Creating a Private Family Suite and Functional Home Upgrade in Mount Maunganui

Project Overview

This project was designed to support multi-generational living while improving the home's overall functionality and appearance. The homeowners wanted to create a private, comfortable space for an elderly family member, while still keeping strong connections to the rest of the household. 

At the same time, they wanted to fix problem areas in the home, improve storage, and modernise the front entrance.

The Initial Plan and Change in Direction

The project began as a garage conversion to create a bedroom and living area for the elderly family member. It would have provided privacy while keeping access to shared spaces like the kitchen and dining area.

During the Scoping and Feasibility stage, the Refresh team worked through layout options and costs. However, after careful consideration, the homeowners decided the garage conversion was not the best long-term solution. It would remove valuable garaging, reduce future flexibility, and stretch the budget.

The team stepped back and reassessed how the family was using the home now, and how they might use it in the future. It led to a smarter solution that avoided losing garage space while still meeting the family’s needs.

The Final Design Solution

Instead of converting the garage, the team repurposed one of the lounges and reconfigured internal access to create a fully self-contained private suite for the elderly family member.

This new suite includes:

• A lounge area
• The master bedroom
• A renovated ensuite
• A walk-in wardrobe

Doorways were reconfigured to separate this area from the main living spaces, while still allowing access to shared family areas if desired. It gave the elderly family member independence, privacy, and comfort, all within the main home.

Detailed Renovation Work Completed

Ensuite (Full Renovation):

• Complete gut and rebuild
• New vinyl plank flooring
• New vanity and tapware
• Taller-than-standard toilet
• Heated towel rail and extractor fan
• Acrylic moulded shower
• Accessibility rails
• New switches and power points
• Plastering and painting

Master Bedroom:

• New doorway into the lounge
• Carpet repair
• Plastering and painting
• New power points

Lounge:

• Relocated power points and ONT
• New heat pump
• New barn sliders, tracks, and handles
• Plastering, painting, and carpet repair

Main Bathroom:

• New vanity and tapware
• New heated towel rail
• New extractor fan
• Plastering and painting

Laundry (Complete Transformation)

The original laundry was very small and had no storage. This space was completely removed and rebuilt as a new, highly functional laundry with:

• Custom cabinetry
• New sink, bench, and tapware
• Storage for fridge/freezer
• Extendable clothesline
• New vinyl plank flooring
• Electrical upgrades
• Plastering and painting

Front Entranceway:

• Removal of old glass blocks
• New tinted window joinery
• Brand new front door
• Plastering and painting

Garage:

• New attic ladder to improve storage
• Door jamb repair
• Plastering and painting
• New attic lighting
• Reinstated paving at the rear after drainage work

Trades and Project Management

The project involved close coordination of many trades, including:

• Builders
• Plumbers and drainage specialists
• Electricians
• Plasterers
• Painters
• Flooring installers (carpet and vinyl planking)
• Window and door installers
• Laundry cabinetry suppliers
• Paving installers
• Cleaners

Refresh managed the entire process, from planning through to final handover.

Challenges and How They Were Solved

The main challenge arose during the laundry drainage work. The team initially planned to run drainage within the garage, but the required fall could not be achieved. It meant:

• Updating drawings
• Applying for a Minor Variation with council
• Redirecting drainage through the garage wall to connect to the existing system

It required constant coordination with trades, council, and the homeowner, but the team managed the change without delaying the overall timeline.

Another unique challenge was sourcing and installing a wooden toilet seat for the ensuite. It was a firm request from the elderly Mum, and the team worked closely with plumbers and suppliers to make sure it was done correctly.

Timeline and Delivery

The project was scheduled for 5 weeks. Even with the drainage redesign and council variation, the team completed the renovation on time, allowing the family to settle into the new layout before Christmas.

Final Outcome

The renovation delivered far more than originally planned:

• A fully private and comfortable suite for the elderly family member
• A modern, spacious laundry with excellent storage
• A refreshed main bathroom
• A welcoming, modern front entrance
• Improved storage through the garage attic ladder

The elderly Mum now has a space she can truly call her own, while still being close to family. The rest of the household benefits from better layout, improved storage, and a more modern home.

Client Feedback

The homeowners praised the project for being delivered on time and on budget, noting that the team took the time to understand their needs and offered thoughtful, practical solutions. They were especially pleased with the front entrance makeover and the new laundry space.