Pakuranga Heights
From a project house to a peaceful haven.
When I first walked into this property, I just knew it was one I was going to do even though it already had a conditional offer on it. The agent explained it was a homeowner who wanted a project, but this house was a lot for anyone to take on. I had a feeling the offer would fall over… and it did.
Fixing The Grounds
From the start, I knew this would be a solid three-month project. The plan was to take it from a tired 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home to a fresh, functional 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom property with great flow and balance. Every square inch needed work, inside and out.
One of the biggest expenses was the cost of the grounds. The large section needed major attention: tree removal, ground levelling, fencing, new grass it all added up quickly. But cutting down those huge, overgrown trees was a game changer. Before, the house barely saw sunlight and was freezing cold year-round. Once the trees were gone, the difference in warmth and natural light was incredible.
As with most of my projects, the layout was reworked to create better flow and proportion. It’s something I often notice in homes that don’t sell well, poor layout or small living areas compared to bedroom size. I was determined that this house would feel cohesive and comfortable, not cramped.
One of the biggest transformations was the garage. Originally it looked like an afterthought, broken doors, cold and uninviting.The walls were lined with plywood, garage carpet added, garage doors replaced and suddenly it became a flexible space. Whether you wanted to park your car, set up a games room, or create a home gym or “man cave,” it now had endless potential.
You can see the full transformation in the before-and-after photos. It’s amazing how much life this home gained once it was reimagined.
