Home extension and renovation on the North Shore
By changing the layout and adding an extension to this 1930’s former state house, this family has created a modern home, perfectly suited to Kiwi life almost a century later.
Homeowner testimonials from Renee & Shaun
“We recommend James because we were on time and under budget - that is rare. We finished all this very quickly, within three months. Friends of ours up the road, renovating at the same time, started three months before us and finished four months after us, but their time frame was meant to be the same.” - Renee
"James did a fantastic job of our renovation and extension. The work was done well, finished early and was under budget. He communicated well with us and regularly coming up with ways to improve the build or reduce costs. We would thoroughly recommend him." - Shaun
Built in 1932, this two-bedroom home was one of the first state houses on the North Shore. The current owners are just the second family to own the property. When they bought the small 80m² house, it was in original condition. Initially, they did a cosmetic renovation to tidy the property up, with plans to remodel at some point in the future.
The goal for this extension and renovation was to give the owners another bathroom, a third bedroom, and to extend the living areas to connect with the garden. The original home is now the upper level, and it’s layout has been completely transformed. Windows were moved and the former lounge was replaced with a home office. The kitchen became an extra bedroom and a new bathroom. The master bedroom now has a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite, which was originally the old bathroom.
At the end of the hallway, six steps lead you down to the new extension.
The most significant feature of the renovation is the spacious open plan lounge, dining and kitchen, which flow seamlessly into the garden. “James had some great ideas for the design, like making the sliding door taller so you could view the garden from the hallway as you enter the space. We are glad we did that. He also picked up on practical ideas that the architect and kitchen designer hadn’t thought of.” One example of this was in the kitchen; the architect and kitchen designer weren’t keen to adapt a tricky corner where many angles meet with the pitched ceiling. They wanted to lower the cabinets, but the client wasn’t happy with this idea. “James came up with a solution and the kitchen looks excellent!”
James worked closely with the clients to create their vision, with open communication key to the project’s smooth progress. Throughout the renovation he also consulted with the architect, designer and subtrades when required. The clients are thrilled with the finished result!
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