THE FAÇADE OF THE HOME IS NOW STRIKING AND MODERN the bathroom and laundry, and we left them the Build Professional look after the design, build kitchen for as long as possible,’ Matthew says. and approvals, and have many years of building Stage two entailed the complete removal of the experience. existing roof and the construction of the upper floor ‘We do a lot of work on sixties and seventies-era extension and front entry addition and renovation. homes in Canberra. Many are brick veneer, and The family accessed their home from the back because we build in that method today they are door during the build process. ‘Access is one of the easier to remodel and extend. We can do more with challenges on a building site that is also a home – it lightweight materials and glass than they could do REMOVING THIS requires a bit of thought,’ Matthew says. ‘We set up 30 years ago, but the construction methods are OLD BULLNOSE a safe taped path to separate their access area.’ similar.’ VERANDA CREATED Living through a significant renovation can But there can still be surprises once the work CLEANER LINES be difficult, but when the result is a bigger and starts. ‘You never know what you will find, which better home it can be well worth it. The Campbell is one reason we offer people a complete service. homeowners are very happy with their transformed We do the design, the approval process and the home. The façade of the home is now striking, and build and pass the house through all the approvals. modern. Perhaps more importantly, the flow and Having some idea what issues you might find function of the interior has been vastly improved in an older house is something that comes with and now works harmoniously, offering this busy experience,’ Matthew says. family much greater open plan living space in the ‘We all have to work together, we have great kitchen, dining and living and providing a separate clients, we have a great team, including all our entrance. The addition of the new bedrooms, trades and suppliers. Specialist trades need to work bathroom and rumpus or the ‘teenager’s wing’ in well while people are in the home.’ the upper floor extension has created a separate Matthew has put a lot of time into perfecting the living and sleeping zone that has future-proofed the client experience. He realised how vital this is after family’s home. attending training in the US. ‘It is worth investing money back into this house,’ ‘They are light years ahead there,’ he comments. says Matthew. ‘It is a great location.’ ‘The building process is much the same, but the The design takes careful consideration of the customer relationship is top priority,’ he says. northern aspect and stunning views of nearby Every renovation offers different challenges. Mount Ainslie, and creates a warm, light-filled and ‘Every job we do is different,’ Matthew says. solar passive home. ‘There are a lot of variables – the clients, the street, ‘We do a lot of work on the big, older established access, the state of the existing home, the block. It blocks. Often there is a bit more freedom of keeps us on our toes, but it keeps life interesting!’ creativity on a big block,’ Matthew says. www.buildprofessional.com.au NOVEMBER 2018 HOUSING 31 PROJECTS