From Bathroom Repair to Full Home Transformation in Swanson

Project Overview

The homeowners initially contacted Refresh Renovations to replace a cracked bath and renovate their bathroom. Their original wish list included a walk-in shower, new vanity, tiling, and potentially addressing an uneven kitchen floor and adding storage to the laundry.

However, when Refresh Renovation Consultant Morag Burns carried out the initial site inspection, she discovered the renovation needed to go much further.

A previous DIY bathroom renovation had been poorly completed, resulting in water leaks inside the walls. Over time, the damage had spread into the adjoining kitchen, causing the flooring to become uneven and damaging the back of the kitchen cabinetry.

Rather than repairing only the bathroom, the homeowners decided to complete everything on their renovation wish list in one project. The scope expanded to include a brand-new kitchen, bathroom, laundry, flooring throughout the home, and a larger master wardrobe.

Throughout the project, Morag Burns, Project Manager Dominic Hollands, and their team guided the homeowners through each stage, helping them make informed decisions while keeping the renovation within their overall budget.

Design & Planning

The project included both design and build, allowing every space to be planned as a single cohesive renovation.

The homeowners wanted a single company to manage everything rather than coordinating multiple contractors themselves. This made the design process much simpler, with every room planned to complement the others.

As the project scope grew, the budget was carefully reviewed. While the homeowners were prepared to invest up to $200,000, the team worked with them to prioritise the features that mattered most. Some adjustments were made to the laundry design to keep the renovation within budget without compromising the overall vision.

The final design delivered a timeless kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, an organised laundry, updated flooring, and improved storage throughout the home, creating a modern and cohesive feel.

Project Execution

The homeowners moved out during construction, allowing the work to progress efficiently over an eight-week period.

Project Manager Dominic Hollands and his team coordinated every stage of the renovation, while Renovation Consultant Morag Burns continued working closely with the homeowners to ensure the finished result reflected their vision.

The renovation included:

• Complete bathroom renovation
• New custom kitchen
• Laundry renovation
• New flooring throughout the home
• Larger master wardrobe
• New cabinetry
• Plumbing and electrical upgrades
• Waterproofing and tiling
• Plastering and painting
• Floor levelling before flooring installation

A wide range of specialist trades worked together, including builders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters, waterproofers, tilers, cabinet makers, and flooring specialists.

Because the entire renovation was managed by one experienced team, each stage flowed smoothly from demolition through to completion.

Challenges Overcome

Although the project progressed smoothly overall, one challenge required careful attention.

Due to an earlier extension completed before the current owners purchased the home, sections of the floor were significantly uneven. Before the new floating timber flooring could be installed, extensive floor levelling was required to create a stable and long-lasting surface.

The homeowners also benefited from discovering the full extent of the water damage before investing in cosmetic improvements. Addressing the hidden issues first ensured the renovated spaces would perform well for years to come rather than simply covering up existing problems.

Thanks to careful planning and clear communication, the renovation remained well organised despite the expanded scope of work.

Client Experience

From the beginning, the homeowners wanted a true one-stop renovation service. Rather than managing multiple trades themselves, they wanted experienced professionals to coordinate every aspect of the project.

Refresh Renovation Consultant Morag Burns worked closely with the homeowners during the planning and design stages, helping identify hidden issues and develop a renovation plan that addressed both immediate problems and long-term goals. Once construction began, Project Manager Dominic Hollands and his team managed the day-to-day build, coordinating trades, schedules, and deliveries throughout the project.

The homeowners also appreciated the flexibility of the design and costing process. As the scope expanded from a single bathroom renovation into a whole-home transformation, they were able to prioritise the features that mattered most while remaining within their agreed budget.

The finished renovation exceeded their expectations. The bespoke double-basin vanity, custom-made by Contrast Interiors, became one of the standout features of the bathroom, while the spacious double-headed shower created a luxurious everyday experience. Combined with the timeless kitchen, functional laundry, and cohesive finishes throughout the home, the renovation has completely transformed how the family now lives in the space.

Final Thoughts

What began as a simple bathroom renovation quickly became a complete home transformation after hidden water damage uncovered larger underlying problems.

By addressing the structural issues first and carefully redesigning multiple spaces, Renovation Consultant Morag Burns, Project Manager Dominic Hollands, and their team delivered a renovation that is both practical and beautifully finished.

The result is a mid-century home with a timeless kitchen, a stunning bathroom, an organised laundry, improved storage, and a consistent design throughout, creating a home that is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Whether you are planning one room or rethinking several spaces at once, expert guidance can make the process easier. Explore what is possible for your West Auckland home and contact Morag today to start planning your renovation.