Recent project – converting a large family bathroom into 2 small ensuites

• Clients: couple with teenage son and daughter

• Property: double-storey home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

• Renovation objective: to provide each child with an ensuite bathroom by converting the family bathroom, which was located between both their bedrooms

As is our process, we met the clients in their home for our initial consultation. They gave us a tour of the space to be converted and advised us of their functional requirements, such as maximising storage and having a bath for their elder daughter. They were keen to have the project completed as quickly as possible as there was only one other bathroom that the whole family would have to share, and upcoming HSC exams for the younger son.

We were initially engaged to provide interior decoration services, but the clients soon increased our brief to include implementation and installation of the new finishes, fixtures and furniture.

There were several benefits of using our Interior Decoration service. Firstly, the clients were able to see options on how best to divide the space. They realised it was not as simple as drawing a line down the middle given the size, existing layout of the room, and functional requirements to be met. For example, there were large windows on one side (so the showers, vanities and mirrors could not be placed under them), floor space had to be retained for the new doors opening into each ensuite, and a bathtub had to fit in the daughter’s ensuite.

In the end, they were able to agree on the best layout for their family. Our 3D drawings and mood board helped them visualise and “walk through” both the new ensuites in great detail as they incorporated our recommended colours, tapware and other features. This resulted in minimising rework and changes during construction – essential as the project was required to be completed as quickly as possible. We also added storage to make use of every spare inch, and a laundry chute having noticed that the laundry was located directly below the space – our client’s favourite feature !

As soon as the design outputs were reviewed and approved, we began working on a Statement of Works (SOW) to prepare for the construction phase of the project. This is a spreadsheet listing every task to be completed by each trade. We received quotes from our trades team based on the SOW, and then prepared a schedule for each day of the project. We also ordered all the materials whilst passing back 100% trade discounts to the clients, thereby adding back to their project budget.

The end result is that trades were on site every day to keep the project moving per the schedule, materials were mostly delivered on schedule despite COVID-related delays. There were no cost blow-outs as the scope of work did not change, except to remediate a small leak that we uncovered whilst demolishing the floor tiles. All the invoices matched the quotes, so the clients knew how much of their budget was left over when selecting the tiles, tapware, fixtures and fittings.

The clients have now asked us to design and renovate their second bathroom and laundry, and referred us to their close friends who are contemplating their next renovation. Being a relatively new and small business, such referrals mean the world to us, and we are extremely grateful for our clients’ trust and advocacy.

Find out more about our interior decoration and implementation and installation services, then call us to see how we can make the most of your space !