30‑year‑old unit full renovation

tegz_renee94

🖼️

The project:

We transformed our 30‑year‑old unit as first home buyers with a full renovation of the kitchen, bathroom, ensuite and laundry — all completed in under five weeks while tackling the rest of the unit. My partner, a qualified Cabinet Maker, custom‑built every cabinet, along with a handmade rosewood laundry benchtop and a bespoke barn‑wood ensuite door. Qualified plumbers and electricians supported the major services, and we overcame hurdles like uncovering an old water leak. The result is a modern, functional and beautifully crafted home, showcasing skill, speed and true DIY dedication.

- Materials:

Polytech Prime Oakwood Matt

Polytech Polar white Sheen

Blum soft closed hardware on all cabinetry

New Guinea Rosewood solid timber

Gunmetal Grey Tapware and handles

Dulux white on white ceiling paint

Silicone

Tile Grout

Stone Benchtops

Westinghouse appliances

Coastal Blackbutt hybrid flooring

Feature wall in bathroom and kitchen - seafoam colour

- Tools:

Bosch Drill & Driver

Level

Makita Electric Planer & Belt Sander

Bosch Multitool

Ryobi Jigsaw 

Makita 9inch floor grinder 

Panel saw & edge bander 

- Step 1:

Kitchen 

1. Demolition of existing kitchen
2. Use qualified electricians and plumbers to move existing electrical work and pipes
3. Design cut edge and build cabinetry
4. Use a stonemason to make stone benchtop custom to suit
5. Qualified Tiler completed kitchen splash back

- Step 2:

Bathroom/Laundry

1. Demolition of existing bathroom
2. Relocate pipes for new shower and bath
3. Grind all floor tiles
4. Reframe and re-sheet any broken plasterboard from removal of old bathroom
5. Use a qualified waterproofer to complete full re-waterproofing
6. Full ceiling repaint
7. Qualified electrician to replace all lighting and install new exhaust fan
8. Build and install all cabinetry
9. Custom make laundry benchtop out of Rosewood timber
10. Qualified Tiler to screed floor wastes, lay new floor tiles and floor to ceiling tiles on all walls
11. Qualified plumber to install all new Tapware and bath
12. Glazier to install shower screen
13. Custom plantation shutters installed by blind company

- Step 3:

Ensuite/Custom Ensuite Barnwood Door

1. Demolition of existing bathroom
2. Relocate pipes for new shower
3. Grind all floor tiles
4. Reframe and re-sheet any broken plasterboard from removal of old bathroom
5. Use a qualified waterproofer to complete full re-waterproofing
6. Full ceiling repaint
7. Qualified electrician to replace all lighting and install new exhaust fan
8. Build and install all cabinetry
9. Stonemason to install vanity benchtop
10. Qualified Tiler to set screed for floor wastes, lay new floor tiles and floor to ceiling tiles on all walls
11. Qualified plumber to install all new Tapware
12. Glazier to install shower screen
13. Custom plantation shutters installed by blind company
14. Custom Rosewood Barnwood door designed and built ourselves

EricL

Hello @tegz_renee94

What a massive transformation! Turning a tired 30-year-old unit into such a fresh, modern home in under five weeks is an outstanding achievement. The custom cabinetry, handcrafted timber details and thoughtful finishes give every space a high-end feel, while the bright, functional design shows the care and skill that went into every decision.

It’s especially impressive that so much of the work was completed yourselves, overcoming unexpected challenges along the way. The result is a beautiful home that perfectly blends craftsmanship, practicality and dedication, something to be truly proud of.

Thank you so much for sharing this comprehensive undertaking.

Eric