Tips for stunning home restoration

CAREFUL renovation has transformed Stacey and Dom Chicoteau’s post-war house into a home equipped for modern living, without sacrificing the character that makes it special.

Stacey and Dom Chicoteau's house — post renovation. Photo: Dominika Lis

CAREFUL renovation has transformed Stacey and Dom Chicoteau’s post-war house into a home equipped for modern living, without sacrificing the character that makes it special.

The couple loved the three-bedroom 1950s house they bought seven years ago, but decided the time was right to embark on a major renovation, which included widening and lengthening the structure, and adding a deck.

The result is stunning and follows detailed planning and good communication with Brendale’s Daydream Building Innovations.

“It has brought the outside in and made it more of an entertaining house,” Stacey says.

“I think that’s what we missed in this house, having a deck and what it brings to a house. The house was perfectly liveable, however we wanted a more open floor plan than you normally get in a post-war home.”

Stacey and Dom Chicoteau's house — post renovation. Photo: Dominika Lis

They now have a new, larger kitchen which opens out to the deck with the help of bi-fold doors and a timber bar, a larger main bedroom with ensuite, and new main bathroom.

“We are totally in love with the ‘new’ house. The open plan and much bigger kitchen suits our lifestyle to a tee and having an ensuite is amazing,” Stacey says.

The work started in May and was finished in August last year.

Dave Pyke from Daydream Building Innovations says he felt a sense of accomplishment when the project was finished.

“I helped Dom and Stacey with their draft plans and engineering, right through to handover,” Dave says.

“It’s a long process, but definitely worthwhile when you get to see the end result.”

A photo of Stacey Chicoteau's house being renovated.

The couple moved out while the work was being done, but kept in close contact with their builder.

Stacey even created mood boards for every room so there was no confusion about how they wanted each to look.

They were also keen to preserve the home’s stone work, created by its original owner who just happened to be a stonemason.

“The stonework was one of our favourite things about the house, so the first thing we told Dave was that no stone was to be removed and the new had to blend in with the existing parts that were not changed,” Stacey recalls.

The team achieved just that.

Stacey says having a clear idea of what you want from a renovation is key to achieving a result everyone loves.

“The homeowner is equally responsible for the outcome. There needs to be good communication with the builder and vice versa,” she says.

Dave agrees, adding that experienced builders can also offer suggestions you may not have considered, so it also helps to be open to different ideas.

COPYRIGHT WARNING for Moreton Life ONLY. Phone Kylie Knight 4380 8226. A photo of Stacey Chicoteau's house - post renovation.

Dave’s top 5 tips

1. Have a good idea of what you’re after before engaging a builder, this helps the process evolve as you go along

2. Be open to ideas from your builder. A good builder can help with cost saving and ideas when you get stuck

3. Allow up to five per cent on top of your budget for unforeseen extras

4. Before engaging a builder, check they have correct insurance and are qualified

5. Have fun with it, this should be an exciting time in your life. Trust your builder to deliver a great result