SOLUTION

Kate and Jordan removed the false wall to create sunny, open-plan living, and splashed out on bifold doors to the conservatory. As well as creating flow, this allowed them to close o the conservatory when needed.

They put in a new kitchen, keeping the old plumbing in place to save money. The island bench was removed to allow more storage, a wider fridge cavity, a five-burner oven and large double sinks.

They removed or cut back overgrown hedging and dying trees, created box gardens and planted olives and a hedge of feijoa all around the section. Thousands of dollars were spent dumping rubbish from the back of the property before they could add a clothesline and vege garden.