Love it or List It NZ: How to make $50k stretch to a new kitchen, bathroom and deck

Meet Lani and Tom Hardy who live in this 75m² brick-and-tile unit at Mount Maunganui with daughter Della. But it’s not working for them.

Before: The open-plan living area looked very cramped, and the kitchen overhead cupboards opened into the lounge.

Lani and Tom are pictured on the new deck with agent Paul Glover (left) and designer Alex Walls (right).

After: The carpet has been replaced with a hardwood laminate floor; the hall door has been moved out of the kitchen, and the space looks a lot bigger.

And this is the real magic - a window seat that doubles as dining seating and storage.

And this is the first house they are shown, in Matua, Tauranga. It was listed for $800,000 and looks like it could be a winner.

A huge new deck is laid over the original concrete patio.

The second house, in Greerton, is a lot more modern, but somewhat dated inside.

There is plenty to like about the first Greerton house.

It’s a solid 1950s bungalow they are shown next. It’s great inside, but the outdoor living area is too enclosed and surrounded by neighbours.

The new galley-style kitchen will be a lot more functional. A full set of Bosch appliances was included in the upgrade.

The original block wall was covered over for a much more modern look.

The bathroom upgrade included tumbled tiles around the bath and in the shower.