Rental Unit Renovation in Carnegie, Melbourne

Rental in need of Renovation

Tim’s one-bedroom rental unit was in a popular suburb with an easy commute to the Melbourne CBD. But with a basic bathroom, old kitchen, and flashback 1980s flooring, it was in desperate need of a makeover. The dated unit was underperforming on the rental market, especially with new builds popping up nearby. With a gap in the tenancy, Tim decided it was the perfect time to create a fresh, new look. He reached out to Melbourne Refresh Consultant Leigh McDonald, who arranged a free consultation to discuss Tim’s renovation goals and see what was possible. 

Tim wanted a thorough makeover to make the unit modern and comfortable before returning it to the rental market. Since it was important to choose cost-effective options and have the home re-tenanted as soon as possible, the makeover would need to be tightly managed. Leigh explained the tried-and-true Refresh process to Tim: a bespoke renovation service tailored to Tim’s needs; no on-site work until Tim was happy with the design and budget; and a dedicated project manager and single point of contact throughout. 

A Modern Design

Leigh’s experience and end-to-end management were exactly what Tim needed, so together they began the process of planning a full refurbishment of the unit. The kitchen and bathroom both needed to be gutted. New paint, carpet, and vinyl-plank flooring would refresh the entire space, while drapes and lighting would provide the final touches to modernise the home and make it feel clean and welcoming. 

Tim was involved with the fixture and fittings choices as well. With Refresh, you can be as hands on (or off!) as you like, because we provide a tailored service that works for you. Every consultant is committed to providing exceptional service that makes you feel comfortable with the renovation process, and meets your goals within your budget. 

Construction Underway

Tim’s unit may have been small, but the renovation still required a full complement of skilled tradespeople. From tilers, cabinetmakers, and electricians, to painters, plumbers, and waterproofers, Leigh expertly managed the renovation schedule and every element of the build. Homeowners often find it time-consuming to source multiple quotes for multiple tradespeople and difficult to know which ones can be relied on. With Refresh, all of that stress is removed by your consultant who has an extensive network of professionals they trust to deliver quality results.

Once demolition was completed, the new kitchen and bathroom installations could get under way. Old wooden cupboards made way for stylish new cabinetry that provided plenty of storage space. The stainless-steel bench top with taps coming from the wall also thankfully disappeared, and a Formica counter in cool grey tones was set in its place. In the bathroom, a modern, glass shower was installed over a tiled floor to deliver a spacious, modern look.

Light, Bright, and Refreshed

Leigh delivered a highly successful makeover, taking Tim’s dated and dowdy unit and transforming it into a comfortable apartment that feels light and bright. The kitchen now has extra bench and cupboard space, as well as a built-in oven with ceramic cooktop. Sleek overhead touch-close cupboards house a hidden extraction fan, and the new tiled backsplash looks contemporary while being easy to clean.

Thanks to the all-glass shower and white vanity and paint, the bathroom feels extra spacious, and accommodating of the side waste toilet. A traditional standing vanity was the right choice for the space because of the storage it offered, another important feature in a small unit. New flooring, paint, and lighting throughout complete the transformation.

Final Thoughts

Efficient project management from design through to delivery enabled the full renovation to be finished and the unit rental-ready in just six weeks. Leigh says the renovation was a great success. “We met all of Tim’s goals with a quick turnaround and wonderful results. The kitchen in particular looks fantastic!”

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

Get in touch for a free consultation with your local Renovation Consultant