RECENT PROJECTS BY DEPENDABUILD

Welcome to our recent projects gallery, where we celebrate transforming homes across the Northern Beaches and North Shore. Our portfolio showcases our commitment to excellence and passion for bringing our clients' visions to life. Each project is a unique journey, from expansive ground-floor renovations to sophisticated second-storey additions, all designed to enhance the iconic coastal lifestyle of the Northern Beaches and North Shore.

Explore our showcase and draw inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship, innovative designs, and luxurious finishes that define our work. From modern Seaforth renovations with seamless indoor-outdoor flow to bespoke builds that redefine contemporary living, our projects embody our clients' individuality and the high standards of Dependabuild.

Discover how we’ve turned dreams into reality and imagine the possibilities for your home.

GROUND FLOOR RENOVATION

Seaforth - Northern Beaches

After recently adding a second story to their house, clients Jo and Mark were looking to transform the ground level of their home. Jo had a specific vision in mind; this vision was then brought to life by the team at Dependabuild.

The job included removing existing interior walls to create an open living area, relocating the ground floor bathroom, creating a new office space, laundry and stairwell, as well as a new kitchen, dining, and fireplace. As well as transforming the outside deck into an entertainer’s delight packed with an outdoor kitchen, new deck, and v-board lined pergola.

Working closely with our client, we were able to create a scope of work and schedule which would create the least amount of disruption and allow for the family to live comfortably throughout the building process. Work began with major demolition to part of the existing ground floor structure, including the removal of multiple load-bearing internal walls, propping the structure above and then installing large steel beams to take the load of the second story and open up the living areas.

This was then followed by removing the existing ground-floor bathroom and kitchen and reconfiguring the space to create a new laundry and a new bathroom. Home office space has become a necessity in all homes post-COVID-19. With this in mind, Dependabuild was also able to create a space which was welcoming and productive. The installation of large aluminium glass stacking doors was next, allowing the space to flow from inside to out.

With all internal framing completed, everything started to come together. The walls were lined in gyprock, the kitchen installed, 14mm engineered floorboards down and the masterpiece - a natural stone lined feature wall incorporating a new gas fireplace, followed by a modern new bathroom and laundry completed with gunmetal grey fitments and bespoke cabinetry.

Whilst Dependabuild trades were completing the internal finishes, the Dependabuild team began to work on the outdoor space. Removing the existing deck and prepping the area for construction to begin. Steel beams and posts were installed to support the new roof structure, subfloor framing and wall structure to accommodate the new outdoor kitchen.

The roof structure was then lined with feature v-board panelling along with practical touches, including a ceiling fan and surrounding downlights. Moving on to the outdoor kitchen, the Dependabuild team framed out the new space, ready for the finishing touches, which contained a sink, bar fridge, barbeque, cabinetry, and stone benchtop.

In order to maintain the best quality finish, the decking boards were laid last, the client opting for a modern Eva-last composite board. The team are experienced in laying Eva-Last and support its durability, scratch resistance, and appeal all year around. The range of colours can complement a variety of designs, and the hidden fixings create a tidy finish. Another feature with Eva-Last is the fact that it is maintenance-free, so you can spend more time admiring it than thinking about oiling or sanding it. 

Shane, the team, and the clients are all extremely pleased with how this ground-floor renovation has turned out. Bringing new life to the home as well as blending the theme in naturally with the recently completed second story. 

If you are interested in a ground-floor renovation, contact Shane and the team at Dependabuild!

DESIGN & RENOVATE

Roseville, Upper North Shore

Michael and Joanna had the vision to build a new outdoor entertainment area to complement their home in the leafy suburb of Roseville on the Upper North Shore of Sydney. They were keen to design a pergola and deck in a modern/contemporary style to flow naturally, enabling them to enjoy the ambience within their backyard.

As local Northern Beaches builders, Dependabuild was recommended to Michael and Jo through friends who had used our services and were happy with their build. Michael and Jo contacted Shane (owner, director & builder at Dependabuild) to discuss their intentions and for some advice on the process to ensure they could make their dream backyard a reality.

To assist Michael and Jo in designing the deck and pergola, Dependabuild introduced them to Andrew Seller from Andy’s Home Designs. Andy has proven to be an amazing designer who really transforms the customers' ideas onto paper! Andy listened to Michael and Jo’s requests and helped them to create their vision. With his knowledge of different design techniques and his ability to work within a budget, Andy was able to provide the exact drawing that flowed from the home flawlessly and complimented the aesthetics, meeting the needs of Michael and Jo. Andy’s professionalism and experience in working with Dependabuild also enabled him to present us with a clear set of plans to ensure structural integrity and a smooth renovation process. Together with the client, we ended up with some great ideas for their deck!

Michael and Jo also decided to add a tandem style garage which infused seamlessly with the pergola and decking within their backyard. To achieve the contemporary look, Andy included large square timber posts that became a captivating feature of the deck. These posts complimented the structure while also being robust and not cluttered or bulky. These beautiful posts were an inspiration for the rest of the design and structure, capturing the clean sharp lines with symmetrical square and rectangular shapes.

The Dependabuild team were required to incorporate a huge 9.3 metre timber beam that cantilevered over the posts, creating the wings for the structure of the pergola - an amazing engineering requirement that was incorporated as a feature that helped accentuate the modern/contemporary styling.

When it came to the decking, it needed to enhance the contemporary home styling and Jo and Michael were keen to use modern products. Their choice was to use a composite decking board called Eva-Last and it was the perfect solution. Eva-Last is a revolutionary new decking currently on the market and Dependabuild have used it on numerous occasions to great effect! 

The team are experienced in laying Eva-Last and support its durability, scratch resistance and appeal all year around. The range of colours can complement a variety of designs and the hidden fixings create a tidy finish. Another feature with Eva-Last is the fact that it is maintenance free, so you can spend more time admiring it than thinking about oiling or sanding it. Dependabuild rates it with 5-star excellence!

Our favourite feature would have to be the contrast of the modern aluminium powder-coated louvre screens against the timber structure. These were complimentary with their styling and inline with Michael and Jo’s request of using modern products. Not only do they look good but they are also functional as well. Now Michael and Jo have an amazing haven to enjoy a cuppa and a biccy while admiring their beautiful surroundings!

HOME RENOVATION

Avalon Beach, Northern Beaches

Bill and Lou contacted Dependabuild initially for a simple home renovation, a coat of paint and some other minor works for their home in Avalon Beach.

What proceeded was an all-out renovation from top to bottom including two new bathrooms, two new powder rooms, a new laundry, and the removal of internal walls to create an open-plan living room. Dependabuild installed new hybrid flooring throughout the top and bottom floors, undertook landscaping out the front and back including the addition of a 500L water tank and constructed a brand-new deck to absorb the scenic environment Avalon Beach has to offer. Dependabuild lifted the garage door beam to create a full double garage with the clearance to fit any height of the car.

When renovations occur, there is always an element of the unknown that can present a challenge. The challenge faced through this scope of work was that the bottom story needed extensive drainage works. Working with our plumber and waterproofer, as well as Bill and Lou, Dependabuild managed to stop the water in its tracks completely. In addition to the extensive drainage works, the ground floor was 60mm out of level, this was corrected using a levelling compound in order to make way for the new hybrid floor.

Dependabuild worked closely with Bill and Lou throughout the process to ensure it ran as smoothly as possible. As they are living out of the state, communication was paramount to a successful build and ultimately, they only had to make a few trips down during the entire process.

APARTMENT RENOVATION

NARRABEEN - NORTHERN BEACHES

Our first Northern Beaches renovation story is about Jonathan and Louisa, who had bought an apartment with a picturesque view on Narrabeen beach. They decided it was time to turn their magnificent beach apartment into the home of their dreams. 

Jonathan and Louisa had a vision for the aesthetic of the apartment which they shared with us through meetings and site walkthroughs. Dependabuild was then fortunate enough to be able to assist Jonathan and Louisa in bringing their vision to life. 

Through open communication and transparency. We worked with Jonathan and Louisa to help meet their budgets and create the space they wanted to call their home. Resulting in the development of the tranquil space they dreamed of. 

We loved developing a partnership with Jonathan and Louisa and were so delighted to be able to cultivate a team approach to their project.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dependabuild. We are extremely happy with our 3 bed unit renovation. It was fully stripped back to a bare shell with new services installed and a quality detailed finish throughout. Shane is honest and easy to work with, providing reliable, accurate quoting for pricing and timelines. Give Shane a call you won’t be disappointed, he really is Dependabuild-able!

- 5 Star Google Review by Jonathan Griffiths

GETTING READY FOR RESALE

Burraga Ave, Terrey Hills

When Amanda contacted Dependabuild, she was getting her father’s house ready for resale. Dependabuild gutted the internal house back to its bare bones, then developed a new fit out with a new laundry, new doors, two new bathrooms and flooring throughout to give a fresh new life for a new homeowner.

Externally, Dependabuild sprayed the roof tiles, reconstructed the eaves, and installed new gutters and downpipes in order to replace the pre-existing rusted structures.

A new entrance to the house was then established alongside a new patio to encouraging a welcoming environment.

The house has now been sold and we hope the new homeowners and loving their living space!

At Dependabuild our goal is to make your home dreams become true. Get in touch today!

HOME RENOVATION

WALMSLEY RD - LOWER MACDONALD

Living a life on the river was ideal for Carl and Karen who moved up to Lower MacDonald from the Northern Beaches to enjoy the surroundings along the Hawkesbury River. Their home is situated directly overlooking the water with its own boat ramp and pontoon. Bushfires are certainly a threat when living so close to nature, but in March 2021 their home was threatened by another unexpected force of nature that caused devastating damage to Karen and Carl’s ground floor of their home.

Floods that hadn’t been as high since the 1970s hit the town of Lower MacDonald reaching 4 metres inside Karen and Carl’s home. The damage to their lower floor was saddening resulting in a large number of repairs needing to be implemented throughout the home.

“Shane was instrumental in helping us to get our home back to liveable again.”

Shane and other friends and family of Karen and Carl arrived at the property as soon as the water had receded and access was available by car. Shane removed all damaged and potentially hazardous fittings, including a downstairs kitchen, two bathrooms and all the damaged doors.

Karen tells us, “He salvaged our front door so we could at least lock the house safely and although it was eventually replaced by Dependabuild, we were able to lock the house up safely.”

His team of volunteers also helped the neighbours of Karen and Carl who were exhausted from days of moving furniture, boats, cars and other valuable belongings to higher ground.

After a long day of hard work, Karen and Carl's house was able to be cleaned out and throughout a couple of weeks, they were able to move back into their home.

Bathroom Renovation

Repairing the damage that the flood had inflicted was now paramount to Karen and Carl to ensure they were able to live in their home comfortably. Having experienced a flood, they decided the rebuild would be completed to ensure that should another flood or even fire hit the region again, they would be more prepared. They consulted with Shane from Dependabuild on products that were more resistant to flood or fire.

Shane suggested aluminium doors to prevent warping and to replace the pavers which were now completely buckled outside with a deck made from a hardwood Spotted Gum. He also recommended a reliable plumber, Tom from Plumb by Design, and painters for the necessary repairs.

Even though Lower MacDonald is only an hour and a half out of Sydney, the properties are not yet attached to the main water and individual tanks are stored underground to filter freshwater to each home. These tanks need to be accessible for cleaning and Shane was able to build a deck over the tank using engineers’ advice on the weight-bearing of the deck over the tank. The deck would also be more resilient and lighter than the original concrete pavers. With expertise, the dependabuild team cleverly designed a hatch that could act as an entry point should access to the tank be required.

Another feature of the deck was its shape. Carl needed to access the lawn with a lawnmower with ease and therefore wanted a space near the entrance of the surrounding fence and the deck. Shane helped Carl with his ideas to build steps that surrounded the deck leading to the access area which would remain flat. The look was completed with a professional finish using Intergrain Ultra Deck Timber Oil. This finish ensures a high degree of weather protection and abrasive effects of foot traffic.

The finished product is fantastic and Shane from Dependabuild was instrumental in helping Karen and Carl get back to enjoying the tranquillity of their riverfront oasis.

BATHROOM RENOVATION

STRONE AVE - WAHROONGA

When Alana and Brett first moved into their Wahroonga home, they were aware of the changes they needed to make to suit their needs. The bathroom was small and with their future plans of adding to their family, they knew that it was important to rectify this with a full bathroom renovation.

Bathrooms are a pricey renovation, but they are also a key point in a family home. Having a bathroom that was more spacious and useable would be a long-lasting investment into their home. They called on the Dependabuild team to discuss ideas that might enable them to move a wall between a bedroom and the bathroom to help create the space.

Shane and his team helped Alana and Brett through this process. They needed to determine if the wall was a structural bearing wall, as well as any possible plumbing or electrical issues that may need to be considered. Dependabuild have engineers who assist them with this process to ensure the removal of any walls is prepared and completed professionally.

Brett had clear ideas on how he wanted the layout of the bathroom to be implemented and drew a simple plan to help Shane identify points where plumbing and electricity would need to be placed prior to the build. It also enabled them to identify measurements of the finishings they would need to take into account when choosing their vanity, bath, shower alcove, toilet and other fittings.

Shane referred Brett and Alana to a few different bathroom suppliers to help them spend some time looking for the style of fixtures that appealed to their needs. The professionals in these bathroom supply stores have fantastic customer service and provide information about each item you may be interested in. Brett and Alana were mindful that they wanted the new bathroom to flow with the design of the home, easy to clean and withstand the test of time.

They decided on using Reece as their supplier and Shane organised a timeline to ensure their products were available when the time came for him to install.

Dependabuild were able to remove and reinstall the wall, adding a wardrobe to the adjoining bedroom, repaint the walls, install the bathroom and fittings, add doors and windows and have the tiles, lighting, plumbing all replaced. Brett and Alana love their new bathroom, even adding some nooks and sensor lighting which was suggested by Shane to create an ambience to their bathroom setting.

Get in touch today and let’s chat about how Dependabuild can help you with your next bathroom renovation!

DECK RENOVATION

HEWITT AVE - WAHROONGA

When we started working with David and Kerry, they had done some amazing renovations to their home and were keen to add the finishing touches to their build. Their home is surrounded by natural bushland and they were seeking to transform their backyard into an incredible entertainment area.

The sophistication of the gabled roof created a natural airflow and created an immediate impression on the boys from Dependabuild, who were able to add a state-of-the-art decking continuing the consistency and flow of the original design. David and Kerry wanted an even colour deck that was strong, durable and able to combat the elements. Choosing a 140 x 22 mm Blackbutt for the decking fixed down with 12 gauge stainless steel screws and box-style steps, they also integrated Weathertex cladding and removed some walls to create the openings for adding aluminium glass doors.

Backyard Entertainment Decking

These larger style steps (Box Landing Style) provided access to the open second-story deck that was to be the entertainment hub of the backyard design. The steps doubled as box-style seating, enabling them to have the flexibility to utilise the space and ensuring comfortable seating without excessive clutter.

The stairs were to be cohesively integrated for those warm summer evenings where David and Kerry wanted to optimise their space to create an outdoor theatre within their own private haven.

Another focal point to this design was the vast 6-metre sliding aluminium doors from Brisbane Water Glass, which were installed after removing exterior walls. These feature doors enabled access to the indoor and outdoor space integrating the modern feel of the newly renovated home. Windows are a natural way to create light and warmth within a home, as well as creating the feeling of open space.

David and Kerry’s exterior addition has been built with meticulous attention and a lot of well thought out spaces to ensure that their renovation suits their needs and compliments their lifestyle.