Email: kim@designtorenovate.co.nz
Call Us: +64 21 978 990
Address: 64 Queen Street, Level 1, Waiuku, Auckland
Renovating Beats Relocating
For many families, Pukekohe, Auckland is the perfect balance of country and city. It’s not far from the coast, there’s a variety of schools in the area, and Manukau and Auckland are easily accessible by train for commuters. So, it’s no surprise that homeowners Emily and Jamie chose to renovate instead of relocate.
Their sunny three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is in a serene location with lovely views. The property had undergone a few upgrades since it was built in the 1980s, but Emily and Jamie needed their home to function better for their busy family life.
The couple had some great ideas for their renovation but didn’t know where to start. While researching contractors and council restrictions, they came upon Design to Renovate and wanted to know more. Renovation Consultant Kim Reiche stepped in to provide them with all the information they needed.
After Kim outlined the five-step Design to Renovate process to Emily and Jamie, they were keen to get started. Budget was a concern and they wanted the best possible value for their outlay.
Kim worked closely with the couple to define their must-haves and provide a cost estimate to see if the budget and scope aligned. She arranged for concept designs to be drawn up which included reconfiguring the layout and enclosing the front deck to create an extended living area, two new bathrooms and a laundry room, a completely renovated kitchen, an outdoor living space with a deck connecting home and garage, and new flooring and paint throughout the interior.
This was a big investment, so Emily and Jamie took their time to review every detail. Ultimately, they felt cost and value were well matched and were happy to proceed with the renovation.
After arranging and receiving council consent for the home extension, the project could begin. Unfortunately, COVID created multiple interruptions. With Emily and Jamie never having renovated before, it was almost overwhelming to see their home being stripped back to bare bones while they lived temporarily in the garage with their two young daughters.
Clear communication is an integral part of the Design to Renovate process. Kim focused on supporting the family and making sure they knew everything was under control, with both parties making effective use of the Design to Renovate online customer portal to keep abreast of progress.
Coordinating a reliable crew from her network of professional contacts, Kim managed to keep disruptions to a minimum. With the demolition, re-framing, and insulation finished, the team progressed with the new bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge. Emily and Jamie could see their home finally taking shape and after 11 weeks had what felt like a completely new home.
Coming in through the new entrance, you’re immediately bathed in light from the new skylight; the natural light in their home is one of Emily and Jamie’s favourite features of the renovation. Along the left hand wall is a built-in storage area for shoes, jackets, and other outdoor essentials.
Up the freshly carpeted stairs, the most notable update is the new bathroom. It has the same stylish, stone-based waterproof Neptune flooring as the living areas downstairs. Geometric elements such as the oval basin and the window with thick black framing add a modern flair to the attractive yet simple design. The combination of timber and black used in the main bathroom vanity has transformed the downstairs bathroom as well. The complementary design of both spaces enhances the sense of continuity between both levels.
Converting the front deck into liveable interior space allowed for a new L-shaped layout. A cosy lounge with double-glazed windows, LED lights, and new flooring now sits at the front of the house and flows seamlessly into the kitchen. A trio of open lantern lights is suspended above the large, stone-topped island. With seating for six, ample bench space, concealed storage, and built-in nooks for appliances, the island is a stylish and highly functional addition. The main bench and cabinetry sit across from the island with the kitchen now opening to a beautiful outdoor living space through striking bi-fold doors.
A sunny new deck connects the main house and the garage. Festoon lights threaded between both structures further define the space, adding character and charm for evening entertaining. Stairs on either side of the deck allow access both from inside the garage and directly from the main house.
Around the side of the house, the new cladding of the extension blends seamlessly with the original grey weatherboards, while at the front a bold yellow front door with chic black details is a vibrant reminder of the spectacular renovation that has taken place.
Open-plan living and indoor-outdoor flow in a home that previously had neither is a dramatic change for the better. Kim delivered a renovation that has transformed daily life for Emily and Jamie. Now, they have the total package — a gorgeous home in a neighbourhood that they love.
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Based in Franklin, Auckland but servicing the whole of New Zealand/Australasia, Design to Renovate offers a bespoke blend of services that includes interior design, conceptual design, build and architecture to full turnkey Project Management and more.
Services
Kitchen
Bathroom
Full Residential
Interior Design
Small/medium Commercial Design