Kitchen Renovation Success Story

Our clients Brett and Morelle have a beautiful outlook in the peaceful North Shore suburb of Lindfield. Looking at renovating their outdated kitchen to suit their lifestyle, they contacted Shane at Dependabuild with some ideas to combine a stylish kitchen they could utilise in their daily life as well as create the versatility of an entertainment space they could share with friends. 

Having already researched many ideas, it was great to work alongside Brett and Morelle who wanted the kitchen to reflect their own personal style. A kitchen is the heart of the home and should reflect the people who live in the home’s personality, style and taste as well as being functional. Our clients had selected their own cabinet maker and required the expertise of the Dependabuild team to ensure smooth coordination of processes to make their dream a reality.

Internal Renovation – Kitchen Living Area

Working with a blank canvas enables the builders to examine the area which allows for a structurally sound build that will last a lifetime. The team removed partition walls that enclosed the original kitchen, dated cabinetry and tiled flooring to create an open spacious area. A section of the floor was revealed to be uneven, which required the straightening of the structural joists below before the engineered floorboards could be evenly laid.

Our experienced team at Dependabuild are conscientious of recognising asbestos within a build that can be commonly found in houses built prior to 1972. Traces of Asbestos fibres were discovered in a sample test of the fibre cement sheeting that was below the original kitchen tiles. Efficiency in managing the safe handling of Asbestos enables all involved to be ensured safety during its removal. The sample was promptly investigated by Envirolab in Willoughby where the results were confirmed to be positive. The procedure was followed and Dependabuild sourced a qualified asbestos removalist contractor to professionally remove the tile underlay, allowing for works to proceed. Our clients were immediately contacted and communication between the client and Dependabuild regarding the necessary health and safety requirements was followed with very little impact.

Dependabuild were then able to cut out the uneven floor and replaced the structural joists, repatching carefully. This enabled the team to lay and then glue the floorboards securely. To prevent creaking underfoot, the 20mm Engineered Floorboard from Havwoods was then firmly screwed down in its entirety.

Part of the Dependabuild experience is the ease of using our team of qualified and professional Electricians and Plumbers. Shane at Dependabuild has an ongoing relationship with his trusted contractors and you are guaranteed that any electrical and plumbing works are conducted by skilled and licensed experts in their field. Renovating older kitchens with original plumbing and electrical circuits needs to be handled with care and may require updating. You can be assured that Dependabuild will supply contractors you can rely on.

A very low wall above the stairwell caused problems for Brett, who had to duck each time he climbed the stairs into the kitchen area. By raising the height of the wall we eliminated any potential injuries. A new structural steel Lintel above the space helped to reconfigure the ceiling structure, resulting in a more comfortable transition from downstairs to upstairs. With the assistance of an engineer, this process was completed with structural integrity.

Insulation is an important part of the building process when renovating your home. It allows the heating and cooling required during summer and winter to be used more sustainably. Dependabuild replaced the entire ceiling of the kitchen including new insulation and completed the whole space with a fresh coat of paint. 

The space was now perfectly constructed to ensure style and flow throughout, allowing for Brett and Morelle’s cabinetry to be installed.

The finished minimalist style kitchen with a stovetop island bench where family and friends can gather and socialise while the cooks can join in on the experience gave a feel of togetherness. A previous renovation of large wood and glass sliding doors, overlooking the leafy backyard, gives the impression of open space. Added features of pendant lights and personal touches of artwork make this kitchen renovation a real success story.

A walkthrough of a new kitchen renovation by Dependabuild.