Sarah and Andrew had a vision for their Burnside home. Their 1970s house had charm, but the outdoor space was underwhelming. A failing retaining wall, uneven pavers, and a lack of functional entertaining space made it difficult to enjoy their backyard. They wanted a place where family and friends could gather, a pool for the kids, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
The project wasn’t without its difficulties. The site was tricky, with limited side access and a failing retaining wall. Sarah and Andrew had spoken to several builders but struggled to find one who followed up or instilled confidence. They also had specific preferences, such as no wooden deck due to maintenance concerns, a concrete pool, and a structured plan that would allow them to stage the project according to their budget.
When they met with Zak from ZJ Building, things changed. From the first conversation, they felt reassured by his approach. He was proactive, organised, and genuinely invested in their vision. "From the first meeting, it was smooth and easy," Sarah recalls. "Zak followed up on our initial enquiry quickly and spent plenty of time at the beginning making sure we knew how things would progress."
The project was carefully planned in stages to ensure a seamless transformation. Stage one focused on creating a stunning outdoor space, featuring a new pool, expansive decking areas, honed concrete paving, and a welcoming new entrance. An alfresco addition extended the home’s entertaining potential, while a full roof replacement and a complete services upgrade future-proofed the property for the next phase. With stage one complete, the homeowners are now ready for stage two which is a carport conversion into a pavilion that will seamlessly connect to the new deck, providing space for future kitchens and bathrooms
Budget was a key consideration. Initially, Sarah and Andrew had hoped to keep the project spend within a certain range, but as the design evolved to better suit their needs, the project scope increased and the cost to build grew quite a bit above their expectations. Despite this, Sarah and Andrew appreciated the transparency provided throughout the design process. Ultimately a fixed-quote was reached prior to commencing the project and they had absolute clarity before any build work commenced. "That was a big drawcard for us. We knew where we stood financially, and there were no surprises along the way," Sarah said.
Throughout the project, communication remained a top priority. Regular on-site meetings ensured Sarah and Andrew were always informed. "Zak really scoped the area and got to know us," Sarah explains. "He listened to our concerns and always came back with solutions. It was a difficult site, but he loves a challenge."
Amy helped with selections, offering expert guidance on materials and finishes. Lee and the on-site team ensured the build progressed smoothly, while the Buildtrend app allowed the couple to stay updated, even when they were away. "It was great being able to see photos and track progress. Sometimes you don’t realise how much has happened until you look back."
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. What was once an unsafe, unused backyard became a stunning outdoor retreat. The concrete deck, expansive pool, and sleek alfresco created the perfect setting for entertaining. "We actually feel like we’re on holiday in our own home now," Sarah says. "It’s changed everything. We never used to come out here, and now it’s our favourite place."
Friends and family were equally amazed. "People who had been here before can’t believe it’s the same space. Seeing their reactions makes it all the more rewarding."
Sarah and Andrew’s journey was more than just a renovation, it was about creating a home that truly reflected their lifestyle. Through expert guidance, clear communication, and meticulous craftsmanship, they now have the perfect place to make memories for years to come.
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