Renovating can build equity – but it can also destroy your budget. From hidden costs to builder blowouts and expensive mistakes, here's what every property investor should know before picking up the hammer.
On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman and Emilie Lauer unpack the reality of renovating an investment property, using Emilie's own project as a case study.
The pair discuss the hidden costs that caught her by surprise, why quotes aren't always as straightforward as they seem, and the importance of planning for the unknown with a healthy contingency buffer.
They also explore how renovations can create manufactured equity in today's market, the decisions that can add long-term value, and why having the right renovation strategy is just as important as choosing the right property.
The conversation also shares practical lessons from the renovation process, including how to prepare before work starts, avoid costly oversights, and keep a project on track without losing sight of the bigger investment picture.
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