Cosmetic Renos to fund my Cosmetic Procedures?

Hey there,

I've only just recently started becoming interested in property as a way of building wealth. Being a housewife of Double Bay, I can't say that I'm not busy on a day to day basis with charity functions, picking up dresses to wear to functions to turn heads(somehow I always have nothing to wear!), getting botox, lip injections, and minor pick me ups for my face to smooth out the wrinkles and ease the souveniers of time one crow's feet at a time. I also take cooking classes, bouquet decoration classes, interior decorating, whatever happens to be on TV really now that I think about it! I've organised weddings and parties just short of wife swap I've done it all! Well, almost...

There's one area of TV reality shows that I have yet to do and that is home renovations! Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm not willing to get my hands dirty and be around hunky tradies, (glistening 6 packs and all - is my imagination running wild here?) but my hubby limits the amount of play-money I get for my endevaours.

We all know house renos are costly! You have to buy the house, buy supplies, pay tradies. All in all it's a huge amount of money spent! Wonder if any TV show could sponsor me to take on such an undertaking? Any TV execs there to do a 'Housewife of Double Bay Block Show'? The entertainment value would be up there. But seriously folks, everyone on those reno shows lose money! I have yet to see people do renos and make a profit?

I believe I could get my hubby to fund this new hobby if I could show him that I can make a profit from this. I need help! Can I do a cosmetic reno around Double bay to make my own pocket money? Any ideas/ suggestions?

Regards,

Grace

Hi Grace!

Oh my God, I love your idea! Cosmetic Reno to fund facelifts! I absolutely think this should be a new charity organisation! Think of all the housewives taking up renovating for a profit to fund reconstructive surgery of children born with deformities in third world countries! Sorry Grace, you have a good fundamental idea but I'm sure your face is smooth as a baby's backside by now. One can have so many laser resurfacings in a lifetime and there are people who need it more than you! Like me maybe

So I have some ideas on ways to save money on renovations. I attended a wealth building seminar and got some tips from a lady who makes an absolute fortune doing renovations! Hate to break it to you but the cosmetic renos (this means only changing floors, carpeting, renewing kitchen and bathroom and not changing the construction of the house) make the minor profits. The major profits come from major reno projects known as structural renovations! Structural renovations include knocking down walls and making additions to a house. Unlike cosmetic renos to do a structural reno you always need council approval.

Picking a good house and bargaining hard to get a good price is the hardest part of a reno job! You have to stalk a neighbourhood for days and look for deals constantly. Double Bay is probably not a good neighbourhood for renovations as houses are pretty new and kep up really well. You have to look at more historic neighbourhoods like Newtown, balmain, Drummoyne, Rozelle, etc. I think the Inner West is pretty good for renovations because they are poorer and older neighbourhoods with HUGE potential!

Once you have the house you want to renovate, do you research on the demographics, i.e. who will be purchasing the house? If it's an Italian neighbourhood, you may wanna add gaudy touches, if it's a gay neighbourhood have huge walk-in closets, etc.. You get the idea.

Be nice to your tradies! Also be professional with the work contract! Provide time sheets, and maintain the worksite like a place of business because it is!

Use neutral colours that will appeal to most people for common areas. Here's a tip, use the same tiles for flooring and walls! Smart eh? That way you get the wholesale price

I'm sure there were other tips but I just can't remember it all. If you wanna get together to put a plan of action send me a private e-mail.

Regards,

C.C.