Rental Ready Renovation for a Carnegie One Bedroom Home

Project Overview

This project involved a complete renovation of a one-bedroom unit in Carnegie. The property was an investment unit, and the owner wanted to fully upgrade it so that it could be rented at a higher price and attract long-term tenants.

The interesting part is that Refresh Renovations had renovated the unit right next door the previous year. Both units had the same layout, just flipped, so the team already knew what needed to be done and how much things were likely to cost. It made planning and pricing easier, helping the owner feel confident from the start.

Why the Client Wanted to Renovate?

The owner sought to enhance the property's overall value. Over time, the old layout and outdated features made the unit less appealing, and the client recognised that it needed a comprehensive update to remain competitive in the rental market.

They wanted:

• A fresh, modern kitchen
• Clean, bright bathrooms
• New flooring
• Updated lighting
• A look that would suit future resale
• Energy-efficient features, if possible

The client also wanted the unit to appeal to buyers if they ever decided to sell. They understood that a modern refresh could help increase the property's market value.

They had no previous renovation experience, but after speaking with the neighbour (who had hired Refresh for the unit next door), they felt confident choosing the same team.

Design and Planning

Refresh Renovations handled the design and the build. They used the same designer who created the plans for the unit next door, which made the design process faster and more efficient.

The goal of the design was to create:

• A clean, neutral colour palette
• A bright, spacious feel
• Durable finishes suitable for renters
• A modern look that would stand out in the rental market

Since this was an investment property, simplicity, durability, and fast turnaround were the priorities.

Project Execution

The Refresh team managed everything from demolition to final finishes. The following tradespeople were involved:

• Carpenter
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Plasterer
• Tiler
• Painter
• Renderer
• Demolition crew
• Carpet installer
• Flooring installer

Main Work Completed

• Full demolition of old fixtures
• Kitchen upgrade
• Bathroom refresh
• New flooring throughout the unit
• Fresh paintwork
• Updated lighting and electrical
• Modern tiling and finishes
• New carpets in the bedroom
• Rendering and touch-ups

The aim was to give the unit a fresh, modern feel that renters could immediately appreciate.

Challenges Faced

There was only one delay, and it involved the front security door. Because this unit was part of a block of apartments, Body Corporate rules required the new door to match the exact style of the other units. The supplier had to order the correct door model from the manufacturer.

This delay added three extra weeks over the Christmas holiday period. However, the good news was that:

• The renovation itself was finished on time
• The unit could still be advertised and rented
• The door installation did not interrupt the rental process

It was a minor issue, but it did not impact the owner’s ability to earn from the property.

Final Result

The finished unit looks:

• Bright
• Modern
• Fresh
• Neutral and calming
• Perfect for renters

The colour palette is simple and stylish, giving the entire space a clean and inviting look. The new finishes and upgrades make the property feel much more spacious and updated.

The owner was able to increase the rental price after the renovation. Before the upgrade, the property’s condition did not allow for a rental increase. But after the Refresh team completed the work, the improved layout and fresh design helped boost the rental value to a level the owner was happy with.

Client Experience

The client had no negative past experiences with renovations. They chose Refresh because the neighbour recommended the team after completing the unit next door.

Their main concerns were:

• Sticking to the timeline
• Staying close to the budget
• Ensuring the unit could be rented as soon as possible

Refresh handled the design, build, and project management, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Final Thoughts

The complete renovation in Carnegie proves that even a small unit can undergo significant improvements with the right upgrades. The one-bedroom home now looks clean, modern, and fresh. It feels brighter, more welcoming, and much easier for new tenants to enjoy.

Due to these changes, the owner can now rent the property for a higher price. The makeover not only made the unit look nicer, but it also helped the owner earn a higher return on their investment.