28 Semaphore

Becky and Brett’s home in Semaphore is a small 1900s terrace house with a deep family connection. It was originally Brett’s late stepfather’s home, and after living there as renters for a year, the couple fell in love with the soul of the building and the coastal lifestyle. They knew they had found their forever location, but the original layout was never designed for a growing modern family. They wanted to stay, but they needed a builder who could respect the history of the home while bringing it into the present.

Life in the old terrace was becoming a struggle. With only one bathroom and a cramped, outdated kitchen, the house was no longer keeping up with their daily needs. As first-time renovators without a trade background, Becky and Brett felt a bit out of their depth. While they were protective of their budget, their biggest fear was the experience itself. They didn't want to be just another number in a long list of projects, and they worried that a smaller-scale renovation wouldn't receive the same care or detail as a massive high-end build. Living in a terrace with shared walls also meant the logistics were incredibly sensitive, and they were terrified of a process that might upset their neighbours or drag on indefinitely.

At ZJ Building, we are selective about the projects we take on, prioritising a strong mutual fit and a shared vision with our clients. For Becky and Brett, that connection was clear from the first meeting. Zak and Amy were open and honest about what could be achieved, focusing on quality and transparency rather than just the scale of the job. This wasn't about a "quick fix" for a low price; it was about a high-standard execution that respected their limits. The couple soon realised that the entire team: Zak, Amy, Collin, Tim, and Lee was fully invested in their home. Even with the tricky logistics of the tight terrace site, the build was managed with a level of professional care that kept the neighbours happy and the couple feeling completely at ease.

The result is a home that finally matches the family’s lifestyle without losing its original charm. The new extension has provided the essential "breathing room" they were missing, including a second bathroom and a private ensuite for Becky and Brett. The kitchen is now a functional heart of the home where Becky has mastered her new induction cooktop after a few practice runs. They didn't have to leave the street they loved or the history of the house. By choosing a team that valued the relationship as much as the build, they turned a stressful "first-time" experience into a seamless transition into their next chapter.

“Right from the get-go, they made us feel really comfortable. They worked really well with our budget and never made us feel like this wasn't a big high-end renovation. The whole process was just a really great experience.”

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