How to Add $10K in Property Value With Smart Renovations

By Molly Benjamin, Founder of Ladies Finance Club

Listen to the full podcast here.

Thinking about renovating your home? In this episode of Get Rich, Molly Benjamin chats with renovation expert Bernadette Jansen from She Renovates to uncover the smartest ways to boost your property’s value without blowing your budget.

Where to Start With a Renovation Project

Bernadette’s top advice for beginners? Live in the space first. Understanding how you use your home can save you from costly and unnecessary upgrades. Step two? Planning. She recommends spending 90% of your effort in this stage to ensure any money you spend adds real value to your home.

Why Planning Is Key to a Successful Renovation

Before you start smashing down walls, get strategic. Understand your area, buyer expectations, and local market trends. Create a renovation master plan and pull together a mood board for a cohesive look that enhances interior design and resale appeal.

DIY or Bring in the Pros? Knowing When to Outsource

While DIY can be fun and budget-friendly, not everything should be a solo job. Plumbing and electrical? Leave it to the professionals. But for simple upgrades, consider hiring a handyman or using community support groups to stretch your renovation budget.

Avoid These Common Renovation Mistakes

Bernadette sees it all the time: budget blowouts, overly personal decor choices, and unnecessary upgrades (like that $20K roof no one asked for). Her advice: always budget, avoid quirky trends, and spend only where it counts.

Maximise ROI With These Value-Adding Areas

So, where should you focus? According to Bernadette, the top spots for return on investment include:

• Curb appeal (first impressions matter!)
• Floor plan tweaks that improve flow
• Kitchen and bathroom updates
• Cosmetic upgrades like paint and lighting
• Fixing any buyer turn-offs

Kitchen Renovation Tips That Won’t Break the Bank

You don’t need a $40K kitchen upgrade to boost value. Think painted cabinetry, new handles, upgraded appliances, and benchtop resurfacing. Better yet, check out second-hand or demo kitchens from Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.

Bathroom Makeover Ideas on a Budget

If your tiles are in good shape, a deep clean, grout refresh, new vanity, or tapware could do the trick. Want to update the colour scheme? Look into spray refinishing for a sleek, modern look without the full price tag.

How to Upgrade Bedrooms Without Major Renovation

Paint, curtains, lighting, and soft furnishings go a long way in transforming a bedroom. Bernadette suggests DIY pendant lights, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and even sewing your own cushion covers to add a personal (and affordable) touch.

Boost Curb Appeal to Increase Property Value

Curb appeal isn’t just pretty, it’s profitable. A picket fence, fresh lawn, statement awnings, and tidy garden beds can all enhance your home’s perceived value. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Bernadette shares smart hacks for scoring deals on fences and outdoor fixtures.

Whether you’re planning your first renovation or just love home improvement inspo, this episode is packed with tips on budgeting, DIY design, and adding value. Want expert support? Check out Bernadette’s podcast, Facebook group, and her programs at She Renovates.

🎧 Listen to Get Rich for the full episode and more smart property tips!

Plus, a huge shoutout to our sponsor, InvestorKit! Australia’s #1 Buyers Agency for 2023 and 2024. They specialise in helping investors find high-growth properties utilising industry leading AI and data driven research process across Australia. 70%+ of the properties they purchase are off-market and they have consistently outperformed national average capital growth rates by over 49%. Whether you’re looking to build your property portfolio or secure your first investment. Check them out here.