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Child Item

Outdoor entertainment precinct using converted garage

Alexjk

🖼️

The project:

Transforming a 60sqm triple garage into a luxurious 170sqm entertainment precinct, this contemporary speakeasy inspired space combines seamless indoor outdoor living with premium functionality. Featuring a Kaboodle kitchen with extensive storage, double ovens, dishwasher and bespoke joinery, the venue is designed for effortless entertaining. A Yamaha 7.2 in-ceiling surround sound system, Bose outdoor speakers and Samsung 98-inch display create an immersive experience. A new bathroom provides convenient access from both indoor and outdoor areas, while the 90sqm outdoor entertaining space, complete with Kaboodle cabinetry, Brazilian marble benchtops and a 25sqm fire pit platform, delivers the ultimate hosting destination.

- Materials:

18mm MDF for ceiling and walls.

90x45 primed timber framing

Kaboodle joinery and bench tops, panels for gaps and benches

Electrical cable, fittings and outlets, under bench led strip lighting

Tile glues and floor fixings

V Board for wall lining

Thousands of screws, nails and fixings

Wall and ceiling insulation

External roller blinds

Fire pit

Picture hanging products

Timber wall panelling,

Pine 90x25 timbers for custom ceiling

Dulux paint for walls and ceilings

Tap and plumbing fittings for kitchen and shower areas

Locks and hardware for doors

Water proof snake, ceiling insulation blanket

Waterproofing

Hardies cement panels

Aluminium pool fencing and fluted cladding

120mm skirting

Gyprock sheets

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- Tools:

Dewalt - drop saw, angle grinder, circular saw, nail guns, hammer and standard drills, impact drivers, reciprocating saw, bench saw, blower and vacuum cleaner

Paint brushes and rollers

Tile glues, liquid nails, silicone

Hand tools, hammers, screwdrivers, box cutters, saw, hack saw, socket set, pliers, side cutters

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- Step 1:

Project Scope - Design Phase

Design and Construct a premium entertainment precinct incorporating a speakeasy style bar, lounge and relaxation area, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, toilet and shower facilities. Given the site's slope and varying ground levels of 500mm to 1.2m, careful consideration was given to creating seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor entertaining area was constructed level with the existing internal slab to maximise accessibility and connectivity.

The project required approximately 25 tonnes of fill and 30 tonnes of concrete. Engineered footings, reinforced with Rio bar and 400mm deep foundations, were installed to ensure long term structural stability. Electrical and plumbing requirements were carefully assessed to support the kitchen, bathroom and entertainment systems. Working closely with the Bunnings team, Kaboodle kitchens, benchtops and cabinetry solutions were designed to achieve a bespoke, functional and buildable outcome.

- Step 2:

Materials List, Availability and Lead Times

Working with the Special Orders team at Bunnings, we finalised the materials schedule and Kaboodle designs for the kitchen, bar and outdoor cabinetry. Early planning and ordering ensured product availability, managed lead times and kept the project on schedule, with materials delivered as required throughout the build.

- Step 3:

Costings and Financial Investment (Minister for Finance Approval – Wife)

Builder quotes for the project ranged from $280,000 to $300,000. By undertaking the project ourselves and leveraging the expertise of Bunnings Trade and Special Orders, we reduced the total project cost to $175,210.50, excluding only the licensed electrical, plumbing and concrete works. This delivered a saving of approximately $104,789.50 compared with the lowest commercial quote.

- Step 4:

Plumbing, Electrical and Concrete Slabs

Obtained quotes and engaged licensed trades for the electrical, plumbing and concrete works. Friends with carpentry experience assisted with framing and general labour, helping keep costs under control. A combination of mates’ rates, hard work, BBQs and refreshments helped bring the project to life.

- Step 5:

Project Timeline, Scope and Schedule

As the project was largely completed ourselves and restricted to weekends, a five-month timeline (approximately 45 working days) was established. The schedule covered all major stages including framing, concrete works, tiling, plumbing, electrical installation, cabinetry and finishing works. Careful planning, supported by the Bunnings team, ensured materials and trades aligned with each phase of the build, keeping the project on track.

- Step 6:

Materials Ordering and Delivery

Materials were ordered from Bunnings 7–10 days in advance to align with each stage of the build. Deliveries arrived on time and directly to site, helping maintain project momentum. The Bunnings team provided regular updates on Special Orders and lead times, while PowerPass made tracking orders, materials and project costs simple and efficient throughout the build.

- Step 7:

Demolition and Site Preparation

Demolition and site preparation commenced to ready the space for construction and incoming materials. Works included removing existing gyprock, power and data cabling, garage and side access doors, grinding the existing slab, and creating new openings for the installation of large sliding doors. This phase established a clean foundation for the transformation of the former garage into the entertainment precinct.

- Step 8:

Framing and Construction

Weekly Bunnings deliveries were scheduled ahead of each weekend's work, ensuring materials were available when needed. Construction commenced with framing the walls and the highly customised feature ceiling, which required three weekends to complete due to its complexity and detail. Careful planning, reliable deliveries and proactive management of lead times ensured the project progressed without delays.

- Step 9:

Project Completion

The project was completed on schedule, requiring only a few final value-add items from Bunnings. The transformation exceeded expectations, with family, friends and visitors continually amazed that the entire precinct was built and how it was built. The bespoke finishes, attention to detail and seamless functionality have created a space that is enjoyed and used every day.

- Step 10:

The Finished Result

The standout feature of the project is the Kaboodle kitchen, bar, entertainment unit and outdoor kitchen, which visitors are often surprised to learn came from Bunnings. Working closely with the Bunnings team, our ideas were transformed into a bespoke and highly functional entertainment space featuring extensive storage, custom cabinetry and striking under bench LED lighting. The finished result exceeded expectations, delivering a premium look and feel that has inspired others to seek our assistance in designing and managing their own dream renovation projects.

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Renovation

Building and Construction

Tiling

Painting

Barbecue

Lighting and Electrical

Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Alexjk. It's wonderful to have you join us and many thanks for sharing your incredible project with us.

What a remarkable transformation. Converting a triple garage is an ambitious undertaking, and it's clear an enormous amount of planning and craftsmanship has gone into every stage of the build. The attention to detail, from the custom ceiling and Kaboodle joinery through to the indoor-outdoor flow and entertainment systems, has created a space that looks both luxurious and highly functional.

I also enjoyed reading through your project timeline. It's a great reminder of how important planning, scheduling materials and coordinating trades can be on a renovation of this scale.

I'd love to hear which part of the build you found the most challenging. Was it the custom ceiling, coordinating all the different trades and deliveries, or another aspect of the project? I'm sure many members considering a large renovation would appreciate any advice or lessons you picked up along the way.

Many thanks again for sharing this outstanding project with the community.

Mitchell

Alexjk

Thank you for the great feedback. We’re very proud of the final project outcome, especially the quality of the finish and the cost savings achieved.

The most challenging aspect was definitely the ceiling. Achieving consistent timber slat sizes, even spacing, and perfectly square panels to cover the ceiling joins—while still creating the look we wanted—was both time‑consuming and technically demanding. Because of its complexity and importance to the finished space, the ceiling took the longest to complete.

If you’re unsure about any part of the project, seek advice from the Bunnings team, a Dulux colour consultant, online design resources, and licensed tradespeople. Getting the right guidance early helps avoid rework and supports a high‑quality finish.

Don’t rush. Think the project through carefully to minimise variations, budget blowouts, and delays caused by product lead times or deliveries. Working closely with the Bunnings team before starting is critical; I’ve always found them genuinely interested in the projects and keen to see the before‑and‑after photos. Keep returning to the initial plan, reviewing and refining it before work begins, as this will influence both timing and materials. The first draft is never the final one.

Here's photos of the completed bathroom.

EricL

Hello @Alexjk

Thank you so much for sharing those extra details of the build. I'm sure members who are planning similar projects will find it very useful.

Eric