Like most renovations, the project at Hakea was certainly riddled with challenges. For a house built in 2014, the clients were not expecting to uncover what lay beneath the surface. Throughout our initial site discovery we raised our concerns about the direct-fix cement sheet cladding, which was poorly installed over foil-backed paper. We took it upon ourselves to educate our clients, preparing them for what to expect and outlining a process for mitigating these issues. We emphasised the importance of addressing these concerns while other construction work was being carried out. This added a significant amount to our initial estimate, but we entered into a contract assured that we would provide our clients with the best possible result.
The project aimed to create more space for a growing family. This involved adding a parents’ wing, which included a master bedroom, an office study, and an ensuite bathroom. We also removed and repurposed the impractical and unused second deck to expand the living and lounge area. In addition to the main kitchen, main bathroom, and powder rooms, the entire house underwent a comprehensive facelift. One notable concern was extensive damage in the existing ensuite, which revealed a large water leak affecting the external wall and the support structure of the living area. We also discovered that the external walls were saturated, with signs of mould and rot beginning to form behind the cement sheet cladding through condensation trapped by no ventilation whatsoever. Although the clients were initially disappointed, we took the time to explain how the issue had occurred and the steps we would take to rectify it.
The collaboration during the project was outstanding. When challenges arose and some plans did not align with what was happening on-site, we maintained open communication through email and on-site inspections. This allowed us to present options to our clients on how they wished to proceed. An example of this was the redesign of the retaining wall for the main extension. Given the existing land contours, this posed a significant challenge for creating a seamless connection to the terraced backyard. We presented clients with an option to extend the retaining wall to full height, removing the need for breaks in the vertical wall and retaining adequate floor space in the connecting rooms.
Logistically, the long off-street driveway located in the middle of a cul-de-sac, made for constant car shuffling to accommodate material deliveries. We anticipated this during our preliminary pricing discussions with clients, addressing additional access costs in the project budget.
Despite some variations in the project, it was originally scheduled for handover in February 2025. However, we successfully completed the full scope of work (including variations) and finalised the handover by mid-December, along with all necessary certifications. This enabled our clients to move out of their short-term lease and settle in just in time for Christmas. Overall, our clients are thrilled with the results and have already made multiple referrals based on our efforts. This achievement reflects the hard work of everyone involved.
Details
Location
Tolmans Hill, Tasmania
Features
100m2 Floor area
4 Bedrooms
Bathroom ensuite and powder room
Large open plan living
Entertaining areas
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
