Fixed BTL Refurb Package — A Case Study
Ellice Construction completed a fast, cost-controlled light refurbishment of a one-bed retirement living apartment for an estate agency & property investor. The goal was to create a calm, safe and rent-ready home with broad appeal to older residents—modernising kitchens and bathrooms, refreshing finishes, improving lighting, and minimising future maintenance—without the disruption or spend of a full rip-out.
Before
After
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Whole home
Full redecoration: warm neutral walls, white ceilings/woodwork to maximise light.
New dense-pile carpets to living room & bedroom; LVP to kitchen for durability.
Warm-white lighting upgrade (new wall lights & pendant), sockets/switches checked and rationalised.
Consistent, easy-operate window treatments (simple curtain poles and drapes).
Living room
Make-good walls/ceilings, reseal skirtings, tidy cabling and outlets.
Cleaned and refreshed feature fireplace and surround.
Kitchen (compact U-shape)
Retained layout; upgraded touch points:
Shaker cabinet fronts with easy-grip knobs.
Walnut-tone worktops with softened leading edges.
White bevelled metro tiles with mid-grey grout.
New electric hob/oven & stainless extractor.
Re-sealed 1.5 bowl sink, new mixer tap.
Pendant task light and LVP flooring.
Bedroom
Redecoration, new carpet, warm-white wall light, and matching curtains.
Cleared circulation to suit mobility aids if required.
Bathroom
Converted to walk-in shower: low tray, framed glass screen.
Large-format stone-effect tiles to walls/floor; chrome thermostatic shower set.
Heated towel rail, mirrored cabinet, white vanity.
Strategically placed grab rails; full re-silicone and ventilation check.
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Safety & comfort: low shower threshold, grab bars, rounded edges, firm thresholds.
Visibility: light-boosting palette with contrast at worktops/tiles/sockets to aid depth perception.
Low maintenance: wipe-clean tiles, LVP in wet areas, durable carpets elsewhere.
Even, warm lighting: reduces glare and improves night-time orientation.
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Compact kitchen: kept the efficient U-shape and used light tiles plus continuous worktops to reduce visual clutter while maximising prep space.
Modernising on a light-refurb budget: focused spend on high-impact touch points (tiles, tops, lighting, appliances) while retaining sound elements and services.
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A bright, cohesive apartment that photographs well and meets the expectations of age-restricted renters.
Reduced maintenance burden through robust finishes and tidy detailing.
Delivered snag-free and ready to market, supporting faster lettings and stable returns.
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Dual-aspect living room with fresh décor and warm wall lighting.
Shaker-style, U-shaped kitchen with walnut-tone tops, metro tiles, and new hob/oven/extractor.
Contemporary walk-in shower room with grab rails, heated towel rail, and large-format tiling.