How to Upgrade your Home & Avoid Common Renovation Scams

In this blog, we’ll provide tips and tricks on how you can best rejuvenate and re-work three areas of the home: the kitchen, the living room and the laundry. All three areas work hard to feed and entertain your household, as well as provide clean clothes and fresh linen items, so it’s vital to ensure that each room’s purpose is met. We also share some appliance recommendations and best tips and tricks to avoid renovation scams so that you can get your home freshened up without going over time or budget. Check out our home renovation tips and tricks below!

UPGRADING THE KITCHEN

Smart Cooking Technology:

Smart cooking technologies and features elevate the culinary experience. Steam Ovens offer versatile cooking options and faster results, meanwhile AI-powered ovens provide personalised guidance and optimal cooking conditions to suit your needs.

Induction Cooktops:

Induction cooktops offer precise, fast, and efficient cooking. They are environmentally friendly and easy to clean, especially when compared to gas cooktops. Consider induction for a sustainable and advanced cooking experience.

Dishwasher Drawers:

these innovative dishwashers offer flexibility for various household sizes. Single drawers are ideal for smaller homes, while double drawers allow for simultaneous washing, including specialised cycles, for instance one heavy cycle and one cycle for baby bottles with hygiene options.

Kitchen Appliance Top Picks:

AEG 60cm Built-In Steam Oven (BSK97733PT)

Upgrade to impressive baking and cooking results with AEG’s 60cm Steam Oven. This family-friendly oven features a 77L cooking capacity and 19 oven functions, including a SteamCrisp function that will help perfect roasts, bread, bakes and more! The Assisted Cooking feature provides step-by-step guidance while the SenseCook food sensor cooks according to your dish’s needs: rare, medium or well-done. Finished in elegant Matte Black, this AEG Steam Oven is the ideal upgrade.

Electrolux 90cm Induction Cooktop (EHI977BE)

Enjoy induction goodness with this spacious Electrolux 90cm 7-Zone Induction Cooktop. Designed for home cooks and entertainers, this stunning Black Ceramic Glass cooktop boasts the FlexiBridge function which easily adapts to any and all types of cookware sizes. Its SenseFry automatic adjustment lets you achieve the perfect pan-fried meal and with Hob2Hood compatibility, rangehoods can automatically clear the air of smoke and odours, reducing the mental load that comes with cooking!

Fisher & Paykel 60cm Built-Under Double DishDrawer Dishwasher (DD60D2NX9)

Meet every washing need with this 14-place setting Double DishDrawer Dishwasher from Fisher & Paykel. This Double DishDrawer Dishwasher features 7 wash programs such as Glassware, Eco and Heavy, as well as additional Quick, Sanitise and Dry+ wash options. Each drawer holds a true half load for small, fast dish washing, with flexible racking to suit your needs whether you’re washing bowls or wine glasses. And with fan assisted drying technology, your household can have full or half loads washed and dried in next to no time.

UPGRADING THE LIVING ROOM

Get a Matching TV & Soundbar:

TVs and soundbars from the same brand will often mean that they are compatible with each other, giving you the chance to maximise audio syncing technologies. For example, Samsung’s Q-Symphony function lets sound from the Samsung soundbar sync with motion on the Samsung TV for optimised viewing. Not only will a matching pair sound better, they’ll also look stylishly consistent.

Opt for Wireless:

Where possible, invest in wireless audio devices. Many soundbars will include a wireless subwoofer that can be placed almost anywhere in your space to extend your sound. So whether the subwoofer or speaker is next to you or in front of you, your home entertainment experience will get an instant uplift.

Upgrade to Lifestyle:

Lifestyle functions turn your TV into a multi-purpose device: a TV when you need to watch something and a gallery frame when you’re not watching. Your space can be transformed with gorgeous art or adorned with family photos. There are many TVs in the market with lifestyle functions, these include Samsung’s The Frame 4K Smart TV, Samsung’s The Serif Smart TV and LG’s G2 Gallery Edition TV range.

TV AV Top Picks:

Samsung 65” The Frame 4K Ultra HD Smart QLED TV (QA65LS03DAWXXY)

Instantly elevate your space with Samsung’s 65” The Frame 4K Smart QLED TV. Ideal for all forms of entertainment, including gaming, this TV effortlessly transforms into a visual wonderland as it displays your photos and artworks with its Art Mode. With Q-Symphony compatibility with Samsung soundbars and Google Assistant voice control, this TV combines elegant design with smart entertainment. With customisable frames (sold separately), Samsung’s The Frame TV is sure to complement your space.

Samsung 11.1.4CH Soundbar (HW-Q990B/XY)

Enjoy captivating audio with Samsung’s 11.1.4Ch Soundbar. Designed to provide immersive cinematic sound in large, open areas, this soundbar delivers extraordinary audio using technologies including True Dolby ATMOS® & DTS:X, Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Advanced. Enjoy a real-to-life surround sound experience at home with the included side-firing Dolby Atmos Rear Speakers.

UPGRADING THE LAUNDRY

Upsize Your Capacity:

If your household’s laundry needs are growing, that’s a sign that an upgrade is needed. Upsizing your laundry appliances with a bigger capacity means that more can be washed and dried in one go, helping to minimise the number of washes and drying cycles you do in a week.

Choose Smart Laundry:

Smart washing machines and dryers optimise cycles for efficient results thanks to the use of various sensors. Wi-Fi connectivity enables remote monitoring and control, offering features like usage tracking and program suggestions and more on an app on your smart device!

Efficiency is King:

Your laundry is one of a few places in the home that requires both electricity and water, so it makes sense to ensure greater efficiency where possible. Investing in washing machines and dryers that use less and are energy and water efficient means your bills stay down and so does your environmental impact.

Laundry Appliance Top Picks:

Samsung 18.5kg Washer / 10kg Dryer Combo (WD18DB8995BZ)

This gorgeous, space-saving laundry solution washes and dries within the same unit with its 18.5kg washing and 10kg drying capacity. Whatever lands in your laundry, this washer dryer combo will satisfy with 20 wash & dry cycles to choose from, alongside options like Super Speed, Steam Wash and the AI Opti Wash & Dry which automatically determines the conditions for effective and efficient laundry. Bixby voice control and SmartThings integration means effortless voice and app control. The included 20 year warranty on the digital inverter motor ensures longer lasting performance and years of laundry confidence.

Haier 12kg Washer / 9kg Dryer Combo Tower (HLC1290CTB1)

With its stacked design, this Haier 12kg Washer / 9kg Dryer Combo Tower is great for smaller laundries that still want the option to have a separate washing machine and dryer. Families, multi-generational households and sharehouses can meet any laundry need confidently with 13+ wash and 11 dry cycles, as well as convenient functions such as Auto Dose and + Garment. Wi-Fi enabled, remote monitoring and control is simple via the SmartHQ™ app and with high energy and WELS water ratings, this Haier laundry combo will please.

Avoiding Home Renovation Scams: Tips and Tricks

Home renovations can be a major investment, and unfortunately, scammers often prey on homeowners during this vulnerable time. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to scams:

1. Do Your Research:

Check Licensing: Ensure the contractor is licensed to operate in your area. This can provide a level of assurance about their qualifications and adherence to local regulations.

Read Reviews: Look for online reviews from previous clients. Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and hipages can provide valuable insights into a contractor’s reputation.

Verify Insurance: Ask for proof of insurance, including liability and workers’ compensation. This protects you from financial liability in case of accidents or property damage.

2. Get Multiple Quotes:

Compare Prices and Services: Obtain quotes from at least three reputable contractors. Compare not only the prices but also the scope of work, materials, and timelines.

Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about the project, materials, and payment terms. A reputable contractor will be happy to provide clear explanations.

3. Be Wary of Pressure Tactics:

Avoid Rush Jobs: Scammers often pressure homeowners to make quick decisions. Take your time to research and compare options.

Never Pay Upfront: Never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable down payment is typically 10-20%, with the balance due upon completion of the project.

4. Review the Contract Carefully:

Understand the Terms & Conditions: Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions in the contract. Pay attention to the scope of work, payment schedule, dispute resolution process, and any warranty information.

Get Everything in Writing: Avoid verbal agreements. Ensure that all details of the project, including materials, timelines, and costs, are clearly outlined in the contract.

5. Trust Your Instincts:

If Something Seems Off, Walk Away: If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, it’s often best to terminate the relationship. Trust your gut feeling and seek advice from trusted professionals.

By following these tips and conducting thorough research, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to home renovation scams and ensure a successful project.

START PLANNING YOUR HOME RENOVATION

From a simple refresh to a complete make-over, know how to update your home with our bank of renovation tips. Click on the link below to see how you can best prepare for your next home refresh or renovation.

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