House renovation Northern Beaches.
Project: Cost-effective renovation and remedial drainage works on a recently purchased cottage in Collaroy Plateau.
Before this cottage went on the market, it had undergone a quick cosmetic renovation — fresh paint, new flooring, and a general tidy-up. On the surface it looked in good condition, but once the new owners moved in, a few underlying issues came to light.
Our clients, who had recently purchased the three-bedroom cottage in Collaroy Plateau, asked us to assess the integrity of the home and provide a quote for further cosmetic updates. They were particularly concerned about dampness under the house and suspected drainage problems — and they were right to be cautious.
We inspected the property after several days of heavy rain and quickly confirmed the problem. The roof water collection system — including gutters and downpipes — and the overall stormwater management around the house were inadequate. Water was flowing directly under the home, creating a risk to both the structure and the foundations.
To resolve this, we installed aglines and pits along the external perimeter to capture and redirect surface water away from the house. We also upgraded the existing stormwater system and improved flow so excess rainwater was safely directed into the street stormwater drains.
The results were immediate. With a stronger, more effective drainage system, the property is now protected against damp, mould, and long-term water damage. The owners can be confident their home has the right safeguards in place to maintain its integrity for years to come.
Garden flat conversion and extension.
At the rear of the property, just outside the backdoor, was a large, old garage (20m x 4m) which had been converted into a haphazard “garden flat”. The flat didn’t have bathroom or kitchen facilities so the new owners assumed it might have been used as teenage accommodation.
To save time and money, they had the great idea of connecting this room to the main house, thereby adding a fourth bedroom and media room for the kids.
This was a relatively simple process as we extended the back of the main house, connecting the “garden flat” to the property, and providing a much-needed additional living area.
The extra space added by joining the “garden flat” to the main house completely transformed the floor plan, elevating the property from a cottage into a home perfect for a growing family.
The external and internal walls and ceiling in the “garden flat” were fibro (aesbestos). We installed new Gyprock walls and ceilings inside, and weatherboards outside to match the rest of the house.
Minor property renovations.
While some minor cosmetic renovations had been done to the property before sale, the new owners wanted some more long-term renovations undertaken. This was to be their ‘forever home’, afterall.
- External fibro walls removed from the exterior of the ‘garden flat’ and replaced with weatherboards to match the house.
- Removal of the old Super 6 aesbestos roof. New Colorbond roof installation.
- New gutters and downpipes.
- Removal of remaining aesbestos internal walls and ceilings (some had been replaced in a previous renovation). Install new Gyprock internal walls and ceilings. Paint.
- Install new internal doors, where needed. Paint.
- New architraves and floor
New pergola.
The old pergola with an old polycarbonate, plastic, corrugated roof had seen better days and the new owners wanted it replaced. We convinced them to add a raised pergola and they loved the idea.
A raised pergola (or elevated pergola / roof-mounted pergola) adds height above the house’s existing roofline, adding height to the pergola, increasing natural light, allowing for improved ventilation, and better shade control. This type of structure can be an architectural feature that stands out from traditional pergolas mounted at the gutter or eave level.
To protect the new outdoor area against the harsh summer sun, we added insulation between the new metal roof and ceiling. Additionally, this stops the ceiling from “sweating” and dripping condensation.
Northern Beaches house renovation quotes.
For an obligation free onsite assessment of your property, contact Matthew directly to arrange a quote.
Matthew Newsome