Hillsdale Renovation

About this Project

At the end of 2023, we completed a full renovation of a two-bedroom ground-floor unit at in Brittain Crescent, Hillsdale. The original apartment was tired and outdated, with no major updates in years. Our client’s brief was clear: bring the property up to a high modern standard that would appeal to both buyers and tenants — and make the most of its strong layout and location.

The result is a bright, clean, and completely refreshed apartment that has since sold for $705,000 — a significant uplift from its previous sale price of $520,000 just months prior to the renovation. Here’s what we did.

Full Bathroom Gut and Rebuild

The bathroom was completely stripped back to its shell. We removed all old tiling, fixtures, and fittings, replaced outdated plumbing where needed, and installed new waterproofing throughout. The new bathroom includes floor-to-ceiling tiling, a frameless glass shower screen, modern vanity with ample storage, and all-new chrome tapware and fittings. The layout was reworked slightly to improve flow and functionality in what is typically a tight space in these older units.

Kitchen Upgrade with Custom Joinery

The original kitchen was closed-in, dated, and not practical for modern living. We replaced it with a streamlined, open-plan design featuring stone benchtops, soft-close cabinetry, gas cooking, and an integrated fridge and freezer. The clean lines and neutral colour palette allow the kitchen to blend seamlessly with the living and dining areas, making the space feel more open and functional.

Flooring, Lighting, and Wardrobes

We installed new timber-look flooring throughout the apartment to give a consistent, modern finish while also being durable and low maintenance. Both bedrooms were upgraded with new built-in wardrobes that include integrated LED lighting — a simple but highly effective addition that adds to both practicality and presentation.

All lighting and electrical were upgraded throughout, including feature lighting in the living space, new power points and switches, and energy-efficient downlights across the apartment.

Interior Finishes and Final Touches

The entire unit was painted in a fresh, neutral tone to maximise natural light and give the space a clean, cohesive look. We also replaced all internal doors, handles, skirtings, and architraves to ensure every detail was brought up to the new standard.

Outside, the unit benefits from a leafy outlook and private balcony. We made sure this outdoor space was tied into the rest of the renovation, keeping the flow consistent from inside to out.

Project Outcome

This was a full-scale internal renovation, delivered on time and on budget. From a builder’s perspective, it was a satisfying project where every decision — from layout to finishes — was aimed at increasing both livability and long-term value. The post-renovation sale price is a strong indicator of what can be achieved when a property is renovated with quality workmanship and buyer appeal in mind.

If you’re considering a similar renovation — whether you’re preparing to sell, rent, or simply improve your home — we’d be happy to talk about how we can help.