Frequently Asked Questions

How does this all work?

With Makeovers to Sell & Makeovers to Love & Keep the process is almost identical. I spend time in your home working out exactly what needs to be done and why. I then come up with my concept - from tapware to paint colours, floor coverings, kitchen redesign, bathroom design, storage, lighting and everything in between. I then price your project and prepare the timeline - based on my concept. Once ready we then get together and go through it. When everything has been agreed and the budgets signed off we can then get started. With Makeovers to Love & Keep I work with you to create a unique concept around how you and your family would like to live in your home, using colours and a design bespoke to you all - a little bit of something special for everyone.

What is a Makeover?

This is working within the current floorplan of your home to make it the very best version of itself. We stay within the realms of non consented work only, however, we ensure everything is completed to build code by registered, qualified trade people.

Why choose Karlek, I could do this myself?

I have a unique skill set developed through my 24 years experience in renovating homes. You get a full package with me. As an Interior Designer, Project Manager and Property Developer, I Design, Project Manage and look after absolutely everything taking the stress and pressure that comes with any renovation or makeover. Makeovers are stressful and you need to know what is going on at all times, be conversant with trades, understand timings and keep to the plan without over capitalising. I answer all the endless questions, deal directly with all trades, solve all problems that arise and have instant access to my team. Clients find project management very stressful and dont have the relationship with trades to be able to secure them at short notice and ensure they turn up when they need them. Then there's the design, knowing exactly how to achieve the desired end result creates the cohesiveness, the seamless timeless beauty that brings the intangibles, the magic if you like. My trusted team of trades and I work together to deliver you amazing results, on time and to budget. Nothing is done without your sign off and agreement first.

Do you do consented work or help us get consents through?

Yes we do. We have specialist draftsmen and Architects who we work with who create drawings from our designs and take those through the council consent process. All of our builders are LBP trained and qualified and all tradesmen are registered and certified in their fields. So if you simply would like to add a bathroom or you would like a large extension, we can take care of all of it for you!

Do you do only single rooms or parts of projects?

No sorry, we only look at the full project. The best way for us to deliver a beautiful cohesive end result and the best overall budget/costs is to look at your Makeover holistically. Often when clients try to start just one zone it can cost a lot more in the long run as it's all about understanding sequencing. For these reasons we only work on complete projects.

Can I use some of my own trades?

In order to ensure the quality we expect, on time and to the agreed budget we only work with our own teams of trusted trades. Bringing in a team that hasn’t worked our way is always challenging and rarely works with the speed and way we work. Our makeovers are completed very quickly and my team are used to working together and under pressure. They are able to respond as I need them - this is how we deliver our results and timings.

What is the cost of your Makeovers?

Client confidentiality is important to us, so we don’t ever disclose how much was spent. Your Makeover investment will generally be $400k plus depending on whether it is a Makeover to Love & Keep or Makeover to Sell and when your project was last renovated -(if it's at the end of its natural life cycle or not). Other variables include location, what you paid for the property and how much potential it could realise.

Do you design and build your own kitchens, bathrooms, storage?

Yes absolutely - we take care of everything including kitchen design, bathroom design, design and supply all our own cabinetry, vanities, storage.. Anything I can think of, we can design and make for our clients. This is lovely as it creates a bespoke look and feel for you that works with your overarching Design concept.