Saving $48K in Singleton: An extra $150K Equity Win for a Coastal Dream
How Upside Advisory™ cut inflated quotes, unlocking six-figure equity for a Sydney transplant’s Newcastle coast move.
Project Snapshot
Quick Snapshot
A Sydney transplant living in Singleton wanted to sell his restored 1800s corner home to fund a move closer to the Newcastle coast. With our Upside Advisory™ expertise, we delivered a smart renovation, shaved $48K off inflated quotes.
Meet the Client
John (name changed) is a single professional who relocated from Sydney and personally restored his 1800s Singleton cottage. By the time he engaged us, the major structural work was done; walls repaired, floors levelled, services upgraded. He needed a final push to avoid overcapitalising: a full kitchen overhaul, fresh paint throughout and curated staging to showcase the home’s character. His goal was to sell smart, shave unnecessary tradie costs and fund his move closer to the Newcastle coast.
The Challenge
A 50-year-old kitchen and peeling exterior paint were holding back the home’s value.
Local tradies were quoting $55K+ for labour alone not even paint.
Without strategic support, John risked spending too much and achieving too little in return.
Before & After Gallery
My Strategy
We applied our Upside Advisory™ formula with a focus on value creation and budget control:
Straightforward support: Helped John navigate quote comparisons, avoided local price gouging, and built trust through each step.
Market-savvy insight: Designed the home to appeal to Singleton’s young families and professionals seeking character homes that don’t need work.
Profit-focused planning: Scoped a high-impact, quality low-waste last stage renovation to maximise both value and return.
What We Did
Final Renovation ($52K):
Painted the roof and all external walls, dramatically lifting curb appeal.
Installed a brand-new kitchen with fresh walls, flooring, cabinetry, and appliances.
Skipped unneeded overhead cupboards near windows (better light, lower cost).
Cut an extra benchtop area that would’ve added $4,5K in cost with no ROI.
Saved $48K:
Beat the $55K paint quote using our network of reliable trades.
Saved $12K+ in kitchen elements that weren’t needed.
Negotiated a lean staging fee structure through our Vendor Advocacy service.
Project Gallery
"After pooring my heart & weekends in brigging this home back to life, I was staring down $85K quotes and a tired old kitchen, then Joris dropped in his Upside Advisory. He sliced $48K off my reno, transformed my 1800s cottage into a standout, and funded my move to the coast. No fluff, just results, and he moves fast."
John - 2025