Success Stories

BRIEF: Owners were overseas in two different countries. They wanted to renovate to achieve a higher rental price but also to ready the property for wen they return to Australia.

“We are just delighted with the (Styling) photographs. Thank you so much. And just so happy that you went the extra mile and styled the bathroom. It’s absolutely incredible what the styling, along with a little clever photography, did for that lack-lustre space!

Really, it all just looks amazing and from our perspective and Reno was completed without a lot of fuss. All of the handwringing and stress (assuming there was any) was transparent to us. And just delighted that we have a mid-December tenant.

John, Jenny & Pete really enjoyed it and they were all very complimentary of the Renovation work. Pete is a very handy guy and they’ve done some re-modelling themselves, so his opinion counted for a lot. While he wasn’t a fan of the brass hardware, (I love it!) he thought it was very complimentary of the quality of work, LOVED the bench top, thought the carpet was of very high quality and suited beach life, and really liked your choice of whites. I am very, very happy with the paint as well.” 

– Kim & Dr Rick Brennan (WHO, Regional Emergency Director Geneva, Switzerland)

RESULT: Two weeks following Renovation completion tenants were signed up with 35% increase in rent. 

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BRIEF: Property had not been updated for over 20 years. It was unable to be rented despite multiple rental reductions.

“We are very happy with the work of Sue Irving Design. We’ve had our investment property unit for many years. The property had not been updated for a long time and when the long-term tenant moved out, we had difficulty competing with more modern apartments in the area.
It became apparent to attract a new tenant, we needed to renovate and update the property, including significantly redoing the bathroom and kitchen.

I don’t understand the world of renovating and would struggle to manage the renovation process myself. Sue Irving Design were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. They were able to manage all practical aspects of the renovation, including designing the new look to maximise the available space and light, sourcing fittings and liaising with strata and relevant tradespeople. The renovation was finished on time (at the agreed amount.

Sue Irving Design made the renovation process as easy for me and consulted with me where needed, but also did not over involve me in matters and decisions I was happy to leave to them. They were proactive and navigated unanticipated issues that came to light, such as electrical and wiring issues.

The end result was a wonderful modern looking apartment which appealed to a larger variety of potential tenants. We were able to tenant the property quickly after the work was finished.”

RESULT: Renovation completed in 7 weeks. Tenant found within 2 weeks at 46% increase in rent, despite property being on the fourth floor, with no lift.

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BRIEF: Investment Property wasn’t reaching is rental yields due to high maintenance costs and tenant turnover. Owner was in the UK and could not return to Australia to oversee renovation.

Using photo visual boards and video progress reports the client was kept up to date at all stages and confident the overall result would match his expectations.

Renovation was completed in 6 weeks including Bathrooms, Kitchen, Laundry, Painting, Flooring, Stair replacement, Lighting & Window dressing.

RESULT: Tenanted with 2 weeks at 60% rental increase, Client was more than happy.

Rob Hogg, UK resident

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BRIEF: First time home buyers wanted to convert their first property into a modern living place. They were very busy with their careers and had never renovated before.

“We had met with five other Builders prior to Sue Irving Designs but as soon as we met Sue and John, we knew we wanted them for our renovations. Not only were they personable and warm, but their attention to detail and knowledge of design and Strata made it an easy choice for us.

As first-time home-owners and being completely clueless when it came to DIY, the prospect of renovating was daunting and at times overwhelming. For us, we were looking for someone to guide us through the entire process end-to-end and that it exactly what Sue Irving Design did. They held our hands the entire way, helping us to navigate everything from Strata, By-laws, Trades, kitchen plans, material selections, appliances and design. They truly went above and beyond – from inviting us to their home to afterhours Zoom calls and always being available for any question or concern we had. They consulted us along the way, but also took initiative by making suggestions and simplifying the process for us.

We had a few delays due to Strata, but Sue and John were always very patient and reassuring. Once the renovations commenced it was extremely seamless and stress-free for us. Sue and John project managed all the different trades and ensured our neighbours were updated daily.

It is exactly what we envisioned from the outset and we could not recommend Sue Irving Designs highly enough. “We could not be happier with the final result!”

Lily Heap & Patrick St Clair 

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BRIEF: The owner was well known, busy Music producer, Les Gock. Investment Property needed to be sold to invest in another property. Property needed to be at its best to attract the highest price. Property was in reasonable condition, but lacked the impact to attract the result the Owner was after.

A full Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation, including two Bathrooms upgrades, painting, window dressing and flooring improvement had the property transformed.

The property was also Styled to attract the right level of interest.

RESULT: The property was successfully sold above expectations. This was the second renovation client had done with Sue Irving Design.

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BRIEF: Long held family property where time had stood still over 20 years. Inside looked like a movie set from the 1970s. Gardens were over-grown, old furniture was covered in years of dust & cobwebs. Motor parts, numerous paint cans and other metal structures and objects littered the yard under foot high grass & weeds.

Initially the property was valued between $2.8-3.0m. After our Set to Sell services had been completed, the Agent immediately revised the price valuation to between $3.2-3.5m.

Sue Irving Design continued to work with the Agent right up until the Auction where nine (9) buyers were registered.

RESULT: The property sold for a record $3.7m, earning owners $900,000 over the original valuation. Property sale was even featured in the Domain magazine.

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