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The project:
Designed, planned and project managed entirely by us, this renovation transformed a dated home into a bright, modern and highly functional space tailored to the way we live. Every aspect was carefully considered, from reconfiguring the floor plan and raising the kitchen ceiling to designing custom joinery that maximised storage without compromising aesthetics. We completed much of the construction ourselves, including demolition, framing, plasterboard, painting, windows, joinery and fit-off, engaging licensed trades only for specialist works. Completed in just eight weeks on a budget of approximately $30,000, the project transformed our tired, inefficient lean-to into a carefully considered home designed around the way we live every day.
- Materials:
Step 1 – Asbestos Removal & Demolition
- Asbestos removal materials and containment systems
- Plastic sheeting and protective coverings - UNi-PRO 2700mm x 17m 30-Day Pre-Taped Masking Tape / Film Refill - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-2700mm-x-17m-30-day-pre-taped-masking-tape-film-refill_p0637350
- Demolition bags
- Skip bins
- Temporary timber bracing
Step 2 – Underground Services, Stormwater & Concrete Reinstatement
- PVC stormwater pipe and fittings
- DWV drainage pipe and fittings
- Water supply pipework and fittings
- Concrete - Bastion 20kg Concrete Mix - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-20kg-concrete-mix_p0760344?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Reinforcing mesh - Jack 1800 x 1000 x 200 x 7mm Reinforcing Mesh Sheet - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-1800-x-1000-x-200-x-7mm-reinforcing-mesh-sheet_p1060409?region_id=115121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Reinforcing bars - Jack 12 x 300mm Reinforcing Bar - 5 Pack - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-12-x-300mm-reinforcing-bar-5-pack_p0231508?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Chemical anchors - Ramset 300ml Chemset UltraFix Plus - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-300ml-chemset-ultrafix-plus_p2264757?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Backfill sand - Ki-Carma 20kg Coarse Landscape Sand - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/ki-carma-20kg-coarse-landscape-sand_p3460054
- Termite management system
Step 3 – Framing
- Light gauge steel framing
- Structural timber framing - 70 x 35mm Framing MGP10 Untreated Pine 2.4m - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/70-x-35mm-framing-mgp10-untreated-pine-2-4m_p8030010
- Timber noggings - 70 x 35mm Framing MGP10 Untreated Pine 2.4m - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/70-x-35mm-framing-mgp10-untreated-pine-2-4m_p8030010
- Framing screws - BUNNINGS
- Structural brackets and connectors
- Timber packers - Titan 45mm Mixed Window Packers - 100 Piece - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/titan-45mm-mixed-window-packers-100-piece_p0647625?store=5121
Step 4 – Doors & Windows
- Powder-coated aluminium windows
- Powder-coated aluminium glazed external door
- Internal cavity sliding door - Hume 2040 x 820 x 90mm Evolution Cj Fp Flush Pull Door Cavity Unit - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/hume-2040-x-820-x-90mm-evolution-cj-fp-flush-pull-door-cavity-unit_p2035941?store=5228&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Internal hinged doors - Hume Doors & Timber 720 x 2040 x 35mm Internal Door Primed MDF Flush H1 - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/hume-doors-timber-720-x-2040-x-35mm-internal-door-primed-mdf-flush-h1_p2012188?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Door jambs
- Architraves - 66 x 18mm 5.4m White Moulding Pine FJ Primed DAR - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/66-x-18mm-5-4m-white-moulding-pine-fj-primed-dar_p0020750?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Flashing tape - CAgroup 300mm x 30m x 500um Plascourse - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/cagroup-300mm-x-30m-x-500um-plascourse_p1090523
- Expanding foam - Parfix 750g Expanding Foam Filler - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/parfix-750g-expanding-foam-filler_p1230048?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Silicone sealant - Selleys 300g Clear Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-300g-clear-wet-area-waterproof-silicone-sealant_p1230999?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
Step 5 – First Fix Services
- Electrical cabling
- Switch boxes
- Power point mounting brackets
- Plumbing pipework and fittings
- Water supply pipe
- Drainage fittings
- Ventilation ducting
Step 6 – Wall & Ceiling Linings
- Plasterboard wall sheets
- Plasterboard ceiling sheets
- Jointing compound
- Paper joint tape
- Plasterboard screws
Step 7 – Waterproofing & Tiling
- Waterproof membrane
- Waterproof bandage
- Tile adhesive
- Floor tiles
- Wall tiles
- Grout
- Silicone sealant
- Tile insert strip drain
- Waterproof LED strip light
Step 8 – Joinery & Bathroom Fit-Off
- Custom laundry cabinetry
- Custom floating vanity
- Double basin
- Frameless fluted glass shower screen
- Heated towel rails
- Smart toilet
- Mirrors - Barelli 900 x 450 x 5mm Signature Polished Edge Pill Shape Mirror - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/barelli-900-x-450-x-5mm-signature-polished-edge-pill-shape-mirror_p1012495?store=5121
- Tapware
- Cabinet hardware
Step 9 – Second Fix Services
- Light switches
- Power outlets
- LED downlights
- Exhaust fans
- Plumbing fixtures
- Toilet suite
- Basins
- Door hardware - Ikonic Brushed Nickel Sira Privacy Lever Set - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/ikonic-brushed-nickel-sira-privacy-lever-set_p0755184?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
Step 10 – Painting & Final Completion
- Primer - Dulux 4L 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-1step-prep-primer-sealer-undercoat_p1370234?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770
- Ceiling & wall paint - Dulux 10L Vivid White Low Sheen Wash&Wear Interior Paint - Bunnings Australia
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-10l-vivid-white-low-sheen-wash-wear-interior-paint_p0638847
- Gap filler - Selleys 475g No More Gaps Interior Multipurpose Gap Filler - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-475g-no-more-gaps-interior-multipurpose-gap-filler_p1230010?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770
- Silicone sealant - Selleys 300g Clear Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant - Bunnings Australia https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-300g-clear-wet-area-waterproof-silicone-sealant_p1230999?store=5121&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677
- Cleaning products
- Tools:
General Site & Safety
Demolition
Concrete & Slab Reinstatement
Framing
- Circular saw
- Mitre saw
- Impact driver
- Cordless drill/driver
- Tin snips / metal shears
- Screw gun
- Chalk line
- Speed square
- Stud finder
- Clamps
Doors & Windows
Wall & Ceiling Linings
Joinery & Cabinetry
Painting & Finishing
- Step 1:
Project Overview
The renovation was entirely designed and planned by us, from the floor plan and spatial layout through to the selection of fixtures, finishes and materials, with the goal of creating a home that better reflected the way we live. We also project managed the build from start to finish and completed much of the construction ourselves, engaging licensed trades only where specialist or regulated work was required.
Step 1 – Asbestos Removal & Demolition
The renovation commenced with the safe removal of all identified asbestos-containing materials. Licensed contractors removed the hazardous materials before any demolition works began, ensuring the site was safe and compliant. Once complete, clearance certificates were obtained so the renovation could proceed with confidence.
With the asbestos removed, the remaining demolition was completed. Existing bathrooms, laundry, toilet, internal linings, cabinetry, fixtures, floor coverings and redundant building elements were stripped back to expose the structure, providing a clean slate for the new design. Although it was daunting seeing the house reduced back to its bones, it gave us the opportunity to completely rethink the layout rather than simply replacing finishes.
- Step 2:
Step 2 – Underground Services, Stormwater & Concrete Reinstatement
New underground plumbing and stormwater infrastructure was installed to suit the redesigned layout. The original bathroom layout was completely reconfigured, requiring the removal of the existing bath and relocation of all plumbing and drainage services to suit the new design. This gave us the flexibility to create a far more functional bathroom with improved circulation, larger walk-in shower (finally replacing the old shower-over-bath), improved circulation and significantly better storage. Existing services were upgraded where required, drainage was improved and all pipework was pressure tested before being covered. Areas of the existing slab removed to accommodate the new services were reinstated with reinforced concrete, while a full termite management system was installed beneath the new slab to provide long-term protection.
- Step 3:
Step 3 – Framing
A combination of new light gauge steel framing and modifications to the existing timber framing created the new bathroom, laundry and toilet layouts. Walls were straightened, new wall cavities formed, openings adjusted and structural framing added where required. The existing ceiling structure was also redesigned to create a raked ceiling through the kitchen, replacing the original 2.3 m flat ceiling and dramatically increasing ceiling height, natural light and the overall sense of space. Although one of the more challenging parts of the renovation, it quickly became one of our favourite features and completely changed how the kitchen feels.
- Step 4:
Step 4 – First Fix Services
With the framing complete, new electrical and plumbing rough-ins were installed throughout the renovation. This included new wiring, lighting, power outlets, plumbing, drainage and ventilation to suit the redesigned layout and accommodate all new fixtures, fittings and appliances. Careful planning at this stage ensured every light, power point and plumbing fixture was positioned exactly where it would best support the finished design.
- Step 5:
Step 5 – Wall & Ceiling Linings
New plasterboard wall and ceiling linings were installed throughout the renovated areas before all joints were taped, set and sanded to achieve a smooth, seamless finish. This stage completely transformed the exposed structure into defined living spaces ready for the finishing trades. For the first time, the renovation started to feel like a home again, and we could finally appreciate how the redesigned spaces would come together.
- Step 6:
Step 6 – Waterproofing & Tiling
The bathroom and other wet areas were waterproofed in accordance with Australian Standards. All floor and wall junctions, penetrations and shower areas received the required membrane system to ensure a durable, watertight finish.
Floor and wall tiles were installed throughout the wet areas, including a feature vertical stacked tile layout in the bathroom. A full-length waterproof LED light was integrated into the shower niche, while a tile-insert strip drain created a seamless, minimalist finish. Careful attention was given to alignment, grout lines, falls to wastes and finishing details to achieve a premium result. Our goal was to create a clean, timeless space where the detailing became the feature, rather than relying on bold colours or patterns.
- Step 7:
Step 7 – Doors & Windows
The home's outdated windows and doors were replaced with modern powder-coated aluminium units to improve energy efficiency, security and natural light. Three new external windows and a fully glazed external door were installed, while a new cavity sliding door and replacement internal doors improved functionality and maximised usable floor space. Where possible, we also looked for opportunities to retain some of the home's original character, retaining the heritage timber bathroom window as a feature rather than replacing it.
- Step 8:
Step 8 – Joinery & Fit-Off
Custom floating joinery was installed throughout the renovation, including a double-basin bathroom vanity and full-height laundry cabinetry designed and built to house the washing machine, dryer, cat litter box and a dedicated robot vacuum station without compromising the clean aesthetic of the space. The bathroom was completed with a frameless fluted glass shower screen, heated towel rails, a smart toilet featuring an automatic flush, heated seat and bidet functions, while the original heritage timber window was retained as a feature within the contemporary design. Every cabinet and storage solution was custom designed around how we use our home every day, ensuring everything had its place while keeping the spaces feeling calm and uncluttered.
- Step 9:
Step 9 – Second Fix Services
Final plumbing and electrical fit-off was completed, including tapware, toilets, basins, lighting, switches, power outlets, appliances and accessories. All services were commissioned, tested and adjusted to ensure everything operated correctly. Final electrical fit-off also included commissioning the heated towel rails, integrated LED lighting and smart toilet functions. Seeing months of planning finally come together as every fixture and fitting was installed was one of the most rewarding moments of the project.
- Step 10:
Step 10 – Painting & Final Completion
Walls, ceilings, doors and trims were prepared and painted before completing the final silicone sealing, hardware installation, detailed cleaning and quality inspections. The result was a complete transformation of the home's bathroom, laundry, toilet and adjoining living spaces into a bright, modern and highly functional environment. By combining contemporary finishes with retained heritage features and custom-designed joinery, we created a home that genuinely reflects how we live every day. Completing a project of this scale ourselves (from the first sketches through to the final coat of paint) is something we'll always be proud of.
