Kitchen, Dining, Laundry & Bathroom Renovation In Glen Eden

Project Overview

The homeowners of this 1980s two-storey house had lived here for 20 years. They once loved the tiled bathrooms and kitchen, but over time, the tiles and fittings became worn out, and serious waterproofing issues started to show. The damage became clear, and a complete renovation was the only viable solution.

At first, the clients thought $100k might be enough. However, after speaking with the Refresh Renovation team, they discovered the true scope would be larger. With their love for luxury finishes and bold designs, the final cost came to $180k, including bathrooms, flooring, tiling, and appliances.

The build stage took 9 weeks, following approximately 6 months of design work and financial planning.

Design & Planning

The clients had no renovation experience, so the Refresh team guided them through every step. Spin Design, a design company, was engaged to create concept designs. These included ideas for bathrooms, the kitchen, laundry, and featured details like wallpaper and tiles.

The scope was clear from the start: fully tiled bathrooms, high-quality fixtures, and a stylish kitchen. Everything was co-created with the homeowners so they felt part of the journey.

Project Execution

Kitchen Upgrade

The kitchen was completely rebuilt with modern cabinetry and appliances. The big challenge was the extraction unit. It required a roof-mounted motor, but since the kitchen was located on the ground floor, the ducting had to run up through the second-floor bathroom and out onto the roof. Careful planning ensured it worked safely and effectively.

Bathrooms & Laundry

The two bathrooms became the stars of the renovation. The downstairs bathroom now has black and green tiles, a walk-in tiled shower, and dramatic leafy wallpaper. It’s bold, moody, and modern.

The upstairs bathroom and laundry were also upgraded with full tiling, new fixtures, and waterproofing that met today’s standards. It fixed the long-standing issues caused by the previous poor-quality renovations.

General Works

• Rotten and uneven floors were fixed before new construction began.
• Plastering, painting, and waterproofing were carefully done to make the house safe and long-lasting.
• New flooring and finishes unified the rooms, creating a clean yet warm ambience.

Challenges Overcome

As with many older homes, hidden problems were found. Rotten floors and uneven surfaces needed to be fixed first.

The extraction unit was another tricky part. Because the fan had to be mounted on the roof, ducting had to pass through another room. While these issues added work, the team expected them and managed everything with clear communication.

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Client Experience

The homeowners were total beginners at renovating. They felt nervous about the cost and scope, but Refresh’s “one-stop shop” approach made them comfortable. 

They appreciated that designers, builders, and project managers collaborated, eliminating the need to manage multiple trades independently. At first, they hoped to spend less, but Refresh was transparent and honest from the beginning, helping them adjust their budget expectations.

The clients loved being part of the design process. They appreciated how the team explained everything, listened to their ideas, and then brought them to life. By the end, they felt supported and proud of the results.

Final Result

The finished home is warm, inviting, and full of personality. It’s modern and stylish, but also unique to the clients’ taste. The once “beige and boring” tiled home is now fresh, bold, and fun.

The bathrooms stand out, especially the downstairs one with its dark tiles, leafy wallpaper, and luxury walk-in shower. The kitchen and laundry are practical and sleek, with everything finished to a high standard.

Final Thoughts

This project demonstrates how a house with longstanding issues can be completely revitalised. With proper planning, design, and teamwork, even significant challenges like rotten floors or complex extraction units can be overcome.

The Refresh Renovation team delivered a stylish, functional, and character-filled space that the client can enjoy for many years to come.