A complete home makeover in Ngatea, Hamilton

George wanted a complete house renovation of his 1975 built split-level home that he grew up in. He had heard about Refresh through a friend and got in touch with renovation specialists Mandy and Lawrie Foster, who sat down with him and discussed exactly what he was hoping to accomplish. 
George grew up in this home with his parents and five sisters and had decided to buy the house from his siblings and modernise its inside, without compromising the exterior 1970s style. 
“The house needed a total refresh,” reveals George. “It was built in the mid 70’s to a good standard, but had not really been touched since then. It had good bones but I wanted it to be modernised into a home of today, while still keeping some of that old character.”

House renovation design

Mandy and Lawrie followed the Refresh process to the dot and started by completing a Concept and Feasibility study of the renovation project, providing George with potential designs for the complete home renovation. They then obtained prices from the various trades that would be required and provided George with a fixed price Build Contract.

An old house renovation

The majority of the project’s emphasis was on the upstairs living, kitchen, and dining areas, as well as the master bedroom. Mandy and Lawrie’s team started by removing the wall between the kitchen and dining area for an open-plan design and installed new aluminium joinery throughout the space, as well as a large ranch slider that allowed access to the outside balcony.

“The new kitchen is absolutely stunning, not to mention huge, with panelled cabinetry and new appliances,” says Mandy. 
The duo then added a floor to ceiling nib wall in the master bedroom which allowed space for a walk-in wardrobe as well as the re-designed layout of the ensuite. “The large freestanding bath in the modernised bathroom is a touch of luxury,” says Mandy. 
The entire interior of the house was painted and a new carpet and luxury vinyl tile was laid throughout. The roof was also repaired and painted, as was the exterior concrete block and wood panelling. 
Mandy and Lawrie originally estimated the project to be completed within 9 weeks, however, the outdoor painting was delayed by rain, which is why it took 12 weeks to complete. Even with all the planning in the world, you can’t control nature.
Throughout the project, Mandy and Lawrie managed 10 contractors and suppliers, and organised the council consent on behalf of George, which was required due to the removal of a wall. 
“With a renovation of this size comes a lot of challenges,” reveals Mandy, “however, we had planned it well and were able to work through any issue that arose.”

Final thoughts

“As you can see from the photos, the result is great and our client is really enjoying his home,” says Mandy, making it clear that it was well worth the 7 months. “The upstairs area is especially awesome!”
“Mandy and Lawrie were great people to work with,” says George, “From the first meeting about the project they listened and added their own comments. They were genuinely interested in what I wanted to achieve.” 
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the result than I am,” reveals George. “Every room was renovated and refreshed. So many aspects of the house that are improved: double glazing, new lighting, walls removed, new bathroom design, new paint, carpeting, and flooring, but the stand out has to be the kitchen - I love it! The main bedroom deserves a mention too.”
“Such a great time to have had on the project!” concludes George, “Not only Lawrie & Mandy, but Knobby and the team of tradespeople that worked the house were friendly and worked to a very high standard. They were all easy to communicate with. I would be happy to recommend Lawrie and Mandy as a great team to work with when you want a renovation project tackled!”

Thinking of renovating?

If you would like to get started on your own renovation project, get in touch with a Refresh renovation specialist today for a completely free consultation!