Renovating Beats Relocating in Pukekohe, Auckland

Location, location, location… this neighbourhood was the perfect location for these homeowners, but the property’s functionality was seriously lacking and an interior makeover was called for.

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The Initial Consultation

For many families, Pukekohe is the perfect balance of country and city. It’s not far from the coast, there’s a variety of schools in the area, and Manukau and Auckland are easily accessible by train for commuters. So, it’s no surprise that homeowners Emily and Jamie chose to renovate instead of relocate.
Their sunny three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is in a serene location with lovely views. The property had undergone a few upgrades since it was built in the 1980s, but Emily and Jamie needed their home to function better for their busy family life.
The couple had some great ideas for their renovation but didn’t know where to start. While researching contractors and council restrictions, they came upon Refresh and wanted to know more. The Renovation Consultant stepped in to provide them with all the information they needed.

Getting the Best Value

After the Renovation Consultant outlined the five-step Refresh process to Emily and Jamie, they were keen to get started. Budget was a concern and they wanted the best possible value for their outlay.
The Renovation Consultant worked closely with the couple to define their must-haves and provide a cost estimate to see if the budget and scope aligned. She arranged for concept designs to be drawn up which included reconfiguring the layout and enclosing the front deck to create an extended living area, two new bathrooms and a laundry room, a completely renovated kitchen, an outdoor living space with a deck connecting home and garage, and new flooring and paint throughout the interior.
This was a big investment — just over $200,000 — so Emily and Jamie took their time to review every detail. Ultimately, they felt cost and value were well matched and were happy to proceed with the renovation.

Starting Construction

After arranging and receiving council consent for the home extension, the project could begin. Unfortunately, COVID created multiple interruptions. With Emily and Jamie never having renovated before, it was almost overwhelming to see their home being stripped back to bare bones while they lived temporarily in the garage with their two young daughters.
Clear communication is an integral part of the Refresh process. The Renovation Consultant focused on supporting the family and making sure they knew everything was under control, with both parties making effective use of the Refresh online customer portal to keep abreast of progress.
Coordinating a reliable crew from her network of professional contacts, the Renovation Consultant managed to keep disruptions to a minimum. With the demolition, re-framing, and insulation finished, the team progressed with the new bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge. Emily and Jamie could see their home finally taking shape and after 11 weeks had what felt like a completely new home.

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Impressive Interior Transformation

Coming in through the new entrance, you’re immediately bathed in light from the new skylight; the natural light in their home is one of Emily and Jamie’s favourite features of the renovation. Along the left hand wall is a built-in storage area for shoes, jackets, and other outdoor essentials.
Up the freshly carpeted stairs, the most notable update is the new bathroom. It has the same stylish, stone-based waterproof Neptune flooring as the living areas downstairs. Geometric elements such as the oval basin and the window with thick black framing add a modern flair to the attractive yet simple design. The combination of timber and black used in the main bathroom vanity has transformed the downstairs bathroom as well. The complementary design of both spaces enhances the sense of continuity between both levels.
Converting the front deck into liveable interior space allowed for a new L-shaped layout. A cosy lounge with double-glazed windows, LED lights, and new flooring now sits at the front of the house and flows seamlessly into the kitchen. A trio of open lantern lights is suspended above the large, stone-topped island. With seating for six, ample bench space, concealed storage, and built-in nooks for appliances, the island is a stylish and highly functional addition. The main bench and cabinetry sit across from the island with the kitchen now opening to a beautiful outdoor living space through striking bi-fold doors.

Exciting Opportunity to Entertain

A sunny new deck connects the main house and the garage. Festoon lights threaded between both structures further define the space, adding character and charm for evening entertaining. Stairs on either side of the deck allow access both from inside the garage and directly from the main house.
Around the side of the house, the new cladding of the extension blends seamlessly with the original grey weatherboards, while at the front a bold yellow front door with chic black details is a vibrant reminder of the spectacular renovation that has taken place.

Final Thoughts

Open-plan living and indoor-outdoor flow in a home that previously had neither is a dramatic change for the better. The Renovation Consultant delivered a renovation that has transformed daily life for Emily and Jamie. Now, they have the total package — a gorgeous home in a neighbourhood that they love.
Materials and suppliers used in this renovation include cabinetry by Mitre 10; building and waste removal materials by Placemakers; joinery by Vision; flooring by Cooney Flooring; steel beam by Kerry Jones Steel; insulation by Premier Insulation; Knobs and Knockers; bathroom materials by Showerwell; and benches from Benchtop Direct.