Transforming an Outdated Rental Home into a Modern Living Space

Project Overview

The owners of this single-storey rental property contacted the Nicolas team to update their interior spaces, which had become worn and outdated over time. 

The wallpaper was peeling, the carpet was showing years of wear, and the lighting and window furnishings were no longer functional or modern.

Their goal was to refresh the property’s interior, making it more appealing to future tenants, increasing comfort, and boosting the overall value of the home. 

With a clear budget and timeline in mind, the Oncore team designed a cost-effective plan to transform the space without significant structural changes.

The project covered approximately 80 square metres and focused on key upgrades: plastering, painting, carpet replacement, lighting improvement, and new curtain installation. 

Each step aimed to modernise the look and feel of the property while keeping disruption to a minimum.

Design and Planning

At the start of the project, the clients’ biggest concern was staying within budget and avoiding hidden costs, especially after previous experiences with unexpected expenses from another contractor. 

To address this, the Nicolas team provided a transparent quote that clearly detailed what was included in the work scope.

A simple yet effective makeover plan was created. It focused on renewing the existing surfaces and fixtures rather than replacing them unnecessarily. 

The walls were to be stripped of old wallpaper, skim-coated for smoothness, and painted in fresh, neutral colours to make the rooms feel larger and brighter. 

The carpet, lighting, and curtains were chosen to match the new modern aesthetic, ensuring a cohesive finish throughout the home.

The project schedule was carefully organised to allow each trade to work efficiently, plasterers and painters first, followed by electricians and carpet layers.

Project Execution

Once work began, the Nicolas team coordinated all trades to ensure the project stayed on track. The scope of work included:

• Wallpaper Removal: Carefully stripping old wallpaper and cleaning wall surfaces.
• Plastering & Painting: Applying primer and multiple layers of plaster to create smooth walls before painting all interior areas.
• Flooring Upgrade: Removing the old carpet, cleaning and levelling the subfloor, and installing new carpet throughout.
• Lighting & Curtains: Replacing outdated fittings with new energy-efficient lighting and modern curtains for improved functionality and appearance.

Each stage of the project was monitored closely by Project Manager Nicolas, ensuring the property met Oncore’s high-quality standards. 

Attention to detail was crucial, particularly when working with older surfaces that demanded extra care and preparation before finishing.

Challenges Overcome

One of the key challenges in this project was achieving a perfectly smooth finish after removing the old wallpaper. Some sections of the wall had stubborn adhesive residue and uneven surfaces, which could have affected the final paint quality.

The team overcame this by using specialised plastering tools and techniques, applying multiple skim coats, and sanding between layers for a flawless result. Despite these extra steps, the project was completed on time and without compromising quality.

By maintaining strong communication with the clients and trades throughout the process, any minor issues were quickly identified and resolved before they became delays.

Client Experience

The homeowners were delighted with the transformation and the professionalism of the Nicolas team. They appreciated the clear communication, transparency around costs, and smooth coordination between trades.

Having experienced issues in the past, they were relieved to see the project run exactly as planned, finishing on schedule and within the agreed budget. 

The new look of their property exceeded expectations, giving them confidence that it would attract quality tenants.

Final Results

In just 12 days, the outdated rental property was completely rejuvenated. The freshly plastered and painted walls, new carpet, upgraded lighting, and curtains created a clean, bright, and inviting atmosphere.

The home now feels more modern, comfortable, and ready for new tenants, while the owners can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a high-quality, long-lasting upgrade.

Final Thoughts

This project demonstrates that even a modest budget can have a significant impact when managed efficiently and executed with attention to detail.

By focusing on smart upgrades rather than structural changes, the Nicolas team successfully delivered a fast, affordable, and high-impact interior refresh.

Project Manager Nicolas Ma summed it up best:

“Every project has its challenges, but our team ensured this rental property was refreshed efficiently and to a high standard.”