Farmhouse Transformation into a Modern Family Home

Project Overview

This farmhouse was previously used as a worker’s residence. The owners decided to move into the home themselves because of its beautiful location and stunning waterfall views. However, the house was outdated and not suitable for modern family living.

The goal was to transform the home into a comfortable, open, and practical family space while preserving its rural character. The owners wanted a hands-off experience because they had busy work schedules and asked Refresh Renovations to manage the entire project from start to finish.

Scope of Work

The renovation covered most of the house and focused on improving layout, comfort, and functionality.

Key changes included:

• Removing the wall between the kitchen and lounge to create an open-plan layout
• Removing the fireplace wall from the middle of the lounge and relocating the fireplace to an exterior wall
• Replacing existing standard  windows with large full height windows and a new modern entrance door with large sidelights to allow more sunlight in the kitchen living. 
• Closing off an unsafe ceiling skylight
• Extending the laundry to create a larger space and dividing it into a butler’s pantry and laundry with outdoor access
• Installing a brand-new kitchen with an island
• Renovating the main bathroom, with tiled finishes and upgraded fittings
• Replacing all old ceiling tiles with Gib for a modern look. 
• Adding larger windows in bathroom and office space to get more sunlight. 
• Featured brickwork at the entrance (interior and exterior)

Future upgrades, such as new joinery and roof fascia boards, may be considered later.

Design, Consents & Project Management

Refresh Renovations completed the concept plans, working drawings, and full build. The owners completed the painting, while Refresh handled all other aspects of the renovation, including flooring and carpet throughout the home.

Council consent was required for:

• Removing a load-bearing wall
• Installing larger aluminium joinery
• Extending the laundry and pantry
• Installing a tiled shower

All approvals were managed as part of the project.

Budget & Timeline

The original quote for the project was $360,000. During construction, variations totalling $40,000 were added, bringing the final project cost to $400,000.

The variations were mainly due to:

• Full house rewiring and electrical upgrades
• Installation of a new fireplace
• Removal of the unsafe skylight and roof truss rebuild
• Hot water cylinder upgrade
• Additional exterior wall cladding work

The planned build time was 4 months. Despite challenges, the home was handed over a few days early, with only minor punch-list items completed shortly after.

Challenges and Solutions

Two significant challenges arose during the build.

Just before the pre-line inspection, a large storm caused flooding across part of the farm. Moisture levels in the timber exceeded acceptable limits, so wall linings were delayed by one week to allow for drying. This was carefully managed, and the overall timeline was not affected.

Another issue was the discovery of illegal roof structural changes to the roof. A skylight had previously been installed by cutting roof trusses without engineering approval. The team removed the skylight, designed proper engineering solutions, and rebuilt the trusses safely, all within the original schedule.

Trades Involved

The project required a wide range of skilled trades, including:

• Builder
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Cabinet maker
• Aluminium joinery supplier
• Roofer
• Fireplace installer
• Plasterer
• Kitchen supplier
• Bricklayer

Refresh coordinated all trades to ensure smooth delivery.

Final Result

The transformation completely changed how the home feels and functions. The open-plan kitchen and living area now feel spacious, modern, and practical. The butler’s pantry and laundry layout work well for everyday use.

A standout feature is the new stone-finished entrance, which adds strong character to the home. The covered outdoor area facing the waterfall creates a peaceful space for relaxing and entertaining.

Overall, the renovation turned a basic farmhouse into a warm, modern family home while keeping its rural charm.

Client Experience

The owners wanted a stress-free renovation and trusted Refresh Renovations to manage everything. By handling design, consent, trades, and construction under one roof, the team delivered a smooth project that met the client’s needs, budget, and timeline.

Lessons Learned

One bathroom vanity design failed to account for drainpipe placement, reducing storage space. The supplier accepted responsibility and provided replacement components at no cost to resolve the issue.