David and Philippa’s 1940s bungalow was small and outdated. The kitchen was cramped, the vinyl floors more questionable than quirky, and the only bathroom a bold mix of orange and blue. They missed the ensuite and open-plan living they had enjoyed at their previous home, and the single-glazed timber windows were starting to rot. It was clear the house needed serious upgrades.
Their vision was ambitious: a second-storey master suite, an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, a refreshed bathroom, double-glazed windows throughout, and a dedicated laundry. However, early concept modelling showed that a second-storey extension would exceed height restrictions and council consent was unlikely. We went back to the drawing board and came up with a solution that had David and Philippa over the moon.
The focus shifted to the back of their house and the small double garage in the corner of the section. Repositioning the garage allowed us to create a 60m² open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area at the rear. The old kitchen and living spaces were transformed into a master suite, spacious bathroom, laundry cupboard, and storage room. Moving the garage to the front also meant they could park two cars closer to the house, making everyday tasks like carrying in groceries far easier and more enjoyable.
Once the concept was set, David and Philippa’s involvement became minimal. Our team handled architectural documentation, coordinated all third-party consultants, and managed council communications. David and Philippa selected their kitchen and bathroom fittings with guidance from our trusted suppliers, ensuring the finished spaces had the look and feel they wanted while preserving the bungalow’s character.
Living in the home during construction could have been stressful, but our team’s systems made the process smooth. Their new ensuite was completed first, two bedrooms were cordoned off for their use only, and all trades were reminded of site expectations. Weekly Friday reports and updates on our project management platform kept them fully informed, allowing them to enjoy the excitement of seeing their home transform without needing to move out.
While we knew that the end result would be special, every detail exceeded our expectations. From the vintage vinyl in the main bathroom to the beautiful timber sliding door at the end of the hallway and the tasteful kitchen choices, everybody was left smiling. Family mornings flowed effortlessly in the new open-plan living space, and holidays no longer involved bathroom queues.
If your home feels cramped or doesn’t quite work for the way you live, we can help. We specialise in transforming bungalows and older homes, preserving the character you love while creating spaces that work for your lifestyle. Get in touch and let’s reimagine your home together.
