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Pitch Perfect: A Modest Makeover of a Humble Weatherboard Cottage
Thoughtful details – a perfectly angled pitched roof and sleek, built-in joinery – make this simple renovation special
In this Q&A series, we turn the spotlight on one thought-provoking renovation or extension each week. Here, builder Tom Chisholm of Chisholm Constructions, shares the journey of transforming a drab, space-starved two-bedroom, one-bathroom weatherboard cottage into a bright and welcoming three-bedroom, two-bathroom family home.
Gained: A new extension housing an open-plan kitchen, living room, dining room, butler’s pantry, laundry, a third (master) bedroom, ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Plus a renovated facade.
The floor plan after works
The facade before works
What was the house like originally?
A rundown two-bedroom, one-bathroom weatherboard cottage with an old lean-to at the rear that contained a drab kitchen and bathroom.
What was the house like originally?
A rundown two-bedroom, one-bathroom weatherboard cottage with an old lean-to at the rear that contained a drab kitchen and bathroom.
The original rear of the house
What were the clients’ must haves?
What were the clients’ must haves?
- An open-plan entertainer’s kitchen.
- A third bedroom.
- An ensuite and walk-in wardrobe for the master bedroom.
The original rear of the house
The original kitchen
What exactly did you do?
Removed the existing lean-to at the back of the house and put in a new extension housing an open-plan kitchen/living/dining room, butler’s pantry and laundry.
We turned the original living room into a new master (third) bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in robe. We also renovated and repainted the facade of the house.
What exactly did you do?
Removed the existing lean-to at the back of the house and put in a new extension housing an open-plan kitchen/living/dining room, butler’s pantry and laundry.
We turned the original living room into a new master (third) bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in robe. We also renovated and repainted the facade of the house.
What was the budget?
Approximately $450,000.
Where did most of it go?
On the new fixtures and fittings, such as the cabinetry and steel-framed windows.
The Allure of Black-Framed Windows – Faux Pas or Fabulous?
Approximately $450,000.
Where did most of it go?
On the new fixtures and fittings, such as the cabinetry and steel-framed windows.
The Allure of Black-Framed Windows – Faux Pas or Fabulous?
How does the new extension complement or contrast the original home?
We retained most of the original period features of the house, such as the architraves, skirtings and panelled doors. But once you walk through the doorway into the new part of the house, it’s clear that you’ve stepped into a thoroughly modern abode. This doorway acts as a break line between the old and new.
We retained most of the original period features of the house, such as the architraves, skirtings and panelled doors. But once you walk through the doorway into the new part of the house, it’s clear that you’ve stepped into a thoroughly modern abode. This doorway acts as a break line between the old and new.
What challenges did you work around?
Tight access. Plus, the next-door neighbours were renovating and extending at the same time as us. Although they started three months before us, we managed to work comfortably alongside them – and even managed to complete our project two months ahead of them!
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Tight access. Plus, the next-door neighbours were renovating and extending at the same time as us. Although they started three months before us, we managed to work comfortably alongside them – and even managed to complete our project two months ahead of them!
Serial Renovators on Creating a Schedule for Your Renovation
How would you describe the new addition?
A functional design with exceptional finishes.
A functional design with exceptional finishes.
Interior materials palette
Key features
- Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo on the kitchen benhchtops and ensuite countertop.
- Polytec Ravine Natural Oak laminate on the front of the kitchen island.
- National Tiles marble-look matt glazed-porcelain 600-millimetre-square tiles on the laundry splashback.
- Byzantine Design Ardesia Honed Slate 300-millimetre x 75-millimetre floor tiles.
Key features
- Jetmaster Heat & Glo gas log fire in the living room.
- Steel Window Design steel-framed windows and doors.
- Lining board ceiling to the living room.
- Oliveri Pietra kitchen tap from E&S Trading.
Paint colours
- Interior painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter.
- Exterior painted in Dulux Silkwort.
- Exterior window trims painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter.
The new ensuite
Tell us
Do you love this striking addition as much as we do? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Keen for more renovation ideas? Don’t miss last week’s A Contemporary Renovation Packed Full of Clever Ideas
Tell us
Do you love this striking addition as much as we do? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Keen for more renovation ideas? Don’t miss last week’s A Contemporary Renovation Packed Full of Clever Ideas
Answers by Tom Chisholm, director of Chisholm Constructions
Who lives here: A couple with a young child
Location: Malvern East, Victoria
Original size: 127 square metres
Size after extension: 190 square metres
Building designer: Ausdraft Residential Building Designers
Builder: Chisholm Constructions
Interior designer: Winston Design Collaboration