Internal and external painting of property

• Colour charts are a guide only. Often the colour sample in the brochure does not look the same when you start painting. Take the time to get some paint sample jars and splash the colour on the wall to see if you are happy with it.
• Be sure that the external colour you choose matches or compliments your window frames or security screens. You don't want to choose a colour that makes the windows or screens look out of place.
• Paint walls in a neutral colour and use washable paint.

Kitchen

• Sometimes you don't need to replace the entire kitchen to get a new, fresh look. Speak to your kitchen professional about keeping the existing structure and replace cupboard doors, handles and bench-tops.

Internal Tiling

• You do not always need to retile. You may choose to replace old, discoloured white grout with a fresh new sparkling grout.
• If you do choose to retile the kitchen or bathroom areas, be aware that not all tiles will come away from the wall successfully. If the glue is embedded to the wall, you may need to re-sheet the walls, causing an unexpected cost in your budget.

Floor Coverings

• Choose a carpet that is long wearing and durable. Avoid light tones that will easily stain.
• If replacing floor coverings in the kitchen, avoid soft vinyl - the simple act of moving a fridge can easily cause cuts and tears. Use heavy grade linoleum or tiles.
• If you are considering laying timber floors where there are currently tiles, you can save money by laying the timber over tiles. You will need to factor in the increase of the floor level and will possibly need to trim the bottom of the doors. If you are laying carpet up to the new raised level of the timber floors, your carpet layer can install a small ramp at the door entrance to raise the level to the timber floor.

Establish a Budget

• When renovating a property, costs can quickly escalate if you don't have a realistic budget. Even with a budget, very rarely will someone complete the works within the budget. When establishing a budget, allow an extra 20-30% of your estimated total for unexpected works.

Published by PPM Group