Curb Appeal & Creative Spaces:
The Secret to Boosting Your Property Value in 2026
When you buy a property below market value, the goal is simple, but the execution is everything: How do you turn "potential" into a "premium" price tag?
Robbie Unsworth and the team at Hire A Hubby Otumoetai recently completed a total property transformation that serves as a masterclass in adding resale value. By focusing on two key areas—Curb Appeal and Creative Use of Space—they turned a tired house into a luxurious estate in just six weeks.
Whether you are looking to sell, rent, or simply enjoy a more beautiful home, here is how this project achieved maximum impact.
Create "Bonus" Square Footage (The Garage-to-Studio Flip)
One of the smartest ways to increase home value isn't by building out, but by building in. Robbie’s team took a standard, underutilised garage and completely lined and finished it to create a modern studio.
- Why it adds value: In today’s market, a "habitable" extra space—be it a home office, a teenager’s retreat, or a hobby room—is a massive drawcard for buyers and renters alike.
- The Hubby Touch: By installing LED lighting strips and acoustic panels, the team moved the space from "functional storage" to "modern luxury."
Master the "First Impression" (Curb Appeal)
Curb appeal is the psychological "hook" of a property. If the outside looks polished, buyers assume the rest of the house has been well-maintained.
- The Full Facelift: The team repainted the entire exterior. A modern colour palette instantly updates a home’s era and protects the substrate for years to come.
- Under-Deck Enclosures: By enclosing the area under the deck, the team hid unsightly structural elements and created additional dry storage—cleverly tidying the section's silhouette.
- Driveway & Landscaping: The old driveway was dug up, leveled, and relaid with fresh chip. Combined with a new retaining wall and fence running the length of the property, the home now feels secure, stable, and high-end.
High-End Interiors: Kitchen & Bath Focus
If curb appeal gets people through the door, the kitchen and bathrooms close the deal.
- The Scullery Secret: Robbie relocated the kitchen forward and built a scullery behind a partition. This keeps the "mess" of entertaining out of sight—a highly sought-after feature in luxury homes.
- Material Matters: Solid stone benchtops and pendant lighting were used to signal quality. In the bathrooms, wall-to-wall tiling and LED mirrors created a "spa-like" feel that buyers fall in love with.
Overcoming the "Hidden" Challenges
Missed Part 1? See the full Kitchen & Interior Makeover here. Discover how Robbie’s smart design choices completely transformed the living space into a luxurious, modern retreat
Renovations are rarely "plug and play." This project required expert problem-solving, particularly when moving the kitchen.
Moving the island required new plumbing "falls" between two storeys, which meant cutting into the garage space below. Because Robbie’s team handles both the plumbing coordination and the finishing work, they were able to reroute the services and still deliver a flawless studio ceiling. This one-stop-shop approach kept the project on track within a tight six-week window.
Robbie’s Pro-Tips for Maintaining Your Investment
Once your property hits that "luxe" level, you need to keep it there. Robbie recommends:
- Ventilation is Key: Especially in open-plan living. Ensure your kitchen extraction is top-notch so cooking grime doesn't settle on your new lounge paintwork.
- The Annual Wash: Soft-wash your house once a year. It prevents lichen growth and keeps that "freshly painted" look for much longer.
- Pest Protection: Regular insect treatments prevent spiders from webbing up your new architectural features and keep the exterior looking crisp.
Ready to Unlock Your Home’s Potential?
You don't need a massive budget to make a massive impact. From retaining walls and fences to full interior remodels, Hire A Hubby Otumoetai specialises in the "much, much more" that turns a house into a dream home.
Contact your local Hire A Hubby today to brainstorm your next property move.
