From First Viewing to Fully Let: Our 6-Step Property Refurb Playbook

At Premier Utilities, we don’t just manage properties — we turn underperforming spaces into sought-after rental assets. Whether it’s a dated commercial unit or a residential fixer-upper, our team follows a proven playbook to transform properties efficiently, cost-effectively, and with long-term value in mind.

Here’s our 6-step refurb process — from first viewing to fully let.

🔹 1. Initial Viewing & Viability Scan

What we assess:

• Structural condition
• Location potential (footfall, transport, nearby development)
• Rental ceiling vs. cost of works

Key question:
Is this a smart investment or a cash drain?

We balance emotion with data, leveraging our leasing experience and market insights from similar units we’ve let or managed in the area.

🔹 2. Rapid Feasibility Plan (Week 1)

We don’t waste weeks in theory. Within 7 days of acquisition or offer, we produce a quick-turn feasibility report outlining:

• Priority works (compliance, safety, layout fixes)
• Estimated refurb budget
• Yield forecast post-refurb
• Likely tenant profile (residential vs commercial)

This fast clarity lets us green-light or shelve a project with confidence.

🔹 3. Refurb Budgeting & ROI Modelling

Once the basics check out, we build a layered budget:

• Essentials: electrics, plumbing, insulation, BER compliance
• Aesthetic uplifts: flooring, lighting, kitchen/bathroom upgrades
• Optional ROI boosts: office-ready cabling, EV charger, layout change

We use conservative rental comps to model best- and worst-case returns.

🔹 4. Contractor Onboarding & Project Timeline

Our in-house project manager brings in trusted trades (no middlemen markups), sets clear timelines, and builds in buffer windows.

Typical refurb duration:

• Light upgrade: 2–3 weeks
• Full fit-out: 5–8 weeks

Our logistics team handles materials, deliveries, and skips — so trades don’t get held up waiting on-site.

🔹 5. Pre-Marketing the Property (During Refurb)

Why wait until it's finished?
Once major works are underway, we launch pre-listing previews with CGIs or walkthroughs (if safe). This builds tenant demand before the unit is done, reducing void periods.

We also gather early interest from our tenant network — retail brands, professionals, and relocation agents.

🔹 6. Fully Let — Fast

Because of strong pre-marketing and precise planning, most Premier refurb properties are let within 7–10 days of completion.

Once keys are handed over, we manage the move-in, snagging, and welcome setup — ensuring tenant satisfaction from day one.

Ready to Upgrade Smarter?

Whether you own one unit or twenty, this process helps protect your time, budget, and rental yield. Want a free consultation on your next refurb project?

👉 Contact Premier Utilities Property Division today.

085 252 1680