4. Keysborough Case Study

Keysborough Renovate to Sell Case Study

Project Type: Renovate to Live In

Project
ID

45ELM

A creative renovation focused on improving layout, appeal, and overall property value with 'live now, sell smart later' plan

When you know you want to move, but you don’t know when or if you ever will, the key is to plan strategically. Design for today – but with tomorrow in mind.

Creating a space that feels personal, yet still appeals to future buyers, can be a fine balance. This one strikes it perfectly.

Rather than overthinking every scenario, we designed a kitchen and bedrooms you can’t help but truly love – then made a few smart adjustments to ensure it would also resonate with buyers if – and when – the time came to sell.

With a strong eye for layouts and a deep understanding of what works in the market, Paulitta blended personal taste with proven appeal. Thoughtful choices, refined details, and a clear vision brought it all together.

The result? A home that works beautifully now – and positions the property for a stronger sale when the time is right.

Too many people say ‘one day’ only for that day to never come. Just because you aren’t ready to sell now, doesn’t mean you can’t get what you want now, to make the most of where you’re at now.

With future plans to move still on the table, and only two people (plus a much-loved dog) living in the home, they focused on making their small home into a dream home.

They knew they wanted the whole shebang if they were potentially never going to sell, so they put the list together of what they wanted and waited as long as they could until they knew things weren’t going to change in the near future. The decision to go ahead was made for them when the vinyl wrap starting peeling off the kitchen cabinets. It was crafted to be both beautiful and timeless in case they never moved, with all the inclusions they desired to ensure they loved the space if they stayed forever. They’d seen way too many people do a basic renovation with plans to buy their dream home later, only for plans to change and they remain in a home they don’t love. They decided that if they might potentially live in this house for the rest of their lives, they were going to get everything they would have wanted and more. And if they sold, they’d get top bids.

It’s a win-win.

Paulitta had already pre-purchased alot of things that we had to work with, and was very sure of everything else. Here’s a breakdown of the list of must-haves for her dream kitchen, which we delivered to perfection:

  • thin profiled cabinet doors and drawers with 2Pack finish in her selected color of a unique shade of white from Benjamin Moore, which changes color to a stunning creamy cream depending on the light at the time
  • a dog feeding station with two bowls & pot filler, and of course, a food drawer for treats and kibble.
  • a wall mounted – not benchtop mounted – faucet and tapware 
  • wall mounted hand soap and moisturiser holders next to faucet and mixer
  • in-bench dish soap dispenser
  • insinkerator
  • drawers under sink – not cupboards
  • lowest possible kickboards to minimise loss of cabinet storage area & maximise aesthetic appeal
  • border trim at top and bottom of cabinetry
  • cabinet lighting
  • imported handles & knobs from the UK
  • incorporate a freestanding Falcon oven/stove
  • pot filler on splashback above stove
  • unique corner bench – not typical L-shape corner – for extra space and aesthetic appeal
  • ledge along rear of benchtop for condiments and easy-to-reach everyday cooking items
  • integrated dishwasher
  • integrated side by side column freezer & fridge
  • 12mm porcelain stone on bench, splashback and doggy centre
  • rounded corners on benchtops with not more than 3mm overhang
  • rounded corners on all exposed cabinetry ends
  • sliding Hafele vegetable baskets hidden in cupboard
  • spice drawer
  • internal drawers within drawers
  • concealed silent rangehood
  • pull-out sauce rack
  • overhead cupboards with built-in feature (ie: cornices built around cabinetry – no bulkheads)
  • ZETR power outlets on walls and island bench
  • microwave cabinet with fascia front for built-in effect and easy replacement of microwave if required
  • a larger, more open space for entertaining
  • large arch entry with custom architrave from hall to living/kitchen space


You wouldn’t think we’d be able to achieve all of this in such a small space, but we did – all while increasing space by removing the wall between the lounge and kitchen to convert it into a welcoming, bright space.

The ceiling fan in the lounge was chosen to complement the natural tones in the space, and for the final touch, we designed a clever divider that subtly divides the dining and the lounge. 

Before
After
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A lover of timeless design appeal, a brick feature wall with a picture ledge and v-groove behind the bed made the perfect sense for Paulitta. 

The cornices in all bedrooms are a gorgeous scalloped design, and the subtle higher-than-usual skirting boards complement them like a dream.

The custom built dresser provides ample storage along with the full width his ‘n’ hers built-in wardrobe, which also featured two full height mirror doors, which every bedroom needs!

The plantation shutters allows in light whilst keeping the room private and perfectly suits the overall design of the master. 

They have no children so they didn’t want a spare bedroom that would never get used. But they have the rare guest, so this room became a pinterest-worthy guest bedrooom that doubles as a room for reading books on the extendable daybed as well as a meditation and yoga space. A splash of greenery on the fence outside and this is a room that screams whispers serenity.

THE FINAL RESULT

Removing the wall between the kitchen and lounge was initially a question mark, but ultimately, it became the move that unlocked the home’s full value. The result is a bright, open-plan space that feels larger, more functional, and far more aligned with what buyers are actively looking for.

The kitchen now anchors the home – generous bench space, clean sightlines, and a layout that works just as well for everyday living as it does for inspections.

In the bedrooms, we kept things light, fresh, and intentional. A crisp, neutral palette creates broad appeal while still feeling considered and complete – the kind of finish that photographs beautifully and resonates instantly with buyers.

Every decision was made through a “live now, sell smart later” lens. The materials and finishes feel elevated enough to enjoy long-term, while quietly positioning the property to attract stronger interest – and stronger offers – when the time comes.

This isn’t overcapitalising or playing it safe. It’s knowing exactly where to spend, where to simplify, and how to create a home that performs when it matters.

What You Get With YOUR Kudo Renovation

A better renovation experience. built around clarity, care, and quality.

Smart Sale Preparation

Clear, market-led decisions focused on how buyers experience the home.

Buyer-Focused Presentation

Considered finishes selected for broad market appeal.

Vetted Trades

Skilled, respectful tradespeople who respect you and your home.

Clean Job Sites

Work areas kept tidy, safe, and respectful throughout preparation.

Clear Communication

You’re kept in the loop from start to finish no surprises.

Expert Project Coordination

We coordinate decisions, trades, and timing to keep preparation efficient and outcome-driven.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

  • We assess your property
  • We recommend what’s worth doing
  • We manage everything through to completion

Our Process

1Consult & Quote

We go over your expectations and goals. Then we prepare a fixed quote that aligns with your budget – no surprises, just smart updates that make financial sense.

→ You’ll feel confident we’ve heard you and costs are clear from the start.

We measure up and plan the works so your pre-sale reno is scheduled to be complete by the date you’ve arranged with your agent to go up for sale. 

→ This is where you see how our project management expertise makes your life so much easier.

We help finalise materials and finishes, ensuring everything is ordered, approved, and ready for install.

→ Kudos project coordination avoids delays and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.

We manage the full renovation process – trades, planning, timelines, and quality checks – right through to your final approval.

→ You get a seamless experience and a finished space buyers will love. Because it’s all about getting you a maximum return.

Book a Free Renovate-to-Sell Visit

Find out what’s worth renovating, what to avoid, and how to maximise buyer appeal – all with clear timelines.

get in touch

or call us on 03 9124 9922

Renovate to sell FAQ's

Renovate to Sell is a strategic way to prepare a property for sale, focused on improving buyer appeal and sale outcome rather than long-term renovation decisions.

It involves completing the right work to help a property present better, attract stronger interest, and support a better result without overcapitalising.

At Kudo Homes, we manage this process end-to-end, with clear planning, controlled scope, and flexible payment options designed to support sellers through the lead-up to sale.

Pay on settlement means the cost of your pre-sale renovation is covered upfront, allowing the work to be completed before your property goes to market.

Once the property sells, those costs are paid back from the sale proceeds at settlement. This allows sellers to prepare their home properly for sale without needing to fund the work in advance.

The option is designed to support you in achieving the best outcome by ensuring cashflow doesn’t become a barrier to boosting buyer appeal by presenting your property at its best.

If you’re preparing to sell and there’s clear potential to boost buyer appeal through the right improvements, you’re likely a good fit.

We chat with you first to determine whether undertaking work makes sense, or whether selling as-is is the better option. Our advice is practical and honest – we won’t recommend work unless we believe it’s likely to improve your sale outcome after all costs are considered.

Because of our experienced and honest approach, sellers often see a meaningful uplift in their result once the property is properly prepared for sale.

If a property takes longer than expected to sell, that’s ok.

Pay on Settlement is designed to align repayment with the sale of your property, and the process is flexible enough to accommodate normal variations in sale timing.

Our preparation approach focuses on broad buyer appeal and market readiness, supporting a confident sale without creating unnecessary pressure around timelines.

Yes – it’s your property, and all decisions are made with you.

We’ll guide you on what typically adds value and improves buyer appeal in the current market, but you’re always involved in the final decisions. Our role is to provide clear advice and recommendations, then coordinate the agreed scope in a way that supports your sale goals.

For properties being prepared for sale, most projects are completed within 1-3 weeks, depending on the agreed scope.

We understand that once you’ve decided to sell, timing matters. Our process is designed to move efficiently so preparation doesn’t delay your sale or disrupt your next steps.

With clear planning and tight project coordination, work is sequenced properly, downtime is minimised, and everything stays moving – without compromising quality.

Yes. We work with all property owners who are preparing to sell, including those with investment properties.

We help sellers decide what work is worth doing – and what isn’t – to improve buyer appeal without overcapitalising. The focus is on practical, sale-aligned preparation that supports a clean, confident result, rather than undertaking a full renovation where the risk and return no longer stack up.

The same principles apply: intentional scope, clear decision-making, and preparation aligned with the sale outcome.

If you have other questions related to your renovate to sell renovation, and you can’t find it on our FAQ’s page, feel free to contact us! We’re always here for you.

Selling
your property?

Renovate Now & Pay On Settlement

maximise your sale price

Your property is one of your biggest assets – so make sure you maximise your return when you sell.

Don’t just take our word for it – hear it directly from our clients. Get in touch with Kudo Homes to discover how you can renovate strategically, increase your sale price, and pay on settlement – no upfront costs, no stress, just results.

RENOVATE TO SELL NOW!

*As of publication, every Kudo-renovated property has exceeded expectations by the client and their agent when it is sold. We only take on presale renovations we believe will deliver a genuine return after the cost of the reno is factored in. It’s all part of our code of ethics.