Although this 1970s two bed villa was in fairly good condition at purchase, with a new paint job; the kitchen was virtually non existant.

Original, old 1970’s cabinets, were tiny and did not function at all, the insides were water damaged, there was little or no storage and only an old sink.

The only way to the back yard courtyard was through a small laundry door. ( off to the left) To bring the outdoors in, a new double- glazed sliding door was sourced from Gumtree and put in, connecting the kitchen to the courtyard garden, which is private, tranquil and lovely.

Then the kitchen was worked around this new space, running in a long galley style, to maximise the functionality, and storage, with a small table in the middle.

White gloss kitchen cabinets, with lots of soft close drawers and a pull out drawer pantry unit, was also found on Gumtree second hand, with a dishwasher included for only $1200. These cabinet units were only two years old and had been professionally removed. Other appliances were all sourced from Gumtree sales; 900 free standing oven/gas cooker and canopy glass range hood. Gas supply was added to the property and a second hand gas hot water unit installed ( also Gumtree).

There was some electrical and Plumbing/gas work required to install the kitchen/range hood/sink.

Thanks to Ben Brady Plumbing and Andrew Whitehall Electrician.

To complete the cabinetry, Jeff Cox the cabinetmaker, added two tone extra units to the overheads and end panels. He put on

Stainless steel ‘look’ kick boards and finished off the end panels and the fridge box with new materials.

We ‘splurged’ on a brand new compact stainless steel sink and kitchen mixer tap.

Grey Subway tiles laid brick bond, were sourced from a clearance warehouse at only $10/m2!

This kitchen is so well done, it hardly looks recycled!

The kitchen bench top is black speckled Laminate, from the Ikea sale.

Arched entrances in both rooms were cut wider, squared off and re-plastered to update the look and all flooring was replaced with premium Vinyl planks from Choices flooring on Frobisher street. Vinyl planks are bullet proof, soft underfoot and very economical at just $20/m2 upwards. They are perfect for budget renovations and look modern, light and fantastic.

All up, this renovation cost under $15,000- including all the above.

Yes that’s right!

New kitchen, appliances, heaps more storage and all new flooring, plus a fabulous glass door leading to the garden, all for a steal.

Savvy shoppers can find many home renovating bargains, used and just clearance or heavily discounted on Gumtree and on Face book Marketplace, just takes some imagination and innovation, with a few good tradies on hand, to do the job right!

Contact Essence for more details about how to do budget renovations: 0411348761