Time-Sensitive Bathroom Renovation in Farm Cove, Auckland

Project Overview

This bathroom renovation project was completed for a family living in Farm Cove, Auckland, who needed urgent upgrades completed before their extended family arrived from overseas in mid-December. 

The homeowners approached Refresh Renovations toward the end of September with a clear goal: modernise their bathroom, remove the existing bathtub, add a toilet, and upgrade the separate toilet with a small vanity, all within a very tight timeframe.

With only around 2.5 months available to complete concept design, obtain council approval, and carry out construction, careful planning and strict scheduling were essential. The project required not only high-quality workmanship but also strong coordination across all stages to meet the deadline without compromising on design or finish.

Client Goals and Motivation

The homeowners wanted to improve both the functionality and appearance of their bathroom and toilet. Their existing layout did not meet the needs of a larger household, especially with visiting family expected to stay for an extended period. Adding an extra toilet inside the bathroom was a key requirement, along with creating a more open, modern space.

Their main concerns from the start were:

• Completing the renovation before mid-December
• Staying within budget
• Ensuring quality materials and finishes

Meeting the timeline was non-negotiable, as the arrival of overseas family members was already confirmed.

Design and Planning

The project began with the concept design phase, which was completed within two weeks. During this time, several layout options were discussed with the clients, and a few design variations were made to ensure the space was used efficiently.

One of the major design decisions was to remove the bathtub and replace it with a wall-to-wall walk-in shower. This allowed the bathroom to feel larger and more open while still meeting the client’s functional needs. Selections for fixtures, fittings, tiles, and finishes were finalised early to avoid delays later in the process.

Once the concept design and selections were approved, working drawings were completed within one week and submitted to the council for building consent. The consent process took approximately three weeks and included approval for:

• Adding a new toilet in the bathroom
• Changing the bathroom layout
• Relocating the shower to create a full-width walk-in shower
• Replacing the bathroom window to suit the new shower location
• Installing a new vanity in the separate toilet

Project Execution

Once consent was approved, construction began and was completed within 4 weeks. The Refresh Renovations team managed the full build and coordinated all trades involved, including licensed builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers, painters, and a handyman.

During construction, the scope of work increased slightly at the client’s request. Additional work included replacing all internal doors and repainting the laundry. Despite this added scope, the team maintained the original completion deadline through careful scheduling and clear communication.

Other upgrades carried out during the build included:

• Replacing the shower window to ensure long-term waterproofing
• Upgrading the hot water cylinder to mains pressure to improve shower performance

Challenges and Solutions

The biggest challenge in this project was the tight timeframe. From the initial consultation to handover, every stage needed to be completed on schedule. To manage this, clear deadlines were set for each phase: design, consent, and construction, and progress was closely monitored throughout.

Even with added work introduced during the build, the team adjusted workflows and trade schedules to keep the project on track. Strong planning and proactive decision-making ensured there were no delays.

Final Result

The finished bathroom and toilet are modern, functional, and well-suited to the needs of a larger household. The wall-to-wall walk-in shower has significantly improved the layout and better utilized the available space. The addition of an extra toilet has added both convenience and long-term value to the home.

The project was completed within the required timeframe, allowing the homeowners to welcome their extended family without stress. Both the Refresh Renovations team and the clients were extremely pleased with the outcome.

Client Feedback

The client was happy with how the bathroom renovation was handled. Communication throughout the project was clear, and any issues that arose were addressed promptly. The work was completed within the agreed timeframe, and the finished bathroom met their expectations. They were satisfied with the overall experience and the final result.