Fabulous and Functional Garage Conversion in Auckland Central

Space Needed!

This clienthad a fabulous family home in coastal Kohimarama, but she needed extra space for her changing family situation. She wanted an additional bedroom and living area that was teen friendly. Converting the existing attached garage was the practical solution, so she got in touch with her local Refresh Renovation Consultant Maree de Latour for a free consultation and some friendly advice.

Maree met with the client at her home so she could see the space and listen to her goals for the renovation. As an experienced consultant, Maree was able to give the client some initial ideas around what was possible and explain more about the Refresh process. With Refresh, your consultant is with you every step of the way and offers a complete end-to-end project management service so your renovation is straightforward and stress-free. No work begins until you are completely comfortable with the design and budget, and your consultant is your single point of contact throughout the project. The client had a fixed timeline and Maree’s experience and streamlined process was ideal, so the pair quickly moved forward to the planning stages.

Concept and Design

The existing garage had plenty of room, so it provided the perfect blank slate to create the new ‘teen zone’ that the client wanted. It would need to include a bedroom, as well as a living area with room for a TV and gaming monitors. Some of the space would also need to be reserved for the laundry area and storage. The fit out didn’t need to be expensive – just bright, comfortable, and well laid out.

Maree got to work with her designer to create a custom concept that would transform the underutilised garage into a functional living area. The garage was essentially a shell and didn’t have the necessary insulation and ventilation needed for a living space. Maree’s plan would see the walls lined and insulated, new internal walls built, windows installed, and of course the lighting, carpeting, and paint needed to make it feel like a natural extension of the home. The client was quick to sign off on the plans and then it was over to Maree to work her magic.

Transformation Underway

The client’s garage conversion was largely straightforward, but it still involved numerous trades and access to the right supplies. Sourcing and scheduling multiple tradespeople is often a huge headache for homeowners attempting renovations, but with Maree at the helm, the client didn’t have to worry about a thing. Maree tapped into her existing local network of professionals to bring together a group of trusted ‘tradies’ – including gib stoppers, builders, painters, electricians, water proofer, joinery provider and more - to transform the client's space within the needed timeline. She expertly managed the on-site schedule and in fact – she kept it running ahead of schedule!

Over several weeks, Maree’s team stripped the existing space, built and lined new walls, and installed flooring, lighting, and windows.

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Light and Bright New Living Space

In just a few weeks Maree’s team completely transformed her client’s underutilised garage into a light and bright living space. The bedroom has large windows for plenty of natural light, a panel wall heater, desk spaces and a wardrobe – everything a teen needs for comfort and privacy. The lounge space has a TV, as well as a desk with computer monitors. Both areas have been painted in Resene Alabaster, a near white neutral with a light blackened edge that is perfect for keeping things looking bright, cool, and modern.

The laundry and storage space was kept long and narrow to maximise the living and bedrooms areas. This didn’t affect functionality though. Long working benches atop front loading machines ensure plenty of storage space and a bonus sink. 

Final Thoughts

Maree listened to the client’s needs and delivered a cosy and comfortable teen room and bonus living space. The rooms look and feel like a natural extension of the home, while neutral flooring and paint plus the provision of plenty of windows makes it a light and bright welcoming space.

Maree loves the outcome:

“The renovation was a huge success, and the space looks fantastic.”

The client is exceptionally happy with the result:

"Maree was always available, professional and responsive, making certain everything happened on time and to a high standard. The app gave great visibility of what was happening and when. The renovation met budget and was ahead of schedule. We are delighted with the result. It exceeded our expectations!"

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

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