ProPerty& renovations
renovating
Homeowners renovate for a range of reasons, but the aspects they need to consider are very similar.
Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) CEO Antonia Mercorella says there are four key things to consider before renovating.
overca P italising
This happens when a renovation costs more than it 'makes back' in added value.
“It’s very easy to get carried away when it comes to making improvements to our own homes – particularly if this is your potential ‘forever home’ rather than an investment property,” Antonia explains.
“Either way, the right renovations can turn your house into a cash flowpositive property or simply help you better enjoy living in your home.
“Regardless of what kind of renovator you are, most of us would agree that it’s best to avoid spending money on our property (whether it’s the initial purchase, or spending money on improvements and renovations) that’s not able to be recouped down the track if and when we eventually sell.”
timing
Deciding when to renovate is another key factor.
“It’s important to consider things like the interest rate environment, the growth in the sales market (still moving in a northerly direction) and the cost of building and labour (still high but signs of stabilising),” Antonia says.
“Tradespeople are still in high demand and can be rare as hens’ teeth, meaning you’ll need to do your get your ducks lined up well
in advance and consider having a contingency plan for materials or trades shortages.
“Consider what environment would mean that you’d be paying top dollar for your renovation, to determine if now is the right time for the type of renovation you want to undertake.”
cost
This is a major consideration, so setting a budget is an essential starting point.
“The general rule of thumb that many still use, is that cosmetic renovations shouldn’t cost more than 10 per cent of the current market value of your home,” Antonia says.
“A good starting point is to seek advice from an REIQ-Accredited Agency. They can provide a current appraisal for your property as well as solid insights on where to concentrate your
renovations.
“An agent can also provide information on median house prices and a comprehensive sales history for the locality of your property.
“Adding value to your home should be based on what the market is willing to pay, which is why doing your due diligence and understanding the market at the time and where it might be headed is critical.”
Renovators also need to consider future potential buyers of the property to ensure improvements appeal to the type of buyer their neighbourhood typically attracts.
“This will help target the price point you want to achieve with your home renovation, the investment you need to make, and the buyer pool looking for what you’ll have to offer,” she says.
vital for renovations D esign
Engaging the services of an interior designer is as important as locking in any other contractor to renovate or build a home, according to Element Interior Design & Styling’s Toni Empringham.
“Interior Design is no longer seen as a luxury service, it’s an essential service that aligns with all of the other contractors,” Toni explains.
“If you are spending a lot of money and time on these projects, it’s essential to work with an interior designer that can help you make those important decisions and achieve your vision.”
Toni, who has lived on the Peninsula for the past 13 years, says the property market has boomed but quality renovations achieve better sale prices than “the home job, Band-Aid approach”.
This does not, however, mean homeowners have to spend a lot on products they are using.
“It’s the quality of the installation and the finish that will ultimately determine the results,” Toni explains.
“It’s knowing where to invest in the areas of your home that are going to give the best results. This strategy also applies to new builds, whether you’re building your forever home or building to sell in the future. It’s about getting that consistency right to create a timeless interior that appeals to a wider market and fits within your budget.”
Toni says the biggest misconception is that interior designers only do high-end jobs at high-end prices.
“Another misconception is that interior designers just do way-out, impractical and expensive designs. We can absolutely do this if that is required … but more often it is the interior designer who can offer practical, consistent and budget-conscious design.
FIND OUT MORE: 0404 049 601 elementinteriors@outlook.com
“We have the knowledge and experience in creating practical spaces that suit how you live and how you use the space.”
Element Interior Design and Styling is creating a studio at Margate where clients can book a consultation and view samples they need.
“With a large range of tiles, flooring, stone, cabinetry and
tapware, this will be a onestop design hub to get your projects going,” Toni says.
“Bring your plans in and we can review them, or alternatively, we also have an onsite building designer for extensions, new builds and custom structural requirements. We have extensive knowledge and experience with local council and building requirements.”
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d esign, functionality
can make or break a brand
Whether it's a retail shop aiming to increase foot traffic, a hospitality venue aiming to elevate ambiance, a healthcare clinic pursuing comfort and efficiency, or an office space needing to inspire employees, a renovation has the power to transform a space – and the business within it.
When it comes to commercial interior design and fitout, Woodland Fitouts is a trusted name – and for good reason.
Woodland Fitouts Managing Director Michael Casablanca shares tips he's gained from more than 30 years in the industry.
What has the biggest impact when refreshing a commercial space?
First impressions count. Think about the waiting area of your medical clinic … is it inviting?
Also consider the reception area in your office space, which is what customers and clients see first, or the
3205 4188
view for customers as they enter your cafe. In a retail environment, your best bang for buck is investing in changerooms and your pointof-sale counter because this is where customers will spend most of their time.
Do I need to invest in design?
Partnering with an experienced
design company may seem like an additional cost to start with, but you will save money in the long run. You will reap the rewards of the designer's creativity, technical knowledge and industry insight. They understand how layout, lighting, materials and finishes can be curated not just for visual impact but also for functionality, flow and compliance. For businesses in sectors like medical and allied health, where patient experience and hygiene are priorities, expert design guidance is essential. We partner with some of the best designers in the industry to ensure the design meets your fitout budget from the beginning – meaning there are no unexpected costs. Why choose a fitout company over DIY?
Bespoke joinery plays a central role in commercial fitouts, offering custom-built solutions tailored to the needs of the space. Woodland Fitouts has our own joinery factory in Brendale, where we can ensure quick turn-around and quality joinery that will last –especially in high traffic areas. Whether it’s handcrafted reception counters, display shelving, integrated storage, or seating, bespoke joinery ensures space is purposeful and aesthetically cohesive to align with your brand. What else do I need to consider?
You may need to think about legislation and permits as well as requirements from the shopping centre or landlord. At Woodland Fitouts, our projects managers take care of everything. Acting as the central point of contact, the project manager oversees timelines, co-ordinates trades, manages permits and approvals, and ensures
the renovation progresses smoothly and efficiently. This is especially valuable for business owners who can’t afford downtime or disruptions to operations. How much does a fitout cost?
The cost of a fitout for an office, retail store, health clinic, cafe or restaurant will depend on factors including the size of floorplan, existing layout, joinery you require and level of detail you want. Woodland Fitouts can guide you on budget, using experience from thousands of projects, so you know from the beginning how much your project will cost. Collaboration between our designers and project managers ensures everyone is on the same page in regards to your budget, timeline and project needs.
How long does an interior fitout take?
The timeline for a fitout project will be determined by the size of the project. For a basic fitout, we suggest allowing 12–14 weeks for design, through to manufacturing, and installation. One of the benefits of having a fitout company with its own joinery factory is the fast turnaround with bespoke joinery, meaning you get quality products that are designed and built just for your business without delay.
What makes Woodland Fitouts special?
What really sets us apart is that we partner with our clients to bring their vision to life. We are proud to be a familyowned company trusted by some of the biggest national and international brands. There is no better praise than when brands come back to Woodland Fitouts time and time again – some for more than 20 years.
Pr
Perty& renovations
o range s herbet
Woodland Fitouts has helped Orange Sherbet expand its brick-and-mortar footprint throughout Queensland during the past two years - growing from its flagship Redcliffe waterfront store, to now also having boutiques at Kawana, Chermside, Wynnum, Helensvale, and soon Toowoomba.
Orange Sherbet owner Katie Naprasnik says it is important to find a fitout company that acts like an extension of your own business and shares the same values.
“Woodland Fitouts truly understands what Orange Sherbet stands for – empowering women and creating an uplifting, welcoming space,” she says. "Every store needs to reflect
that energy and feel consistent with our brand, and the Woodland team has delivered that seamlessly every time –on time and on budget.
"Their attention to detail, communication and ability to problem-solve on the fly has been second to none. We have a dedicated project manager who understands our business, and what we are trying to achieve.
"Not only do Woodland Fitouts take care of the design, joinery, signage and all trades, they also take care of all the permits and requirements from the shopping centre, which means our team can focus on hiring and training new team members and building the excitement about our new boutique's opening."
CASE STUDY
yo U r FLooring
Thinking about giving your floors a facelift? Renovating your flooring is one of the most effective ways to transform your home, but there are a few key things to consider before you get started. The experts at Redcliffe’s The Flooring Shop share their tips...
1. know your lifestyle needs Do you have children, pets, or high-traffic areas? Different floors suit different lifestyles. Vinyl and hybrid floors are tough, low-maintenance options for busy households, while timber and engineered wood add warmth for a timeless appeal.
2. understand your subfloor Build a solid foundation for your floor to avoid issues long term. If you put a level over it and can fit a $2 coin under one side –you need levelling. This is one of the most over-looked yet vital parts of your installation.
3. set a realistic budget It’s not just about the cost of the planks – factor in underlay, trims, installation and any necessary floor preparation.
4. h igh rise?
If you live in a high-rise apartment, there are two things you need to consider: firstly, check with body corporate for its acoustic ratings – this may affect what product you can install; and secondly, if the height of the floor changes you may need to factor in fire door adjustment. Ready to take the next step? Visit our showroom to see, touch and walk on our flooring options. From concept to completion, we’ve got you covered.
VISIT
theflooringshop.com.au
PHONE 3132 1611 1/149 Sutton St, Redcliffe
PLACE REDCLIFFE PENINSULA: Your Newport Specialists
“I don’t just sell propertyI create a strategy that maximises your outcome.”
Place Redcliffe Peninsula Director Jess Culling is a leading sales agent in Newport, who specialises in premium and luxury canal and waterfront property.
Jess and her team of suburb specialists are high performers in their markets, drawing on local expertise, proven systems and a shared commitment to achieve exceptional results for their clients.
“As a leading agent in Newport’s prestige market, I’ve built a reputation for setting suburb benchmarks, achieving exceptional results and creating a standout presence in the luxury and waterfront space,” she says.
“I’ve also earned recognition as the number one choice for selling Newport’s canal, waterfront, and lakeside properties – based on consistent multi-million-dollar outcomes.
“I don’t just work in Newport – I live here. As a young mother, I’m proud to be an active part of this community, supporting local schools, charities and Peninsula-based businesses and events.”
After spending more than a decade developing strong relationships with high-end buyers and sellers in the area, Jess has an insight into the behaviour that influences buyer strategy and negotiation.
“Having started my career as a buyer’s agent, I offer a rare advantage when it comes to understanding buyer psychology,” she explains.
THE TEAM BEHIND JESS CULLING
At this level of the market, every detail matters. That’s why you’re supported by a dedicated team of professionals who are as invested in your result as Jess is.
From campaign management and digital marketing to buyer nurturing and contract support, you’ll experience a seamless process with a premium touch.
The Place Redcliffe Peninsula in-house team includes:
Buyer Manager and Sales Associates: Driving buyer engagement with prompt follow-up, private inspections and a strong presence at open homes to create competitive momentum
Marketing Manager and Creative Team: Executing a premium digital campaign across every platform, using strategy, design, copywriting and media management to showcase your home at its best
Administration and Compliance Specialists: Managing every detail behind the scenes to ensure your campaign is seamless, compliant and stress-free from start to finish.
“ The right team doesn’t just get the job done - they elevate every part of the experience.”
