"The Block" Judge Reveals massive value adding hacks - With Darren Palmer & Todd Sloan

"The Blocks" Judge Rates My Rental Property Reno + Design masterclass Ever wondered how the right renovation choices can skyrocket your property’s value — and how the wrong ones can drain your budget? In this episode, Todd Sloan sits down with design expert and TV personality Darren Palmer to unpack the art and strategy behind smart home improvements. Darren talks about what really makes a reno worth the investment. From emotional decisions to strategic upgrades, Darren shares insights from his extensive career in design, offering tips that are as practical as they are inspiring. They unpack common traps, explore timeless vs. trendy design, and discuss why understanding your “why” is the key to creating a home that works. They also explore how design impacts not just aesthetics, but the way people live and the way buyers feel. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a full-scale makeover, Darren’s advice could help save thousands and add real value. It’s not just about flipping for profit — it’s about creating spaces people love. If you’re planning to renovate, sell, or simply curious about design, click on this episode and take away some game-changing insights from Darren Palmer! NSW Valuer General: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/department-of-planning-housing-and-infrastructure/nsw-valuer-general Get in touch with our amazing episode contributors & sponsors: Check out Darren's Books: https://darrenpalmer.com/pages/books Get in touch with Darren today: https://darrenpalmer.com/ InvestorKit: https://www.investorkit.com.au/ Check out Rob Flux: https://developernetwork.com.au/events Steve Ash: https://www.propertystrats.com.au Come visit Suburbs Finder to use their wide range of tools: https://www.suburbsfinder.com.au/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 03:22 - Darren Palmer's Design Philosophy 04:37 - High-Impact Value-Add Changes in Renovations 05:02 - Case Study: Bondi Apartment Renovation 07:12 - Spatial Planning and Materiality 08:22 - Importance of Due Diligence and Comparable Sales 10:11 - Small Design Details that Make a Big Impact 11:09 - Todds Renovation Review: Bathroom 15:50 - Floor Plan Considerations 17:53 - Todds Renovation Review: Living Room 21:14 - Todds Renovation Review: Kitchen 23:08 - Kitchen Design and Functionality 25:44 - Five Zones of Kitchen Design 28:23 - Fundamentals of Good Design 29:02 - Todds Renovation Review: Backyard 31:00 - Zoning and Functionality in Outdoor Spaces 36:19 - Bathroom Layout Optimisation 36:43 - Importance of Baths in Family Homes 37:57 - Choosing the Right Colours for Your Space 45:00 – Furniture Arrangement Tips 54:51 – Styling a Property for Sale vs. For Valuation 59:29 – Styling Decisions Aligned with Market Expectations 01:00:39 – Define a Clear Design Brief 01:10:01 – Final Thoughts 🍕🏠 We want to hear your investor story! So if you've experienced something that you know other investors can learn a thing or two from, click the link below and let us know. 🍕🏠 👉 https://pizzaandproperty.com.au/investor-story 👈 If you'd like to be flown into the Pizza & Property Studio, put up for a night's accommodation, have dinner with Todd Sloan, and have a team of carefully chosen property investing experts help you get unstuck, click the link below and tell us why you're stuck, and you could be our next UN-Stuck Yourself winner! 👉 https://pizzaandproperty.com.au/unstuck-yourself 👈 Want more help understanding how to buy property faster and for less? Get your copy of Todd Sloan’s book today: Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-home-buying-guide-todd-sloan/book/9780648980490.html?source=pla&zsrc=go-nz-allstock&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnJaKBhDgARIsAHmvz6f55Kw-l0pKCn0DMNj0TND2qN863sQQR56p98sXAjOUgBQSpwDDQ0waAtLsEALw_wcB Dymocks: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/australias-home-buying-guide-by-todd-sloan-9780648980490?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnJaKBhDgARIsAHmvz6etuq25nQ2CSirN8z-UHAIshbp5MxeuD7ECMvs5Oghg2Pab34Fyl0QaAuQhEALw_wcB YouTube Pizza & Property: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgXX6ibW7WEFbWkf-jslDvQ?view_as=subscriber Facebook Pizza & Property: https://www.facebook.com/Pizza-and-Property-2111096335696398/?modal=admin_todo_tour ASK YOUR LISTENER QUESTION BY VISITING THE WEBSITE BELOW Website: https://www.pizzaandproperty.com/ Disclaimer: All discussions are general in nature and should never be considered financial advice, please seek your own professional financial advice. The content displayed on the website, podcast, and blog is the intellectual property of Pizza and Property. You may not reuse, republish, or reprint such content without our written consent.