Cedar-Clad Gym Extension & Exterior Upgrade in Milson

Project Overview

This renovation focused on upgrading a 1990s single-storey home in Milson, Palmerston North. The homeowners wanted to improve the exterior of their 330 sqm property and create a new 60 sqm gym and recreational space. The existing extension had several issues, including leaks, uneven floors, and outdated joinery, making it uncomfortable to use year-round.

Refresh Renovations was engaged to redesign, plan, and deliver the complete upgrade. The project included new cladding, structural repairs, flooring changes, the removal of extensive joinery, and a full exterior paint finish.

Project Managers: Zoe Blease & Wayne Gordon

Budget and Scope

The pricing in the build contract was $106,515.68, and the invoiced amount came to $106,116.11. One significant change occurred during construction: the plan was to polish the existing concrete floor in the new gym area, but once exposed, the concrete was found to be in poor condition. To fix this, the team switched to carpet tiles. This change helped maintain quality while keeping the project close to the agreed cost.

The homeowners were comfortable with the cost because they had been involved in previous projects with Refresh and trusted the process.

Timeline

The scoping and feasibility process began in April 2024 and continued until October 2024, giving the clients time to refine the plan. Construction started in May 2025 and finished in November 2025. The exterior painting required dry, stable weather, so the team waited for the right conditions to achieve a high-quality finish.

Design & Planning

Refresh Renovations managed the complete design and planning phase.

• Vision Architecture was engaged to complete the working drawings.
• The project required council consent.
• The design focused on repairing the exterior plaster and creating a modern, functional gym extension that blends well with the home.

The clients were clear about wanting a usable, comfortable space. Their home is multi-generational, so improving insulation, temperature control, and overall durability were important.

Construction Work Completed

1. Exterior Plastering Upgrade

The entire exterior of the 330 sq m home was repaired and repainted. It not only fixed performance issues but also refreshed the home's look and prepared it for long-lasting exterior paint.

2. Gym & Recreation Room Extension (60 sqm)

The team upgraded the entire extension, including:

• Replacing damaged framing
• Adjusting uneven flooring
• Installing new joinery
• Improving insulation
• Installing new flooring
• Completing interior finishing work

The homeowners now have a gym space that feels comfortable in both summer and winter.

3. Joinery Upgrades

The extension featured extensive custom-made window joinery, the largest the team had ever worked on. Removal was challenging due to strong Manawatu winds, but the team handled it safely. New joinery was installed to improve warmth and reduce heat loss.

4. Flooring Fixes

The plan was to polish the existing concrete floor, but it wasn’t in good enough condition. Solution:
✔ Grind the surface
✔ Install carpet tiles
It provided a clean, durable finish suitable for a gym environment.

5. Exterior Painting

The final stage included a complete exterior repaint. Because the weather can affect paint quality, the team waited for stable conditions. The result is a fresh, modern exterior that pairs beautifully with the cedar cladding.

Challenges & How They Were Solved

1. Cladding & Framing Replacement

The existing framing did not meet building code requirements and therefore needed to be replaced with thicker, more structurally sound framing.

2. Uneven Concrete Pad

The extension’s concrete pad was poured higher than expected. The team had to grind it down to allow proper installation of new flooring and joinery.

3. Large Custom Windows

Removing the extensive joinery was difficult due to strong winds. The team used safe lifting strategies and completed the work without damage.

4. Pet Considerations

The homeowners have a large dog, so timing had to be clear each day. The team worked closely with the clients to arrange doggy daycare when trades were on-site.

Thoughts on the Final Result

The team loves the final look, especially the cedar cladding, which adds warmth and texture against the existing plaster exterior. The upgrade has modernised the property while still blending naturally with the original structure.

Inside the gym, the new joinery and insulation make a big difference. The temperature is now much more comfortable, making the space ideal for workouts, hobbies, or entertaining.

Why the Homeowners Renovated

The homeowners wanted a safer, more comfortable extension. Their old space was:

• Too hot in summer
• Too cold in winter
• Affected by leaks
• Not well-insulated

Because this is a multi-generational home, they needed a room that could be used year-round. They had already completed several upgrades with Refresh before, so they trusted the team to handle this project as well.

Final Thoughts

This Milson home now has a stronger exterior, a modern look, and a spacious new gym area that feels great to use year-round. With updated cladding, new joinery, better insulation, and a fresh exterior finish, the entire property feels upgraded and future-ready.