Bathroom Renovation, Allenby Gardens
Project Brief
Megan owns a gorgeous 1920’s bungalow in Allenby Gardens and had just recently completed a kitchen and ensuite renovation with a nightmare of a builder which resulted in her trust being completely broken. But being driven by her love of design, she pushed ahead and engaged an interior designer to help create the plans for her new laundry and guest bathroom.
With little trust left, we were the eleventh builder to look at this project. We were given a full scope of work and detailed plans showing every detail required. The brief included full demolition of the existing bathroom and laundry, new internal stud wall, removing and replacing windows with high end joinery and tiling finishes. With a flare for bold design, Megan was upgrading the rooms to escape from a typical cream and taupe colour scheme to a fresh urban space with style and charisma.
Our Approach
Being a custom builder specialising in high end bathroom renovations, we were excited by the challenge this project entailed. We put together a comprehensive proposal for this project specifying each detail and stage of the work. We also built a full project schedule detailing each trade that was involved and their estimated arrival on site.
After learning about her previous experience, we knew our number one objective was to make this project as smooth as possible. And with that, came some un-prompted feedback from Megan within a few weeks of the project beginning praising our efforts so far.
ZJ Building excel at coordinating trades and creating beautiful spaces – we were not worried about that on this project. Our number one goal for this Allenby Gardens Bathroom and Laundry Renovation was to restore the trust our client had lost in building professionals by giving her an unforgettable building experience, something we believe we accomplished!
Obstacles We Faced and Overcame
This was no ordinary bathroom remodel, attention to detail was paramount and Megan certainly had an eye for it, she knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid to speak up, which we absolutely loved!
Obstacle #1
We found that the sewer main had been compromised by an old footing which had penetrated the pipe causing a partial blockage. We were able to reline this pipe and provide a permanent solution to a problematic drain.
Obstacle #2
During demolition, a slab of concrete was found underneath the existing slab. These are the curve-balls you are thrown when dealing with homes built in the 1920’s. But we were able to remove the extra concrete and provide self compacting screening to properly protect and back-fill the new under floor drainage layout. We completed this work with no delays to the schedule.
Obstacle #3
There was an anomaly in the design and a cabinet bulkhead was installed that was too large. With prompt action and communication between us and Megan, we were able to modify the joinery design in conjunction with the addition of a second exposed oregan shelf. The work was quoted, approved and carried out with minimal delays to the schedule.
The Final Result
This Bathroom and Laundry Renovation met Megan’s expectations perfectly as she had been intricately involved in the design process and had such great attention to detail. It turned out exactly as she expected, which is a win for both of us!
However, where we exceeded her expectation was with the experience she received during the process. She was so happy with the process that she personally baked all kinds of cakes, rolls and desserts almost every day that we, or our trades, were on site, and can we just say, it was all delicious!
With its cool colour palette for its foundation, warmth was added with the use of repurposed Oregon wood and greenery. Unique tile patterns and bespoke fixtures polish its Urban look with sophistication, you’ll never find an excuse to not do the laundry again!
We are really proud of the final result, with its complex scope of work, attention to detail being paramount and with so many trades to coordinate, we finished the project to a standard worthy of receiving the HIA Best Specialty Area 2020 Award! And with Megan so happy with the final result, she got us back to restore her heritage facade!
Special mention goes to Tania from TK Design with whom we share this award with. We loved bringing her ideas to life!
Zak and Jacqui Johnson receiving the award for HIA Best Specialty Area 2020.
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