you choose as well as the size of your kitchen

It is also important to choose the right type of materials for your investment or rental property. Use Melteca for your kitchen cabinets to ensure durability and low maintenance compared real wood. Melteca is a highly versatile material which can imitate texture, look or colour of any other material. Melteca is also easy to clean and cost effective compared to real wood. This ensures longevity but is also easy to replace if you want to in the future due to low costs.

Kitchen renovation in West Harbour (see full case study)– Acrylic gloss finish cabinets custom built for low maintenance

Read more…

Kitchen renovation in West Harbour (picture above)

• Open plan Layout – Open plan kitchens are not just a trend but a way of living in our society today. If your kitchen is secluded at the end of the house, then it would be a good idea to call a professional to see how you can incorporate it into the living space. Breaking a couple of walls that separate your kitchen from the living room will create an open floor living that will generate more interest and a higher rental yield for your home. This will also add more value to your home if you plan to re-sell in the future.

Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay – Before walls were knocked down to make it an open plan space.

Kitchen Renovation in Blockhouse Bay(see full case study) – After we knocked down the walls and made it into an open plan space

• Energy efficient solutions – Install an induction cooktop for a safer and energy efficient solution for your property. While it is not mandatory by law to have a dishwasher, it would prove to be a differentiating point in a competitive market to have one in your rental property.

Full rental renovation in Hillsborough (see full case study) – Induction cook-to installed in this rental property to add value

3. Bathroom Upgrades and renovations

Bathrooms are the second most important thing that rentals and buyers look at after kitchens in a house. You can browse our bathroom designs for durable, tenant-friendly fit-out ideas. Bathroom renovations and upgrades add considerable value to a home and increase the rental yield of a house. Our project managers have put together a few things that you can upgrade in your bathroom to get a maximum return on your investment:

• Get your bathroom waterproofed, heated and well ventilated – Moisture is an enemy to your walls and structure. Professionally waterproofing and ventilating your bathroom will ensure the longevity of your property while adding comfort for your tenants. Waterproofing and ventilating your property will save you a considerable amount of money in the future in terms of damages

Rental renovation in Hillsborough above (see full case study)– We upgraded all fixtures and used low maintenance materials with minimum personalisation. This was an old and run down house but the owner wanted to renovate with the intention of charging above median rent.

Property renovation in Hillsborough above – Client replaced flooring, basin, shower and toilet with new fixtures. A few changes can make a world of difference in any bathroom. See full case study

• Installing new Fixtures – A bathroom with dated fixtures will hardly yield high rent or even a good price when you plan to sell your investment property. Update your dated bathtub for a modern shower to generate more interest for your rental property. Dilapidated bathrooms often deter tenants and buyers alike. Upgrade your toilet, vanity and bathtub in under $12,000 to increase the value of your property as well as rental yield.

4. Painting for your rental property renovation

Painting your house is a great cost-effective way of increasing the appeal of your property and preserving it. Painting a home increases the perceived value of a property which in turn increases its rental yield. Painting walls that have started looking drab will breathe a fresh life into your property which will attract a considerable amount of interest for renters and buyers alike.

Rental Property Upgrade – Before we painted the entire room

Rental Property upgrade – After we painted the room

If you have wallpapers on some of your walls, then this would be a good time to remove them and paint your walls. When you are renting out your property it is good to remember that you should be using solutions that will be able to sustain the most amount of wear and tear.

Full Painting in Greenhithe

Property renovation – We painted the entire house to add value to the property

Hence when painting your investment property, it would be a good idea to get it done with professionals and use oil-based paints. Oil based undercoats and paints are able to withstand a higher amount of wear and tear compared to water-based paints. Oil based paints are more expensive than water-based paints, but it will prove to be a better investment for your money and time.

5. Increase Curb Appeal for your rental property renovation

Aucklanders love to have an outdoor area where they can entertain family and friends during summer. Having a nice deck or outdoor area greatly increases the value of a property and also attracts higher interest from high quality renters. A nicely renovated outdoor area is the first impression your renter or buyers gets of your property.

Deck renovation in Cockle Bay (see full case study)– We replaced the old deck with a new one as it was dilapidated and unsafe for current use. The property had a lot of unused area around the house so we created a large deck to add value and convenience for clients.

Hence it is a good idea to invest a little money on renovating your deck or patio to a good standard. Deck renovations are inexpensive and a great return on investment for your property whether you are looking at getting a higher rental yield or increasing the value of your property before selling.

6. Minor Landscaping

First impressions count when renters or buyers first see your property in Auckland’s competitive market. The right renters will care if your property is well maintained from the outside. Make sure you keep the garden mowed; the trees mowed and plant a few plants for some added exterior appeal to your property.

When it comes to selling your property, a well landscaped exterior can add between 5.5% to 12.5% to the overall price of your house. While interior design trends might fade, a garden only matures with age which adds additional value to your property. The best way to add value through landscaping is having a plan. An incoherent plan or landscaping can in fact deter tenants and buyers.

Come up with a plan before you start your landscaping project. Take some professional advice, do some research and then commence your project.

7. Change the flooring of your property

Carpets have traditionally been the choice of flooring for living areas of most Auckland homes. Carpets however are difficult to maintain and start to look stained and dirty quite easily. Before we renovate homes, we always ask our clients what their reason for renovating is. This is because this will greatly impact the type of flooring you choose as well as your budget.

As mentioned above, rental and investment properties should make use of low maintenance materials for their renovations. If you have a carpeted rental property which has started looking old and stained, then it is not going to generate much interest in the rental or even buyer’s market.

To increase rental yield, it would be a good idea to rip your old carpets and renovate your rooms with a good quality laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is low maintenance and highly durable which will extend the longevity of your floors. They are also cost effective which means that even if they get ruined during a bad tenancy, they will not be expensive to replace. They also come in various, colours, textures, and designs which means that you can make your rental property aesthetically beautiful generating higher interest.

8. Small Aesthetic changes

If you are unable to invest in upgrades or renovations for your property, then think about making small aesthetic changes to your property. We have put together a few inexpensive ideas that you can implement to differentiate your property from competitors.

• Replace old curtains and blinds with new ones to breathe a fresh life into your rooms. Old curtains can also make a room look shabby which is not what you want if you are looking for a higher rental yield.
• Change your old stove top for a newer one. Kitchen is on top of the list for most tenants when they go for a house viewing. If you do not want to invest in a full kitchen upgrade, then it would be a good idea to change a few things to make the most out of your investment. An old stove top will deter potential tenants. A good quality stove top will only cost you $500 but even a $10 increase in rent/week due to this would get a good return on investment. The most popular and efficient stoves today are induction ovens. You can also opt for gas depending on your preference.
• Change old taps in your bathrooms – Old yellowing and cracking bathroom tap-ware can deter tenants even if it might seem like a small thing. Spruce up your bathroom by changing all tap-ware in your bathroom without breaking the bank.

BEFORE and AFTER – (see full case study) – Replaced flooring + Bathtub + Taps and Painted the entire bathroom.

• Trim and Maintain your garden and landscaping to ensure that your property is in a good and presentable condition. First impressions matter so keep your exterior neat and tidy before viewings.
• Change your kitchen bench-tops from old Vinyl to engineered stone bench-top. This can instantly lift your kitchen up and notch and dramatically change its look. Engineered bench-tops are versatile in design and texture so you can play around with it to add to the aesthetics of your kitchen. Engineered stone is very cost effective, durable, easy to clean and will last you a very long time.
• Clean before your viewings. It pays to hire professional cleaner to make sure that your property is presented at its best light. Clean the windows, dispose off outside debris, wash the exterior of your home and clean the interiors to attract good tenants who will be willing to pay more for your property. The idea is to sell a dream to the renters of a place they can call a home. Polish your hardwood floors to add some more shine and glamour to your floors.

9. Furnish your home for expatriates as renters

Auckland has many expats living here who come to the country for a few years and then leave. They usually look for a stress-free tenancy which is mostly paid by the company. Their ample rent allows them the freedom to pick houses that are well maintained, aesthetically pleasing and furnished well. High end rental property renovations should include furnishing the house as well to attract expats.

We would not recommend you furnish your property if you do not want to invest much money into your rental. Most renters in Auckland do not want furnished houses as they already have their own or they do not want to pay more for a furnished house.

Property upgrade and Renovation in Saint Heliers (see full case study)– Client wanted to renovate to add value before either renting as a luxury apartment or even selling.

If you want to attract expats, then you must be able to invest a good sum of money into revamping it. Expats do not want to bother with the hassle of buying furniture as they would be moving in a few years. In saying that, they also will not compromise with a house that is garishly furnished or have inferior quality. This does not mean that you must carry out a full renovation and get the most expensive furniture.

The key is to furnish it with some good quality furniture and a house that is tastefully decorated. You can double your rental yield if you invest some money into upgrading and decorating your property. Tell your agent that you are aiming for expats and take some advice before you begin redecorating. You can get up to $1500 per week for a 2-bedroom home if you upgrade and decorate correctly. Some examples of such houses are luxury apartments in the CBD.

10. Add a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer

Installing a dishwasher, washing Machine and dryer are not mandatory by law but they add great comfort for renters. Rental property renovations should be about including basic amenities to attract good quality tenants. More and more people are looking for properties that will make their life better without any hassle. This is all about getting a higher rental yield that you are currently getting. What tenant will not pay more for a house that has three comforts compared to a house that doesn’t?

Also, remember that you are not competing with every house in the market but a market that is of your choosing. You want to attract renters that are good, will stay for a long time, can pay more and will keep your property in a good condition.

Featured Projects

Investment Property to increase rental yield in Hillsborough

Our client had a 2 bedroom house in Hillsborough which fetching very little rent due to its state. It was an old house with a very old and dilapidated bathroom and kitchen. Our client renovated the entire house in accordance with the current tenancy laws. The bathroom and kitchen was renovated with mid-range durable and easy to maintain materials see full project specifications

Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add Value before Selling

Todd Chandler initially started his renovation for the family but then decided to just add value to sell it. We renovated 3 of his old leaky bathrooms with mid-range materials. The entire house was painted and the decks were re-built in accordance to the code of compliance see project specifications

Disclaimer: These cost estimates are based on quotes we’ve sent to past clients and jobs we’ve completed ourselves. This article is offered as a general guide only. The views and information expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency in New Zealand. Any person who relies upon any matter contained in this guide does so entirely at their own risk.

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As you walk into Tile Depot you are overwhelmed by the sheer scale of their range. We never realised how exciting a tile showroom could be. There were huge Italian tiles, small colourful accent tiles, tiles with various textures, tiles that emulated wood and the list just doesn’t stop. The tile trends are plenty and the process of choosing the right tile is made surprisingly easy when you consult with the Tile Depot ladies.

We met Ruth and Kitty from Tile Depot and it reinforced our conviction that their values fit right in with ours at Superior Renovations. Working, selling and advising about tiles was not their only goal. Working at tile depot helping clients choose the right tile for their spaces was something of a passion.

Ruth has worked in Tile Depot for more than 15 years while Kitty has worked there for almost 8 years. Their knowledge about various tiles, upcoming tile trends and how they affect a space was phenomenal.

As a lot of our clients choose their tiles from Tile depot, it was important for us to understand how their experience was. We had a long conversation with Ruth and Kitty. In our discussion we talked about:

1. tile trends of 2021
2. how to select the right type of tiles for your home and situation
3. tiling mistakes that people should avoid
4. how tiles can affect the aura of a room.

Read more…

18 Top trends in Bathroom Tile Design for 2021 in Auckland

Top 6 Tile Trends for 2021 by Kitty

1. Large Slabs of tiles

There are many advantages to using larger tiles in small and big spaces alike. Larger tiles make an area look ‘less busy’ says Ruth. There are lesser grout lines which means that when you use a large slab of tile in a small bathroom for example, then your room will look more spacious as opposed to if you use smaller tiles. Choose 600 by 600 or even 600 by 1200 for your spaces to bring out an elegant and spacious look for any room.

Read more…

Bathroom renovation in Ellerslie using large tiles on the floors

Greenhithe bathroom renovation with large square tiles

Large Neutral tiles with a marble look used in Avondale for 3 bathrooms

Large Matte Tiles used on the floor of kitchen and Lounge in Bucklands Beach – Lynette and Henry’s renovation

2. Tiles with Patterns

Gone are the days when tiles were just used for convenient clean up your bathrooms and kitchen. The conventional use of tiles has long been past. They are now used to add personality and aura to the room. Tiles used as feature walls or as a pattern on the wall have become very popular. 2021 will see a rise in the use of patterned tiles to add character to a room or as a feature wall. These vintage designs bring in some old-world charm to the modern homes of today.

A wide range of contemporary patterned tiles that can be used in a number of ways to add character to a room (Tile Depot, 2020)	Navy Artisan tiles used as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)
BrickOne Rosso Tiles used as a feature wall in the living room (Tile Depot, 2020)

Read more…

Patterned tiles used in bathroom floors for a bathroom renovation in Hillsborough

Casablanca Red adding a warm and earthy touch to a bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

Earthy May Olive and Fern (Tile Depot, 2020)

Read more…

Earthy tones and mosaic tiles used in a Bathroom and Kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay

4. Vibrant coloured tiles – the Casablanca collection

Tile trends are seeing a growth in the minimalist look with streamlined modern designs has also meant the growth of Vibrant tiles as accent walls or splashbacks. This is so people can add a ‘pop’ of colour to an otherwise neutral interior. The Casablanca collection at Tile Depot consists of a diverse range of bright and vibrant colours that can be used in any setting or space. Use Casablanca Black in your bathroom for an industrial look or Casablanca red to create a playful rustic look.

Casablanca Sky Blue as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

Casablanca Orange (Tile Depot, 2020)

Casablanca Bottle Green as a splash-back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)

5. Textured Feature walls

Traditionally textured tiles were only used around fireplaces and foyers. Textured have seen a growth in tile trends as feature walls as it generates interest and brings an essence of the outdoors into your home. The Lyon range at Tile Depot can be cleverly used as a feature wall in bedrooms and living areas.

Textured tiles in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

Textured Bronze Sky tiles used as a splash back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)

Textured Black as a back-splash (Tile Depot, 2020)

Read more…

Textured Hexagonal Tiles used as a backplash in Bucklands Beach Kitchen renovation

3d hexagonal Tiles used as a backsplash in Parnell for a Kitchen renovation

6. Metal Range

Mixing elements of metal along with tiles is another growing trend to bring out an industrial look. Mix metals as patterns in your living room to make a unique pattern or simply use it as accent tiles in your kitchen.

Metallic Stone Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

Metallic Rock Silver Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

Metallic Rock Bronze Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

Your needs as a Family greatly determine the types of tiles suited for you

Your needs as a family can be a huge factor on the type of tiles you choose for your home. Your needs as a family with young children would be very different compared to if you have elderly relatives living with you. When thinking about elders you should think of functionality more than just what the current tile trends are.

Ruth explains in greater detail on the types of tiles suited for various types of family and the importance of choosing your tiles with great care. Look at our chart below to understand the types of tiles suited for your home.

Young Families

Families with young children lead busy lives especially if they also have a career to juggle. Low maintenance tiles which prove easy to clean and are durable are their top priority.

Recommended tiles:

• Matte Finish tiles: Always remember the smoother the tiles the more slippery they will be. To avoid accidents and mishaps, choose matte finish tiles for your home.
• Smooth tiles: Avoid textured tiles for families with young kids as they are harder to clean when compared to smooth tiles.

An example of Low-Risk Porcelain tile

An example of a Moderate Risk Tile

Families with Elders

Anti-slip tiles are vital for elders and people with disabilities. The common misconception is that you can use outdoor tiles inside your home to avoid accidents due to slipping. This however is not true as outdoor tiles should never be used indoors.

Recommended tiles:

• Matte Finish – Smoother the tiles the slipperier they are. Hence use matte finish tiles to avoid any unwanted accidents.
• Antislip ratings – Tiles are rated between R9 to R13 with a standard interior tile having a rating of R9. If you are tiling an area that is at a slope, then it would be wise to choose one with a higher rating. The higher the rating the more slip-resistant it is.
• LifeMark Range R10 – Lifemark range that has been tested with slight slip resistance which is good for bathroom/shower, so if any household that is elderly, adult that has been injured or with young kids they should consider looking at the Lifemark range for a better slip resistance

A bathroom with LifeMark Tiles on the floor (Tile Depot, 2020)

Kitty shares the top 3 mistakes people make while choosing tiles for their home

1. Choosing small tiles for small spaces

As mentioned above, this is a very common mistake that people make when choosing tiles for their home. If your space is small, then choose large slabs of tiles to avoid breaks (in form of grout lines) between tiles.

2. Not buying extra tiles

It often happens that people buy the exact number of tiles that they require to tile a certain room. Kitty says that it is wise to buy an extra box of tiles for the future. It is common that stores discontinue a certain model of tiles which means that if something goes wrong in the future and you have to replace a tile then you might not be able to buy the exact one from the store again. In this case you might have to re-tile the entire area. To avoid this its best to have a spare box of tiles that you can use in case of any future mishap.

3. Always take a sample tile home before committing to the purchase

How a tile looks inside the store is very different to what it will look like in your bathroom. Factors like natural lighting of your bathroom and the layout greatly determine the shade of light that your tile will appear as. Hence its good to ask for a sample of the tile that you like and see how it looks inside your room.

Featured Projects

Full home Renovation in Parnell

This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell but the kitchen was tiny and lacked counter space. We completely changed the layout of this kitchen by first moving it from the left side of the area to the right. We then added cabinets in the dining area as an extended storage space. This cabinet featured shelves with internal lights which could be opened when required. The 3D textured Tile backplash was the star of of the kitchen. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications see more

Spanish Style Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry renovation in Auckland

Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. The use of mosaic tiles as feature strips in her kitchen and bathroom truly incorporated a Spanish feel to her Auckland kitchen. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more

Renovation Projects with Subway Tiles

Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers – Subway tiles used on Bathroom walls

Avondale home renovation – Subway tiles used as a backsplash in the kitchen

West Harbour home renovation – Subway tiles used in Kitchen and Bathroom

Craig and Amber’s home renovation – Subway tiles used in the Kitchen

Further Resources

1. Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
2. Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
3. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
4. Real client stories from Auckland

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

References:

• https://tiledepot.co.nz

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Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.