Modern Renovation of Garage and Kitchen Achieve a Creative Transformation in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt

Squeezed for Space

Paese and Peter had a communal living situation; three families shared their property which consisted of two houses connected by a single garage. While this had worked well in the past, growing families meant there was now a shortage of bedrooms and living space. The garage also housed the laundry, but Paese and Peter were interested in converting that into additional living space to allow everyone to spread out. They also needed a kitchen renovation. Having worked with Refresh on a bathroom transformation two years earlier, the couple knew who to call. 

Expert Advice

Pease and Peter contacted their local Refresh Consultant Lia Boersma to arrange a free consultation and discuss their ideas. Already familiar with the Refresh process they knew that Lia would provide a complete end-to-end service, eliminating potential costly mistakes, time-consuming project management, and endless stress.
The pair shared their goals with Lia – renovating the kitchen and creating new bedrooms for the children – and were clear their budget was a fixed one. So Lia got creative to provide the best possible solutions within budget with a headroom for any variations. A total kitchen renovation was proposed, and plans were drawn up for the garage conversion that would create two bedrooms as well as an adjoining living area. Lia proposed a basic, stand-alone laundry outside of the newly converted garage. Peter and Pease were delighted with this space and money saving solution.
With detailed design plans and a thorough budget confirmed, the couple were confident they could move the project forward with Lia at the helm.

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Work gets underway

Builders, joiners, floorers, designers, plasterers, electricians, plumbers – input from an extensive list of skilled personnel was needed for Peter and Pease’s renovation. Thankfully, Lia was able to draw on her existing network of trusted tradespeople to deliver all the work needed, and expertly manage the on-site schedule. She also managed the council consent process and remained the couple’s single point of contact throughout the entire renovation, making communication simple and straightforward.
Older garage conversions can be challenging, with issues often only apparent once demolition work has begun. Lia’s experienced team addressed the remedial and new work required, strengthening foundations, squaring up the walls, infilling studs, putting in framing and lintels, all to ensure the space is warm, safe, and dry. Once all the construction and electrical work were complete, paint and carpet followed.
Meanwhile in the main house, the kitchen renovation was taking shape. The couple had chosen a striking black and white colour combination, with wood look vinyl plank flooring adding tone and texture.
The stand-alone laundry room is particularly functional for all three families, and the garage makeover has provided welcome extra space. 

Final Thoughts

A re-imagined garage and a thoroughly modern kitchen renovation delivered transformational living for Paese and Peter’s family. Two new children’s bedrooms plus an extra living area has allowed everyone room to spread out in a warm and inviting environment, a far cry from the old garage and laundry.
The kitchen’s fabulous monochromatic makeover feels fresh and sophisticated, with beautiful wood-toned flooring offering a warm contrast to the classic colour combination. With a huge pantry, an integrated extractor fan, and plenty of cupboard space, the kitchen has incorporated everything the family needed while staying on budget.
Lia couldn’t be happier with the result. “This was a big project, and converting the garage did present several challenges and require a lot of construction work. But the outcome is fantastic. Plus, the kitchen looks stunning! Black and white never goes out of style!”

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