IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Coastal Buys talks to Vikky Morris from The Reno Agent about the benefits of engaging a renovation coordinator.

What led you to a career in the property industry?

Growing up with a master builder grandfather, I have been involved in renovations for most of my life starting with a large family renovation at the age of 12, followed by an additional four family home renovations. My first own home renovation was at the age of 23 and I have been renovating houses ever since. Over a decade ago, I left a successful corporate career in the health industry to focus on my passions in life and what makes me happy. I was able to take all of my corporate skills and blend them with my core passions to renovate many properties for both myself and clients.

What services do you offer as a renovation coordinator?

When a client works with The Reno Agent, they can expect to have help and support throughout the whole renovation process. My objective is to remove any fear, uncertainty and doubt for my clients, whether that’s working through thoughts and ideas, finding designers and draftsmen, getting through approvals or understanding how to be an owner builder. I also help find the right tradespeople, manage the sequencing of works and source goods and materials to complete jobs on time and to a budget.

What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?

There’s just so much I love about this industry. It’s the ability to bring renewed life into buildings to make them wonderful homes for families. It’s understanding what my clients really want and what will make them happy, as well as bringing together passionate and skilled individuals to work as a cohesive team on a united goal. I love the process of coordinating both the tradespeople and timelines to stay on a deadline and a budget, whilst being creative and solution driven to deliver beautiful homes.

What can clients expect when they engage your services?

When I initially meet with clients, I have a three-phase approach of ideation, formulation and execution. I use this to understand everything about what they’re looking for and to know their visions, their dream for their renovation, their fears and the level of support they desire. Every client and their renovation is unique. Once we have agreed on objectives, we work more into the detail of how that will be coordinated, how I can help them manage each step to reduce the negative impacts on their time and day-to-day lives and to create a budget guide. I will source all other individuals who are required to execute the renovation and will advocate on my clients’ behalf from start through to completion. Most importantly, I want my clients to enjoy the process, be able to express their dreams and realise their goals to make a genuine positive impact on their lives and lifestyle.

“When a client works with The Reno Agent,
they can expect to have help and support throughout the whole renovation process.”

Are you noticing any trends emerging in terms of renovations?

I’ve noticed a few things lately. Firstly that more families are wanting to renovate their homes rather than incur the costs of moving but also at the same time I’m seeing that it is becoming increasingly more difficult for home owners to find available local builders to work on these projects. Combining my passion for property and health interests into one arena I am extremely interested in the emerging conversation and evidence for a healthier environment within a new home. With increasing knowledge of toxins around the home, I am very interested in some of the newer more sustainable and healthier alternative materials that are on offer. It interests me so much and I feel it is such an important focus for home owners that I am looking to do further study in this field of ‘building biology’. Watch this space!

What are your favourite things to see and do in the Tweed Coast region?

Every day I feel grateful to be in this beautiful part of the world. I spend a lot of time walking my dog, Amber, with my husband or friends on one of our breathtaking beaches or walking through the many hinterland walks we have. I enjoy our local community and practise yoga in the community hall several times a week. The view of the ocean from there is very special. And when I not walking, doing yoga or at the gym, I’m looking at houses, where to buy houses, what’s being renovated or the latest builds. I’m also a constant learner of the current science of health and what we are constantly uncovering about how our fascinating bodies and health interact. However I’m not a health bore (others may disagree) and I will spend time relaxing with maybe a cocktail (or two) at the Pot and Pint, a meal at one of our many local restaurants or watching the sun go down at the surf club.

See below for before and after photos of a recent renovation that Vikky coordinated in Kingscliff.