Transforming a Well-Kept Heathmont Home with Smart Cosmetic Upgrades

Project Overview

The renovation project was focused on giving a well-kept Heathmont home a cleaner, more polished look. The house looked good from the outside, but the homeowner wanted to address minor imperfections that became noticeable upon closer inspection, things like cracked cornices, damaged plaster, warped walls, and an old gas heater sitting in a 1950s fireplace cavity.

The scope also included new VJ panelling in two bedrooms and a large living room wall, repairing plaster cracks, repainting walls and ceilings, restoring all interior timber floors, and improving the carport and deck outside.

Design & Planning

This project didn’t require formal architectural design, council approval, or any significant structural changes. It was all about careful cosmetic upgrades that would make the home feel fresh, clean, and more inviting.

When the homeowner reached out, she didn’t have a set budget because she wasn’t sure what the work would cost. After a walkthrough, the Refresh team provided an estimate. Once a few items were adjusted, the final price came to $47,000.

The project was planned in two stages:

1. Stage 1 – Exterior Work
   
   
   
   • Closing in parts of the rear wall
   • Partially closing the side wall of the carport
   • Exterior painting in selected areas
   • Improving carport security with sensor lights
     
     
2. Stage 2 – Interior Work
   
   
   
   • VJ panelling on feature walls
   • Removing the old gas heater
   • Fixing plaster cracks and damaged cornices
   • Timber floor sanding and restoration
   • Interior wall and ceiling painting

Everything was scheduled to be completed within five weeks, with a brief break between the two stages, and the team finished on time.

Construction & Work Completed

The Refresh team carried out all the work using skilled, reliable tradespeople. Since the job involved multiple tasks, careful coordination was necessary.

Trades Involved

• Painters
• Plasterers
• Carpenters
• Caulkers
• Floor sanders

Each trade played a crucial role in bringing the home up to the neat, high-quality standard the homeowner desired.

Interior Work

The interior of the home underwent the most significant visual transformation. The main work included:

VJ Paneling

• Installed in two bedrooms
• Added to one large living room feature wall

Plaster Repairs

Many parts of the house had minor cracks and crooked areas. Some walls were noticeably not straight, which made the work more challenging. To fix this:

• The team packed and straightened the walls
• Then added VJ boards on top

Old Gas Heater Removal

The homeowner wanted the gas heater removed from the old 1950s fireplace cavity. Once removed:

• The area was patched
• The wall was prepared for panelling
• A neat, updated look replaced the old fireplace appearance.

Painting

The walls and ceilings were repainted, helping the home feel brighter and fresher.

Floor Sanding

The timber floors across the kitchen, living room, hallway, and entrance were sanded back and restored.

Exterior Work

The outdoor upgrades were just as significant as the interior improvements.

Carport Improvements

The carport had open areas that made it feel less secure. The team:

• Closed the rear wall
• Partially closed a side wall.

Exterior Painting

Selected exterior areas were repainted to unify the look and refresh older surfaces.

Challenges

The main challenge in this renovation was dealing with walls that weren’t straight. Before any VJ panelling could be installed:

• The team had to correct these uneven areas
• Carpenters carefully packed and straightened the surfaces
• Only then could the panelling go up smoothly

This extra preparation made a huge difference to the final look. There were no issues with council consent, and the rest of the project progressed without delays.

Final Result

The finished home looks clean, tidy, and beautifully refreshed. Even though the house already presented well, the slight imperfections had been bothering the homeowner. Now:

• Walls are smooth and straight
• VJ panelling adds charm and style
• The interior paintwork looks flawless
• The restored timber floors give the home warmth and character
• The carport feels secure and more enclosed

Not only does the home look better, but it also feels more comfortable and welcoming, perfect for the homeowner to relax and recover after her surgery.

Customer Experience

The homeowner had no past bad experiences, but she appreciated how Refresh Renovations handled everything professionally, explained the process clearly, and worked “by the book.” She wanted a trusted team and felt confident throughout the entire renovation process.

She also shared a positive Google review after the project, expressing her happiness with the results and the team's meticulous management of every detail.

Conclusion

This project shows how thoughtful cosmetic updates can completely transform a home. With new panelling, repaired plaster, restored floors, fresh paint, a safer carport, and updated outdoor areas, the Heathmont makeover now feels modern, secure, and full of character.