What is a cosmetic renovation?

One of the most effective means of enhancing the value of a property is through "cosmetic" renovations. These types of improvements are done within the property’s existing footprint and aim to improve it’s appearance. As the changes are mainly upgrades to anything you can see on the surface – e.g. walls, floors, tiles, benchtops, door handles, light fittings, tapware, window dressing, etc – they are “skin deep” like cosmetics, and hence the name.

On the other hand, if you are adding rooms and changing the property size, then it is more likely to be a structural change. The following is a guide to help you better understand whether your renovation is cosmetic or structural:

	Cosmetic	​Structural
Renovation budget	​$-$$ A good rule of thumb is 10% of the current market value of the property	​$$$-$$$$$ 40% or more of the current market value of the property
​Renovation timeframe	​1-6 weeks	​6 months or more
​Development type/Approvals required	​Exempt Development in most cases. May be a Complying Development if the renovation involves removing internal walls, adding a deck. Strata committee by-laws and guidelines must always be followed to maintain the safety and integrity of a multi-residential complex	​Depending on scope and complexity, may require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development approval (DA) for a substantial renovation
​Professionals required	Draftsman, interior decorator, structural engineer and licensed builder (if removing internal walls)	Architect, interior designer, licenced builder, private certifier, structural engineer, site surveyor – to name a few

Typical cosmetic renovations could involve:

• Painting the internal walls and ceiling

• New flooring

• Replacing light fixtures

• Replacing door handles

• Replacing cabinet handles

• Replacing bathroom tiles, tapware and other fittings

• Replacing the splashback in the kitchen

• New curtains or blinds

• Changing, painting or re-surfacing kitchen cabinetry, benchtops and bathroom vanity

• Adding kerb appeal by painting the façade

• Pruning trees and bushes, adding new plants, repairing or replacing fencing

• Pulling down a non-load-bearing wall to open up spaces, for instance the walls of an enclosed kitchen

Why cosmetically renovate?

A cosmetic renovation is the fastest and most cost-effective way to modernise and improve the physical appearance of a property so that it meets your personal standards and attracts a wider pool of customers/buyers/tenants.

How can 360 Renovation Consulting help with a cosmetic renovation?

360 Renovation Consulting aims to provide every degree of support for your renovation – from design to completion under our comprehensive Prepare Property for sale service. We will start with providing design and colour advice, then prepare a detailed Statement of Works, get quotes and hire trades, order materials and schedule their delivery. We will visit the site regularly as your eyes and ears, to keep the project on schedule and resolve issues as they arise.

Alternatively, if you are happy to DIY or hire and manage multiple trades yourself, then our interior decoration service includes floorplans, detailed 3D drawings, colour scheme and concept mood board. These will help you visualise the space and provide clarity on every detail. We can also prepare a list of products and suppliers for you, or purchase the items on your behalf and pass back 100% of the trade discounts we receive.

Call us now to see how we can help !