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Real renos: the real life version of The Block

February 9, 2015 Leave a Comment

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With a renovation project so intense it could rival The Block, Rachael Turner gave herself just 12 weeks to transform a dilapidated and unlivable Brisbane house into an enviable family home! And she pulled it off. Big time!

Front4b

โ€œIt was completely derelict,โ€ explains Rachael. โ€œNo one had lived there for two years. In fact it was so unlivable that when we won the house at auction and went to get money off the bank they wouldnโ€™t give usย any. The house was too far gone and they wouldnโ€™t lend against it!โ€

Study1

However, luckily the bank lent her money against the land and Rachael was able to get the plans drawn up and trades organised, all before settlement. With a huge scope of work to complete, day one saw the jobs begin, starting with the re-stuming and leveling of the house, asbestos removal, replacement of the roof and all-new electrics and plumbing. And that wasnโ€™t even half of it!ย โ€œWe definitely gave ourselvesย a tough challenge by having a 12-week deadline. But we had to stick to budget and obviously the longer you hold aย house the more holding costs you’ll have, and we had only factored in the 12 weeks. We had to stick to it.โ€

Lounge2

What came next was removing walls, adding structural beams, redoing the kitchen, adding a bathroom (thereย wasn’t evenย one before, Iโ€™m not joking!), knocking outย the back part of the house to put in a deck, and adding a study, laundry, front verandah, footbridge, driveway, carport and garden. So basically, she did a lot!

Bathroom2f

With three bedrooms and now one bathroom, Rachael was aiming to spend only 15 percent of the propertyโ€™s purchase price on the transformation. Unfortunately, that slipped to 25 percent, but for worthwhile reasons. Rachael deciding to spend on some big-ticket items that promised a good return. โ€œOriginally, we werenโ€™t going to add a deck out the back or build the front footbridge, but we realised we would get a good return for these items so we decided to spend the extra.โ€

Backdeck2c

Owning the house for less than six months (from late 2012 to early 2013), Rachael put the property on sale as soon as the last piece of turf was laid. Selling after just a couple of days on the market, she made a profit of just under 40 percent, which after renovation and sale costs, came in at just under 20 percent.

Rachael puts her success down to including some special points of difference, believing that you should spend money on the significant areas of yourย home that get the most use. โ€œIn the kitchen for example, we included high-end fittings and fixtures like soft close and full extension joinery. Then in the bathroom we had a dual shower head, heated towel rails and mirrored cabinets. All those little things actually donโ€™t cost too much more, but from a sales perspective they are really worth it.โ€

Kitchen3
Kitchen2

While she’sย a big fan of those two rooms, her favourite part of the house would have to be the front portico and footbridge, and while the former was a nightmare to do (she had to get a development application approved) it made for great visual appeal. โ€œI think for resale, they were the best things we did. It made the house accessible and gave it great street presence. The portico is really only four posts and a bit of tin โ€“ itโ€™s nothing โ€“ but the value it added to the house was immediate.โ€

Backyard2b

Here’s a closer look at the end result:

46CarvilleSt0015

CarvilleSt0026

4

Obsessed with renovating and building, Rachael runs project management businessย Front Porch Properties. Doing both new builds and renovations, she helps clients in all departments from the initial design, to the construction and landscaping.

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness ๐Ÿ˜‰

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarPetra says

    February 9, 2015 at 10:30 pm

    Rachael did so well ๐Ÿ™‚ There’s nothing prettier than a renovated Queenslander!

    Reply
  2. AvatarRachael says

    February 10, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    I love this renovation! Is there any chance a floor plan could be supplied?

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 10, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      We will ask!

      Reply
  3. AvatarLily | Stylescene says

    February 13, 2015 at 11:18 pm

    I can’t believe Rachael transformed that house in 12 weeks! What an amazing job and a gorgeous home!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 16, 2015 at 12:19 am

      Isn’t it just?! Thanks for your comment Lily. Jen

      Reply
  4. AvatarSarah says

    February 17, 2015 at 11:11 am

    WOW ! Amazing transformation!!!

    Reply
  5. AvatarAlyson says

    February 17, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    This is amazing – 12 weeks?! The footbridge makes it even more special, well done Rachael!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 18, 2015 at 12:21 pm

      LOVE that footbridge! Jen

      Reply
  6. AvatarMalinda @mybrownpaperpackages says

    February 19, 2015 at 10:37 am

    This is amazing, such a beautiful home that she has created. And even more incredible is just how quickly it was turned around!

    Reply
  7. AvatarSharon says

    February 19, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    It would be great if renovation blogs could include some of the detail around suppliers for some of the decorator items that are used in the reno’s. This one looks fantastic and I would love to know the colours used in the interior!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      February 19, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      It’s a great idea Sharon but sometimes it’s a bit of an ask of the homeowner to list everything for us. They’re usually happy to answer questions about specific items if people ask in the comments though. Hope that helps. Jen

      Reply
  8. AvatarTania says

    February 24, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    This is an amazing reno in such a short timeframe – the before and after pics are great and Rachael has done an amazing job! I would be interested in how much a renovation like this cost given the collapsed timeframe. Even some approximations would be valuable.

    Reply
  9. Avatarbietthu3tang says

    March 25, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    Oh my god, can not believe it. How much money did she spend on this?

    Reply

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