£3000 refurb for 1-bed flat

theGrinch

okay here's one for those with imagination.
1-bed flat to refurb

bed 13 x 11, open plan kitchen 16'7 x 13, bathroom/wc, no gardens

I have £3000 for materials and 2-weeks in time. new bathroom and
kitchen are on my list together with redecorate and new bolier.
thats about £2,000. any other suggestions for £1000?

any money saving tips?

r.mac_2

my advice is not concerned with money as such. When I moved into my flat about 8 months ago there was tonnes I wanted to change. However, given a little time to settle in and live with things, the things I want to change have changed (if I havn't confused you!)

Basically it has helped me prioritise. Those lime green walls might be hideous at the moment, but you may find that they disappear down the list when you discover that a new sofa is more of a priority for you etc.

Just a thought - take your time with a kitchen, use all the free design services that B&Q etc offer and play around with layouts etc.

good luck!

theGrinch

ah thanks for the reply. I should have said that I will be selling the flat once done.

r.mac_2

sorry!

In that case my advice comes from watching lots of proerty programmes on TV! Don't be over ambitious, or spend in areas that it is unnecessary.

You are right to concentrate on the bathroom and kitchen, in my opinion. Avoid anything that it too fashionable. Too much stainless steel is a pain to keep shiney and clean!

Oh and try to show the space you have as being as flexible as possible. A table in a kitchen can add lots of value. If it's a little tight, why not try a fold away wall table. IKEA do really nice ones which are great value.

As for the rest of your money - don't spent it unless you think it is necessary. Remeber that most people will want to make their own mark on any property they buy. Only make changes if it will add value - otherwise it is wasted money.

Why not ask a local estate agent or a surveyor for advice when they come to value your property.

Galtizz

I'd say put the £1000 in a high interest instant access savings account as a contingency fund. You can guarantee something will go wrong or be slightly over budget.

I would also add that, if you are intending to do the work yourself you will probably find it will go on the mortgage as it I think you are being extremely optomistic about the time frame. It should take a qualified plumber about 1 1/2 - 2 days to rip out and re-fit a new bathroom and a couple of experienced kitchen fitters about a week to fit a new kitchen. If you have never done it before and if you are planning on moving any plumbing or wiring it will take a lot longer.

Don't forget you'll have to buy accessories, things like rugs on a wooden floor or groups of different sized church candles look good in a front room and if you light them the candles will create a nice atmosphere when you do viewings.
Things for the kitchen that go i.e shiney chome gadgets or really nice tea, coffe, sugar jars that 'go' will make it look a bit more homely.
A nice looking duvet cover or a throw and more candles or other soft lighting in the bedroom.
Bathroom accessories could be a duck board or fancy toilet roll holder or just simply a jar of bath salts that tone in with the colours of the room.
Accessories can be an investment, if you intend to do this as a career you can take them with you to your next project.

When viewing houses I hate to see things that are clinical, I like it when it looks homely and small things like rugs, candles and throws, especially at this time of year make it seem as though someone enjoys living there.

Not sure if this works or not but I did see something that suggested using supermarket phycology when you have viewers by buying a part bake roll and putting it in the oven or brewing some coffee just before people come around so that it smells homely too.

Good Luck

kirst

Galtizz wrote:

When viewing houses I hate to see things that are clinical, I like it when it looks homely and small things like rugs, candles and throws, especially at this time of year make it seem as though someone enjoys living there.

But what you do need to remember is that some folk do like things to look clinical, i hate 'lived-in' looks and i hate clutter or pointless objects such as candles, so you need to have a happy medium.

Galtizz

Not suggesting the Far Eastern look that everyone had a few years ago with everything dripping in candles and throws.

Just suggesting that a few stratigically placed bits and bobs can make it look less like you've done it up to sell it and more like you have enjoyed living in the flat and the new person could enjoy it too.

I think you're right, it's a happy medium you need.