Manly West Home Renovation

When purchased, this property was very typical of a 1970s/1980s home. Built prior to the building codes, which now requires 2.4m high ceilings, the downstairs area was ‘legally’ only defined as storage. 

However, these types of homes represent a great opportunity for family growth, dual purpose living and refurbishment into a habitable space.

Ellis & Co identified a building certification approach that enabled the lower areas of these types of properties to be certified habitable as long as certain performance criteria are met. The available downstairs space lent itself to a fully self-contained one bedroom unit for grandparents, teenagers, holiday let or a two storey 4 bedroom home.

Ellis & Co and its network of professionals came together to develop a refurbishment and certification progress that involved a renovation that consisted of creating a habitable one bedroom unit below the house, that included: A large ensuite bedroom, with large walk-in shower, dual vanity and built-in robes and access to own alfresco seating area. Open plan lounge/dining room also with access to private external alfresco seating. Large Kitchen/Laundry, separate powder room and a study/office leading to the garage and storage area.

In addition, the first floor was totally refurbished with a professionally re-sprayed kitchen with new appliances, refurbished bathroom, wood floors sanded and re-sealed, and re-paint throughout. The separate rear balcony weas extended to form a wrap round balcony deck and upgraded to building code compliance. For the exterior, a complete exterior re-paint to include roof, walls and some deck areas to the rear, new fencing to all sides and soft landscaping to the garden areas.