An interior refresh, new patio, and like-for-like kitchen renovation in Aongatete, Tauranga

Tired interiors

Before Ross and Michelle could move into their forever home in Aongatete, Bay of Plenty, there was work that needed to be done. The interior of this rural property was penetrated by cigarette smoke and it wasn’t something a simple clean-up would take care of. With such a challenge ahead of them, Ross and Michelle reached out to Refresh Renovations for help with a solution.  

Local Renovation Consultant Danielle Renee visited Ross and Michelle’s recently purchased home to conduct an on-site consultation and understand what the duo wanted to accomplish. Addressing the smoke damage was top priority, followed by a new kitchen, and a covered outdoor entertaining area to take advantage of the expansive rural views. While the couple knew what they wanted, they also told Danielle they had a strict budget, so she moved into the concept and costing phases to get the plans and costs in alignment.

Sticking to the budget

A like-for-like renovation is a technique that sees everything replaced but maintains the existing layout and position of the fixtures. This allows for a noticeable transformation without needing to undergo costly structural changes or significant plumbing and electrical work. 

Danielle recommended this approach for the kitchen design to help keep the project on budget. The removal of minor elements from the scope, such as adding a shower screen, also helped to keep on top of costs.

Painting and new floor installation were non-negotiable within the scope as these jobs would directly impact the smoke damage mitigation. Once Ross and Michelle had narrowed down the scope to their must-haves, Danielle could bring in a quantity surveyor to accurately estimate the project for the homeowners.

Navigating delays and staying on schedule

Danielle worked closely with Ross and Michelle to help them select the perfect materials for the project. Once decisions were made, she ordered supplies and coordinated the necessary tradespeople. Unfortunately there were major delays with the kitchen materials. COVID aftermath was still impacting the supply chain, but Danielle worked diligently to manage the portion of the renovation she had control over. 

During active construction, Renovation Consultants are always available to address any issues that come up and Refresh’s intuitive customer portal allows homeowners to follow their renovation’s progress in real-time, without experiencing information overload. 

Throughout the five-month construction, Danielle communicated regularly with Ross and Michelle to keep them abreast of essential updates. The final cost for the renovation came to $130,000. Once the team wrapped everything up, Danielle compiled all the appropriate paperwork and handed it over to Ross and Michelle to execute the final project delivery. 

A fantastic forever home

Anyone that enters Ross and Michelle’s newly renovated home would never guess it was riddled with smoke damage just months earlier. The entire house has been redone, including new flooring, lighting, electrical sockets, and paint. Ross and Michelle even got their covered outdoor entertainment area as well!

The like-for-like kitchen design is an impressive transformation. The warmth from the new timber flooring complements the bold contrast of the black and white cabinetry and benchtops, while thoughtful details, such as the farmhouse drawer pulls and glass paned cabinet door, incorporate subtle hints of style throughout. 

Ross and Michelle are thrilled with the results: “Our new renovation has truly refreshed this house, giving it a new lease of life.”

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

Get in touch for a free consultation with your local Renovation Consultant.