A Beautiful Home Extension That Improved Everyday Family Living

Project Overview

The homeowners loved their house, but they were running out of space. Their growing family needed more living space, better storage, and a separate area where the kids could relax and play without crowding the main lounge.

The existing layout was no longer working, so they reached out to the Refresh Renovations team for help. The goal was to design and build a smart home extension that would give everyone more breathing space and make the home more comfortable for everyday life.

The new design included an extended lounge room, a new bathroom, and an additional living area that could be used as a family or rumpus room and 2 bedrooms for the kids.

Design and Planning

The Refresh team managed the entire process from start to finish, including design, engineering, building permits, and construction.

During the planning stage, the team worked closely with the homeowners to find the perfect balance between design and budget. The clients originally had a $250,000 budget, but once the scope of work became clearer, the total estimate was $351,000. After adjusting the design and removing a few non-essential items, the final contract was set at $320,000.

The final design focused on creating:

• Bedrooms with robes for the two kids
• A bright, open living area for family gatherings.
• A new bathroom for added convenience.
• A private rumpus room for the children.
• Improved layout for movement and storage.

Council consent was required because the project involved a structural extension and the relocation of load-bearing walls. The team secured all necessary approvals to ensure a smooth, stress-free process for clients.

Project Execution

Once approvals were in place, construction began. The work covered all major trades, including:

• Demolition and excavation to prepare the site.
• Carpentry and bricklaying for the new structure.
• Plumbing and electrical installations for the bathroom and living spaces.
• Plastering, tiling, and painting to complete the interiors.
• Roof plumbing, rendering, and HVAC installation to ensure the extension blended seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Challenges Overcome

Like most extensions, this one came with a few challenges. The biggest issue was working along a very narrow sidewalk where excavation and construction had to take place.

This tight space made it difficult for machinery and materials to move in and out. The team had to carefully plan each stage, making sure the work was done safely without damaging the neighbour’s property.

At one point, part of the neighbouring fence had to be removed to make space for the work. The Refresh team took extra steps to protect services, such as the hot water system, and ensured everything was restored once construction was complete.

Despite these difficulties, the project stayed well-organised. Every trade worked together smoothly, which helped keep things on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

Client Experience

From the beginning, the homeowners wanted a team they could trust, one that would handle everything professionally and transparently.

They had heard stories from friends and family about projects that went over time or budget, so they wanted reassurance that their own build would run smoothly. The Refresh team provided that peace of mind by offering a clear timeline, fixed pricing, and regular updates.

Throughout the build, communication was open and straightforward. The clients were fully aware of what was happening at each stage. They appreciated how the team kept them informed, managed all the permits, and handled every detail of the construction work.

Final Results

The finished extension completely transformed the home.

The new lounge room is spacious and welcoming, perfect for family gatherings. The latest bathroom adds convenience and style, while the rumpus room gives the kids their own special space to play and relax.

By extending the home, the family gained better functionality, more privacy, and a clear separation between adult and children’s areas. The updated layout flows beautifully, making daily living far more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

This Narre Warren South project demonstrates how thoughtful design and expert planning can transform a tight, outdated layout into a home that truly suits a modern family’s lifestyle.

Through strong communication, careful project management, and skilled workmanship, the Refresh team delivered a seamless extension that met the family’s needs on budget and on time.

It’s a great example of how adding just a little extra space can completely change the way a home feels and functions.