Parnell Bungalow Transformation: A Race Against Time
Deadlines and challenges didn’t stop this tired villa from becoming a magazine-worthy home.
When the owners of this charming Parnell bungalow first reached out through their interior designer, they had a vision, transform their dated home into a light-filled, contemporary space while honoring its classic character. What they didn’t have was time. With Christmas fast approaching and a global pandemic disrupting supply chains, the clock was ticking on this ambitious renovation.
A Villa Reborn
“We had lived with the dark blue windows and outdated bathrooms for years,” the homeowners explain. “Everything felt cold and cramped. We wanted to brighten the entire home and create spaces that felt both modern and welcoming.”
The scope was comprehensive: a full interior renovation including stripping out two existing bathrooms and the kitchen, complete interior repainting, installation of new solid oak timber flooring, tiled bathrooms, and a custom laundry space. The goal was to create a cozy country aesthetic with contemporary touches throughout.
Pete from Build Unlimited met with the clients and their interior designer to map out a strategy that would accommodate both their vision and their challenging seven-week timeline.
“The moment we walked through, we could see the potential,” says Pete. “The bones of the home were strong, but everything needed refreshing. The dark blue windows and cabinetry were absorbing all the natural light, making spaces feel smaller than they actually were.”
Creative Solutions Under Pressure
As COVID-19 restrictions complicated material sourcing and contractor scheduling, the Build Unlimited team had to get creative. One of their most effective solutions came when addressing the dated aluminum joinery.
“Replacing all the windows would have blown the budget,” Pete explains. “Instead, we proposed custom painting the existing aluminum joinery on-site. This not only saved significant costs but also maintained the integrity of the original structure while completely transforming the look.”
This adaptive approach became a hallmark of the project, with Pete and his team constantly balancing budget constraints, timeline pressures, and design aspirations.
Bringing Light and Space
The transformation was dramatic. Dark, confined bathrooms became bright, functional spaces featuring modern tiled showers. The ensuite received a luxurious double basin vanity unit, while both bathrooms were fitted with custom-made mirrors surrounded by LED strip lighting for a warm, ambient glow.
In the kitchen, the team installed shaker-style cabinetry, which was custom-painted to complement the new solid oak timber flooring. This combination delivered exactly the cozy country aesthetic the clients had envisioned, but with clean lines and improved functionality.
“The layout improvements were game-changers,” notes Pete. “By reconfiguring the spaces to maximize flow and light, we made the home feel significantly larger without changing its footprint.”
Racing to the Finish Line
As Christmas approached, the Build Unlimited team intensified their efforts, coordinating subcontractors with precision to ensure every element came together seamlessly.
“This project was a testament to our fantastic subcontractors who helped us bring this project together to the high standard we are known for and in the tight timeframe,” Pete reflects. “Everyone understood what was at stake for the family and pulled together remarkably.”
Seven weeks after the first demolition, the homeowners returned to a completely transformed space. The dark blue accents that once dominated were replaced with bright, welcoming tones. The solid oak flooring brought warmth throughout, while the custom cabinetry provided both charm and functionality.
A Stunning Result Worth Sharing
The quality of the renovation was so exceptional that it caught the attention of the New Zealand Certified Builders, earning a feature in their Revere Magazine, an honor that celebrated the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into every aspect of the project.
For the homeowners, the transformation exceeded expectations: “We were extremely satisfied with Pete and Build Unlimited’s project management of our renovation. The project was completed on-time with a challenging short timeline and several challenges. Pete managed the sub-contractors exceptionally and professionally. He was very dedicated to finishing the project to a high standard and worked well with our interior designer and ourselves to bring our villa transformation to life, such a good job that it made the NZCB Revere Magazine. We would highly commend Pete and the team’s job for their top management and workmanship of our renovation. Most appreciated.”
For Pete and the Build Unlimited team, the Parnell Bungalow stands as a testament to what’s possible when creativity, craftsmanship, and determination come together even when time isn’t on your side.
From dark and dated to bright and beautiful, this bungalows’ transformation proves that with the right team, even the most ambitious renovation dreams can become reality.
