Expanding a Family Home with a Rear Extension & Modern Upgrades

Project Overview

Led by Leigh McDonald with their team at Refresh Renovations, this project was the second stage of a long-term renovation plan for homeowners. The couple had already worked with Refresh Renovations on a previous extensive remodel, and this time, they wanted to expand their living space to accommodate their growing family.

The renovation involved a ground floor extension at the rear of the home, reconfiguring the front entrance, and modifying the existing layout to better suit their needs. The primary focus was on creating a separate living area for their two young boys, while also ensuring seamless connectivity between the old and new spaces.

Initially, the renovation included a new bathroom, but to stay within their $200K financial limit, this was deferred to a future third stage of renovations. However, as an approved variation, the Refresh team completed the flooring and painting work to allow the children to move into their new bedrooms immediately.

Major Challenges

One of the biggest challenges in this renovation was coordinating trades and ensuring availability. Some of the originally contracted trades were unable to complete their work due to other job commitments, forcing the Refresh team to source alternative professionals at the same cost. The team’s strong trade network and project management expertise ensured that these transitions were handled efficiently, preventing significant cost overruns.

Another key challenge involved the installation of a steel beam, which was necessary to support the new structure. Initially, this was planned to be installed using manual handling and a risk management approach, but due to wet weather and safety concerns, trades were unwilling to proceed as planned.

To keep the project on track, the team organised a spider crane to handle the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, this led to a week-long delay, but in hindsight, it was a necessary and valuable adjustment to maintain site safety and project efficiency.

Design Highlights

The rear extension was designed to provide a bright, modern living space that catered to the family’s evolving needs. One of the standout design elements was the incorporation of large windows and sliding doors, which significantly enhanced natural light and created a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Inside the home, the layout was thoughtfully reconfigured, with a bedroom converted into a Master Bedroom and turning the existing bathroom into an en-suite, preparing the house for future expansion when the new bathroom is added in Stage 3.

The modern finishes and fresh paintwork helped blend the new extension with the existing home, ensuring a cohesive and contemporary aesthetic. Although the bathroom installation was postponed, the completed flooring and painting upgrades ensured that the home was functional and comfortable immediately after the renovation.

Project Execution

This renovation was carried out with careful planning and meticulous execution. The first step involved demolishing the rear section of the property to make way for the extension. The team then managed structural modifications, including the installation of steel reinforcements to support the new build.

With the new framework in place, the focus shifted to roof plumbing, electrical work, and internal finishes. The installation of large windows and sliding doors created an open, inviting space, while the final flooring and painting work ensured that the new extension was ready for immediate use.

Key Trades Involved

A highly skilled team of trades contributed to the successful execution of this project, including:

• Steel installer
• Carpenters
• Roof Plumber
• Plumber
• Plasterer
• Concrete cutter
• electrician
• Carpet layer
• Painter

Client Feedback

Homeowners were delighted with the transformation, particularly appreciating how the new extension allowed their children to have their own space while staying connected to the rest of the home. They were especially pleased with:

• The bright, airy feel of the new living space, is enhanced by the large windows and sliding doors.
• The careful reconfiguration of rooms, which prepared the home for future renovations while improving functionality now.
• The professionalism and adaptability of the Refresh team, who handled unexpected changes with efficiency and expertise.
• The quality of craftsmanship, which made the renovation feel seamless and well-integrated with the existing structure.

Final Thoughts

Managed by Leigh McDonald with their team at Refresh Renovations, this project is a testament to the value of thoughtful planning, expert execution, and adaptability in residential renovations.

By focusing on a well-designed extension that prioritised natural light, functionality, and modern aesthetics, the team created a beautiful, practical living space that met the family’s immediate needs while leaving room for future improvements. Despite logistical challenges and scheduling adjustments, the final result was a stylish, seamlessly integrated home extension that the homeowners could enjoy immediately.

If you’re considering a home extension or major renovation, get in touch with Leigh McDonald and the Refresh Renovations team today to discuss your project.