Main alterations

No interior walls had to be demolished; the kitchen and lounge were already open-plan. The old black-and-white vinyl flooring was removed and replaced with polished porcelain tiles – and Paul and Derick did it all themselves!

The old staircase was too narrow and rickety, so it was replaced with a wider, sturdier one.

The old kitchen with its melamine cupboards was removed and Derick and Paul built new cabinets – once again their own handiwork. They also did the plumbing themselves but hired a contractor to help with the granite tops and electrical work. A freestanding counter-height table provides additional workspace.

A second bathroom was added upstairs – it’s much more practical than the single tiny bathroom downstairs. >>

The garden is planted up with typical West Coast waterwise plants – all of which were kindly donated by neighbours or grown from cuttings. - Derick