Back to basics

We’ve begun clearing out this property and are repairing foundational issues, like the long-leaking porch roof. Stripping a property back to its bare bones can be daunting, but experience builds the determination and vision needed to see it through. Like a stock market graph, a refurbishment dips low before reaching its peak: demolition first, then the rewarding climb as new elements are fitted in.

This process is a powerful reminder to trust the journey. Having a reliable team and strong connections makes an enormous difference. With a good plan and timely execution, a refurb can be both efficient and cost-effective. Proper scheduling of tradespeople ensures the work flows smoothly, keeping the project on track.

Early on, it’s tempting to save costs by doing everything yourself. However, that approach can end up taxing your energy and clouding your vision. In this case, the property was heavily hoarded, so rather than personally handling the clearance, we entrusted it to a team. This allowed us to focus on high-level decisions, rather than getting bogged down in cleanup. Sometimes, paying for efficiency brings better returns in the long run.

A well-planned refurbishment isn’t just about hard work—it’s about strategic thinking. This is the kind of insight and support we provide to every client on their property investment journey.

Laying the Groundwork

With a thorough cleanup, every room is empty and ready for the next steps. Starting with a clear site sets a strong foundation for the project. When tradespeople arrive, they know what to expect, and it becomes easier to maintain high standards throughout. In property, trusting your instincts is important—but it’s even more crucial to make informed decisions. When in doubt, asking questions and seeking advice can make all the difference, especially if you have an experienced mentor to guide you.

Clearing out the property allowed us to assess its true condition. In this case, we found significant water damage in the bathroom, making the floor unsafe—one wrong step, and you’d end up in the kitchen below! This also explained the kitchen ceiling damage. Rather than dwelling on why the tenant hadn’t reported it, we focused on moving forward to ensure this asset was restored correctly and securely.

With the knowledge that the second floor needs new caber deck flooring, we’re set to rebuild it to a high standard. In property, having a mentor to help you stay proactive and solution-focused is invaluable, giving you the confidence to tackle each project step-by-step with clarity and purpose.

Getting it right!

While logic is essential for any undertaking, in property, it only goes so far without the right knowledge and experience. That’s why having a mentor who can guide you through the process is invaluable. Property projects often demand insight that only comes from experience—understanding exactly what's needed, from the foundations up, to make sound, cost-effective decisions.

On this project, we focused first on demolition, then on making the property watertight and secure. With careful planning, we coordinated the roofer and the cleanup team to work simultaneously. The roof was stripped as the house was cleared, allowing all waste—four full tipper loads, including the old porch roof—to be removed in just two days. Once cleared, the roofer installed a new roof, soffits, and guttering, ensuring the property was secure from the elements.

Navigating these steps efficiently can be complex, and it’s easy to overlook critical details. A mentor can provide the guidance to avoid missteps and keep projects on track. From timing to troubleshooting, the right mentorship helps you build a solid foundation for success in property investment.