A Modern Home Makeover in Glen Waverley

Project Overview

This renovation project in Glen Waverley focused on giving an older home a complete interior upgrade. The homeowner wanted a fresh, modern look across the kitchen, bathroom, ensuite, wardrobes, and laundry. 

The goal was to improve both the style and functionality of every space. This renovation had been in planning since 2021, with several design changes over time, making the final result even more rewarding. The Refresh Renovations team managed both the design and the complete construction.

Budget and Scope Decisions

This project had a long design journey. The client never had a strict budget at the beginning, but wanted to understand the cost of different options. Over several years, the design changed multiple times as new ideas were explored.

Eventually, the homeowners set a clear limit of $140,000 for the final build. The Refresh Renovations team worked closely with them to refine the design and keep it within this budget. The final cost came in at $130,000, even with upgraded finishes, including popular tile selections and gold fixtures.

The mix of design-led and budget-led decision-making helped ensure the homeowners received the modern look they wanted while still keeping the project financially comfortable.

Project Duration and Timeline

The renovation was planned to take three months, and despite the detailed work involved across multiple rooms, the team completed the project only one week later than expected.

It was a strong result, given the number of spaces being renovated and the coordination required across several trades.

Design & Construction Work

Refresh Renovations managed the complete design process and all construction work. Because the design changed many times, clear communication was essential. The team handled:

• Kitchen upgrade
• Bathroom and ensuite renovation
• Laundry makeover
• Wardrobe updates
• Full interior painting
• Tile selections
• Cabinetry and joinery
• Electrical, plumbing, tiling, plastering, and glazing work

The trades involved included:

• Plumber
• Carpenter
• Electrician
• Tiler
• Cabinet maker
• Plasterer
• Painter
• Glazier

The team ensured each part of the project stayed aligned with the homeowners’ expectations, even as choices evolved.

Challenges Overcome

There were two significant challenges during the project:

1. Communicating Across Different Time Zones

The homeowners were overseas visiting family during parts of the renovation. It meant discussions had to be managed across different time zones. The team stayed flexible, adjusting communication times to keep decisions moving smoothly.

2. Benchtop Discontinued

When it was time to order the benchtops, the selected finish had been discontinued. To solve this, the project manager visited showrooms, photographed alternatives, and shared them with the homeowners. They trusted his judgment, and the final choice turned out beautifully.

These challenges were handled with clear communication and trust, helping the renovation stay on track.

Final Result

The outcome was a clean, modern, and beautifully finished home. Key highlights include:

• Updated bathroom with gold fixtures, which the homeowner loved
• Tiles from Beaumont Tiles, the most popular range sold by the brand
• Modern, refreshed laundry
• Fresh interior paint, making the whole home look brighter and newer
• Underfloor heating for added comfort
• Toto toilet with automatic lid and wash system, adding a touch of innovation

Overall, the style is sleek and modern, exactly what the homeowner wanted. Every space now feels more functional, attractive, and cohesive.

Customer Background

The client wanted to renovate their home to update it and bring in a modern, stylish feel. The client had some earlier work done by Refresh Renovations in 2022, which helped build trust for this larger project.

The homeowners were not in a hurry. They wanted to take their time getting the design right. In fact, the planning lasted nearly three years, showing how important it was for them to finalise every detail.

Conclusion

This Glen Waverley renovation shows how patience, careful planning, and strong teamwork can transform an older home into a stylish, functional living space. The homeowners now have a beautifully updated kitchen, bathroom, ensuite, wardrobe, and laundry that suit their lifestyle and modern tastes.