Season 2

House 3: Dream Block of Land in need of a Dream Home

A Dream Block of Land but a Home in need of a Makeover

Angela and Julian live in Underwood, about 15 km south of Brisbane.

The median house price in Underwood is around $820,000. Along with the rest of the country, prices here have seen a huge jump in the last few years. They bought the house 5 years ago for $510,000.

Angela and Julien, looking to be close to the city but without the price tag, found this huge 800 square meter block and mid 1970’s house with great potential, too good to be true.

They moved in 4 years ago and although they love the location and the block, the house is ready for change and they need some help.

Angela and Julian love their easy going lifestyle. They love nothing more than a summer arvo entertaining with friends on their back deck. Julian loves fishing and Angela is a keen gardener and they both adore their 2 dogs, Lucy and Beverly.

Whilst they love the location and the potential of their huge block of land the existing home is not working for them.

They need more space for starters. They want a designated master with an ensuite and plenty of storage.

The love their elevated entertaining area, not only for its convenient location, but they love the cooling breezes and shade it provides.

Finally, to tae advantage of the beautiful weather in QLD a pool in the design is a must have.

To run it, and for the rest of their energy needs, they want to invest in solar.

The Team

Andy and Deb

With Julian and Angela not sure which way to go, the comedy king Andy and styling queen Deb are on the case.

Deb sees the potential in the existing home whilst Andy thinks a rebuild is the way to go “because anything new is better!”.

Whilst they bring a wealth of experience and plenty of fun, Andy and Deb have enlisted the help of Tim from Kai Konstruct.  Tim brings a heap of building experience and a dedicated team who have been delivering incredible new homes and renovations, tailor made for the families who will live in them.

DESIGN OPTIONS

Team Renovate

The renovate design keeps the facade as is, but gives it a facelift with new paint and a lot of tidying up.

Coming through the front door and up the internal stairs – the lounge room, dining room and kitchen also remain, as is.

It is from the back yard looking onto Angela and Julian’s beloved back deck where the real change is taking place.

A new extension coming out into the backyard will contain the master suite these guys were dreaming of.

And not forgetting the hero of this backyard – a new pool. Perfectly connected with the back deck and within sight from the kitchen and master. Along with fresh landscaping, this is the stuff of backyard dreams.

The rest of the house will be freshened up with light touches – new paint, new ceiling fans and new lighting throughout.

An energy rating getting close to 7 stars means that the renovate design should also be energy efficient and economical to live in.

The overall estimated cost has come in at $500,000

DESIGN OPTIONS

Team Rebuild

From the facade, the rebuild design is a knockout, but very different in almost every way.

This single story house is designed and presented in the very on trend style of mid century modern, this facade is a total head turner.

The orientation of the house is flipped, with the pool, outdoor dining, kitchen and living, now at the front of the house. There is still an outdoor deck at the back for Angela and Jullian to look out onto their huge backyard.

The rebuild also contains 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, just as the renovate does, but there is even space for a media room, and the open plan design is more inline with modern living.

Using new materials, windows, roof and insulation, the rebuild design presents Angela and Julian with a stunning home with an impressive 7.5 star energy rating.

The estimated cost of the renovation is $1.1 million

The Big Decision

The Verdict

Angela was renovate all the way by Julian wasn’t so sure.

A tight budget, and keeping the elevation of the 2 story home were major factors on their final decision.

In weighing up the options, budget and investment benefits the renovate design ultimately won them over.

THE RESULT

The Rejuvenated Queenslander

The renovate design kept the original facade but gave it a facelift with new paint and a lot of tidying up. Plus a new carport which really helps with the street appeal of the home.

Coming through the front door and up the internal stairs – the lounge room, dining room and kitchen mostly remain as is besides new paint, light fixtures and a refinished hardwood floor. All this has really made the main living area sing.

A new servery window through the already renovated kitchen, out to Julian and Angela’s beloved deck, is an excellent way to connect the spaces.

Out on the deck, a cosmetic change has seen this already great space, elevated. And with views to the brand new pool, this is definitely THE spot to be.

The new extension features a dreamy master bedroom and ensuite, also with views to the pool.

The hero of this backyard – the new pool – is perfectly placed, inviting you down for a refreshing dip, or simply sit back and enjoy the view from the back deck – this is the stuff of backyard dreams.

Shop the look

Explore the brands featured in this episode

Nothing feels as good as swimming in freshwater.  The Naked Freshwater Pool system is swimming as nature intended™.

Bondor® is Australia’s leader in complete thermal building solutions and lightweight architectural panels.

Energy Matters is an award-winning company dedicated to all things energy, with a passion for sustainability & clean energy.  Get quotes for your solar and battery storage needs.

Prestige Plus are Sydney’s market leading manufacturer of high-quality, Australian made uPVC Windows & Doors for residential & commercial premises

Get the ultimate designer touch with customised lighting plans and expert insights at a personal in-studio session with a Beacon lighting designer.

Making home automation easier than ever. Simply smart. ABB-free@home® transforms your house into an intelligent home.

Fanco is Australian owned, creating quality ceiling fans and ventilation products, perfect for Australian homes and commercial projects.

Each Fanco product is designed, built and packaged with a brand-wide commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Alex Jordan is QLD’s #1 agent for McGrath QLD, awarded #1 Top Residential Agent QLD – REA (realestate.com.au) Excellence Awards 2020 and named brisbanehomeprices.com ‘Agent of the Year’ for four consecutive years, Alex Jordan achieves such accolades with his distinctive ability to maximise the perceived value of a property.

Soundproof Swimming Pool Pump & Filter Enclosures.