A Seamless Laundry and Toilet Remodel in Balwyn North

Project Overview

The project involved a complete remodel of a laundry and water closet inside a residential home in Balwyn North, Victoria. The homeowners had faced an unfortunate situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They had signed a renovation contract with another company, but it collapsed before any work began. For three long years, their laundry and toilets remained unfinished, and even the appliances they had bought sat in boxes.

When they contacted Refresh Renovations, they wanted a fresh start and a trusted team who could bring their space back to life. Project Manager David Wigraft and Renovation Consultant Leigh McDonald took over the job, aiming to deliver a high-quality remodel that matched the finishes of their already-renovated kitchen.

Design and Planning

Since the clients already had existing designs from the earlier company, the Refresh team reviewed them carefully before beginning any work. One of the key lessons early on was that old designs from another provider can often be inaccurate. To avoid surprises later, the team thoroughly checked every detail to ensure the plans were actually achievable on-site.

The clients wanted the new laundry and toilet to match the style and feel of their kitchen. The focus was on quality materials, practical use of space, and smooth finishes that tied both levels of the home together. Since this was a small-scale renovation, there was no fixed budget limit; however, the clients wanted to ensure that every finish was well thought out and long-lasting.

Project Execution

Once everything was confirmed, the on-site work began. The Refresh Renovations team carried out the final stage of demolition and took charge of the complete installation process.

Trades involved included:

• Demolition specialists
• Tilers and waterproofers
• Licensed plumbers
• Certified electricians

The timeline was estimated at around two weeks in total, with some possible delays for the stone benchtop and glass splashback. The team scheduled tasks carefully to keep things running smoothly, ensuring that even with these minor delays, the project would stay on track within the original timeframe.

During the build, every small detail mattered. From waterproofing to final fixtures, the tradespeople worked precisely to achieve the same high finish the clients had admired in their kitchen area.

Challenges Overcome

The biggest challenge was matching finishes that the clients had approved three to four years earlier under their old contract. Many of those materials were no longer available, so the Refresh Renovations team sourced and showed new samples that closely resembled the original selections.

The approach gave the clients confidence that their new space would still match their design vision. It also showed how Refresh teams can balance client expectations with current product availability.

Another small challenge came from ensuring that the previous designs aligned with the actual site conditions. By double-checking measurements and materials in advance, the team avoided costly rework later on.

Client Experience

The homeowners had a bad experience previously when their old contractor went out of business. This time, they just wanted clear updates, reliable work, and a smooth process from start to finish.

Project Manager David Wigraft made communication a top priority. He provided the clients with regular updates and ensured that every step of the process was clearly explained to them. It helped rebuild their confidence and turned what had been a frustrating experience into a positive one.

By the end, the homeowners were thrilled to see their new laundry and toilet completed. They were pleased with the attention to detail and the way the finishes blended perfectly with their kitchen.

Final Results

The finished laundry and toilet are bright, modern, and neatly done. The design uses simple lines, matching colours, and strong materials that make daily use easy and enjoyable.

Key features include:

• Seamless transition between the kitchen and laundry areas.
• Carefully matched cabinetry and fixtures.
• Quality fittings include a Franke sink, a Roca toilet pan and cistern, and a Mizu sink mixer, purchased from Reece.
• Polished tile work and a stylish glass splashback.

The homeowners can now enjoy a fully functional space that complements their home and adds long-term value.

Final Thoughts

The Balwyn North renovation was small but made a big impact. What had been left unfinished for three years is now a bright, modern, and stylish space that complements the rest of the home perfectly.

It’s another excellent example of how Refresh Renovations helps clients overcome past setbacks and enjoy smooth, professional renovation experiences from planning to completion.