Renovation shows.  Who doesn’t love them?  Arm a bunch of DIY enthusiasts with the latest power tools and design aesthetics, throw in some well-timed
on-camera meltdowns and we have ourselves a winning formula for happily-ever-after – home edition.  Entertaining as they are, these shows
do have the tendency to hoodwink would-be renovators into underestimating the seriousness of a home renovation.  Sure, if budget is not a concern
and profit is no big deal then by all means, take a look at shows like The Block and get cracking.  But you are a serious investor
unaffected by common naïveté so why don’t we drop the candy floss and unicorn and talk more strategically about renovating?    

Related article: What The Block doesn’t tell you about renovating – Part 1

If you haven’t already, take a look at the first part of this article series where we shared some tips on how to finance and scoop out your next project.  Now that you have done the prep work and put your money ducks in
a row, you must be itching to get in there and start renovating.  ‘Before you get all gung-ho with a sledgehammer just know this, planning doesn’t
make good TV but it sure as hell makes for a successful renovation project,’ says Mark Trafford, Director of Maintain To Profit.

Here are some pointers to get you started:

 

1. Repair before you replace
‘Don’t rip everything out just yet,’ cautions Trafford, ‘a renovation project is neither strategic or profitable if you simply gut the house and rebuild
the entire interior.’
 
Start by making a list of everything in the property that could do with an update....