Light and Bright: Stunning Home Extension in Wellington

A growing home for a growing family

Homeowner Kimberley wanted ample space in which her family could grow, so when their 1950s brick bungalow began to feel cramped, she decided to just grow the home! 

Kimberley’s vision was to extend the home from the kitchen into the backyard, replacing the ageing sunroom and dilapidated decking. Requiring a home better suited to her family’s needs, Kimberley reached out to Renovation Consultant Jenelle Winstanley. 

A budget-friendly concept

Initially the wishlist included an extra bedroom, master ensuite, separate laundry, second living room, and a new deck. Kimberley was cost conscious and was willing to compromise to remain within a family-friendly budget. Taking Kimberley’s wishes, Jenelle embarked on a concept and feasibility study, arranging an architectural concept to be drawn up. 

Working as a tight-knit team, Jenelle and Kimberley were able to assess what would and would not work cost-wise. Kimberley decided to prioritise family space, removing the extra bedroom and master ensuite. Kimberley also signed the family up to do its own demolition, flooring, and painting to save costs.

After a thorough planning process, final drawings were approved – internally, the extension would include a new laundry, WC, and lounge, and externally a new deck. Once council consent was obtained, Kimberley was excited to pick up a sledgehammer and get construction underway. 

Team work makes the dream work

Project manager Karyn Morrison and Kimberley quickly formed a great team, working closely through every stage of construction and with each tradesperson onsite. Kimberley built a fantastic relationship with the builder, reinforcing Karyn and Jenelle’s practice of matching clients to their tradespeople.

Team Wellington took care of laying new foundations, framing the extension, insulation, window installation, cladding, roofing, and drainage. They fitted out the new laundry and WC, and completed the electrical. The new outdoor deck coming off the extension was a perfect finish to the well-built and well-managed project. 

Karyn worked through inspections with the council and finalised the council code of compliance. The project was not all smooth sailing, however. The team had an issue with the windows being delayed and built incorrectly. With Karyn’s professionalism and Kimberley’s team attitude, a resolution was reached that everyone was happy with and the project was completed on time and on budget.

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Light-filled and functional

The result is everything Kimberley wanted. The new lounge is the perfect size for her growing family and the floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors let in ample light and air. Opening these up creates an easy flow onto the big, new decking, allowing the kids to come and go unobstructed as they play. The separate WC just off the lounge is perfect for when the family is entertaining.

The light, airy theme of the extension carries through into the new laundry, with a skylight installed to flood the space with natural light. Previously, the washer and dryer had been stacked on top of one another in a cupboard but with careful planning of this additional space, each appliance now has its own under-bench compartment, making the room extremely functional.

Final thoughts

Kimberley now has the perfect space for her family to live and grow – modern, functional, and light-filled. Jenelle and Karyn delivered an excellent result via a thorough consultation and planning process, matching the right tradies with the client, and working diligently to overcome any challenge that arose. 

“The family were absolutely fantastic to work with and I’m thrilled with the finished extension,” says Karyn. “It’s a space you just want to hang out in. I would be extremely happy to have this in my house.”

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

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