Tailormade Magazine Issue 3

TAILORMADE

Custom-built homes and renovations

CHANGING ROOMS
Creating more
space for family life

LOOKING AHEAD
The long-term
benefits of
renovation
TALKING STYLE
Meet architect
Maddalena Vienna

www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

CONTENTS

3 Director’s Message

4 Finishing Touches
Turning a loft into a retreat

10 Designer Details
Talking with architect Maddalena Vienna

14 Behind The Façade
Reconfiguring a terrace without changing its footprint

22 Kitchen Connection
Creating a seamless finish in North Rocks

24 Access All Areas
Our online project-management system explained

26 Flow-On Effect
The lasting benefits of a major renovation

32 Creating Space
Providing a large family with room to move

36 Upward Mobility
Making modern amendments to a heritage property

42 New Beginnings
Adding light and living space to a 1930s bungalow

46 Reality Check
Some home truths about living onsite while renovating

51 Your Checklist
The standard requirements for your project

Published by Tailored Construction Group P/L
Editor: Lisa Doust

Art Director: Lisa Reidy

TAILORMADE is published in Sydney by Tailored Construction Group. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without
prior written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this publication
are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. Every effort is made to ensure
the accuracy of information, however the publisher assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions or consequences in reliance on this publication. All information
contained herein is current as at February 2018 and may be subject to change.
All information is of a general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
detailed professional advice.

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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

BUILDING
DREAMS

TThanks for taking an interest in Tailored Construction disturbed during the process, every project is undertaken
Group and the time to look through the third edition of using CoConstruct – our online project-management system.
TAILORMADE. Our magazine not only showcases some of It’s a sophisticated but incredibly user-friendly system that
the projects we undertake each year but will give you an allows you to keep up to date on the status of your project,
idea of what it’s like to join our team, should you wish to see photos and communicate with us around the clock. You
use our services for your own home-construction project. can read all about it on page 24.
Our core services include bespoke extensions, creative
renovations and architecturally designed new homes for When you build with Tailored Construction Group, you
the Sydney residential market. Along with our dedicated can rest assured that your project is in safe hands. Backed
employees, we have a register of highly skilled and reliable by our resourcefulness, sound financial position, technical
subcontractors, all of whom work as a team to maintain our and administrative capability, experienced and qualified
high levels of quality and service. staff, up-to-date equipment and vast experience in the field
We are able to assist with every step of the construction of residential custom construction, we are fully confident
process, whether you’re planning to build from scratch or to of executing your project in a timely fashion, with quality
update or expand your existing home. If you have council- workmanship guaranteed.
approved plans and are ready to construct, we can have a
fixed-price quotation ready for you within 10 working days. If you’re thinking of building, renovating or extending,
As a member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), or already have plans and documentation in place, please
we are always striving to exceed our own standards, ensuring don’t hesitate to call us on 9676 3516 for an obligation-free
an exceptional outcome for our customers (our membership consultation at your home. We will work closely with you
number is 851840). To keep our customers fully informed, at every step to ensure your goals are achieved in the most
with all projects we provide detailed quotations, HIA efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
contracts and a copy of the Consumer Building Guide, as
required by the Department of Fair Trading. Until then, we hope you enjoy this issue.
We also provide an understanding, prompt and efficient
service to ensure our customer needs are met, and you can rest Jonathan Hayes
assured that you’ll find every member of our team responsive Director, Tailored Construction Group
and professional. Because we understand that building or
renovating can be stressful and daily life can be significantly

Tailored Construction Group 3

FINISHING
TOUCHES

Transforming an old loft conversion into a luxury parents’
retreat was all in the detail for this Cammeray couple.

4 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 5

SSet in the garden suburb of Cammeray, on to appease his clients,” Paul explains. “He took some silly
Sydney’s Lower North Shore, this charming property was ideas of mine and came back with sensible solutions.”
purchased by Paul Levrier and Mai Trinh in 2012.
“Besides the wonderful location for city life, the area is After going through the architect’s plans and discussing
a fantastic environment in which to raise children – great the specifics of the job with Jonathan, Paul and Mai expected
schools are nearby, Stockland shopping square is a modern the work would take around three months.
and stylish community shopping development, North
Sydney is a short walk away and Cammeray has one of the “It was our understanding that the Development
finest parks in this part of Sydney – Tunks Park,” says Paul. Application (DA) was good to go, but we received a ‘cease
“It’s pleasing to see younger families move in and renovate and desist’ letter from North Sydney Council not long after
these beautiful federation homes.” we started working on the property,” Jonathan recalls.
When the couple and their two young sons moved into “It’s worth noting here that it is always up to owners to
the four-bedroom property, they realised the loft conversion ensure their DA is in place, unless they specifically request
was more boxed in than they would have liked. “The that we submit the application on their behalf.”
conversion was old-school in design and layout, and it had
a study area,” says Paul. “What we wanted to do was replace As the property is located within a Heritage Listed
the study with a large walk-in wardrobe and take the existing area, Council took a thorough look at the project. “We
dressing space to make both our bedroom and bathroom organised Heritage Impact statements and applied for the
much bigger.” DA. Approval took five months because Paul and Mai had
After having some plans drawn up by an architect, Paul made a last-minute decision to open up the back window in
and Mai started the search for a builder. Jonathan Hayes, their bedroom, converting it to French doors with a Juliet
Director of Tailored Construction Group (TCG), was balcony,” says Jonathan.
recommended and the couple instantly felt a rapport.
“Jonathan is highly knowledgeable and always on hand “We wanted to lighten up the room and provide a view
over Cammeray’s rooftops and gardens, and we thought
a Juliet balcony would work well and would be within the
parameters of being approved by Council,” says Paul. “Council
saw it differently, however, and prolonged the process.”

6 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“What we wanted to do
was replace the study with
a large walk-in wardrobe
and take the existing
dressing space to make
both our bedroom and
bathroom much bigger.”

TaTilaoirloerdedCoCnosntrsutrcutciotnioGn rGoruopup 7

When the couple and their
two young sons moved
into the four-bedroom
property, they realised
the loft conversion was
more boxed in than they
would have liked.

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To help ensure the project didn’t get delayed any further, through, the project was very rewarding due to the quality
TCG focused on completing all of the internal work prior to finishes Paul and Mai had chosen,” says Jonathan. “They
Christmas 2016, leaving the French doors and Juliet balcony picked out Calcutta marble for the bathroom, and we
until approval was granted. installed heated flooring and heat lamps in the ceiling, plus
VELUX automatic skylights with blockout blinds.”
“The family was living offsite, so it was important for
them to be back home for the festive season. They used According to Paul, the bathroom is now one of his favourite
our CoConstruct software system to stay in touch, and we rooms: “It’s definitely one of the most interesting aspects of
set about finishing the bedroom, bathroom and walk-in the renovation, with its wraparound floor-to-ceiling glass
wardrobe,” says Jonathan. “We then put the old window walls covered with sheer curtains. The freestanding bath has
back in place while we waited to hear back from Council. a plinth underlit by LED lighting, which makes a statement,
In the meantime, we had the French doors custom-built and and the sliding doors moving between the extra-large shower
had the structural framing for the Juliet balcony and the and the toilet help to provide privacy but maximise space.”
handrails ready to go.”
Paul and Mai are both extremely happy with their
Once approval came through, it took a further two updated retreat. “We love that one whole floor feeds light
weeks to install the French doors and balcony, which needed all the way through from the open walk-in wardrobe to
waterproofing and tiling. Council then came to inspect the the glass-encased bathroom, to the bedroom and then out
work and it was finally all signed off. the Juliet balcony doors,” Paul adds. “The outcome has
completely met our expectations.”
“Despite the frustration of waiting for the DA to go

TECHNICAL SPECS • LED strip lighting dimmable to internal staircase,
walk-in robes, stairs, bath pelmet, vanity and
The project was built by: bedhead joinery
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L
Ph: 02 9676 3516 ENSUITE
Website: www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au • Warmtech underfloor heating with 24/7 electronic

GENERAL programmable wall thermostat
• French oak engineered timber throughout • Ceramic and marble tiling
• Airlite aluminium French doors • Frameless glass cavity slider door unit
• Specialist light fittings • Tile-insert linear grates
• Custom veneer joinery to ensuite, walk-in robe • VELUX operable skylights with blockout blinds

and bedhead

Tailored Construction Group 9

10 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Having collaborated with Tailored Construction
Group on many residential building projects,
architect Maddalena Vienna – of Vienna Design in
Sydney’s CBD – says the best results always come
from exploring multiple options, uniting form with
function and communicating clearly with each client.
Here Maddalena provides some insight into her work.

DESIGNER
DETAILS

Tailored Construction Group 11

Where and when did you study architecture, and what “I am sure people
inspired you to become an architect? recognise a style that
carries through all my
I have a Bachelor Degree in Design, obtained in Italy, and work, however I try to treat
a Bachelor Degree in Architecture and Masters Degree in each project differently
Design Management, both obtained in Australia. I am also a and answer to the specific
chartered Architect in Australia and in the United Kingdom. needs of my clients.”
In addition, I am an accredited arbitrator and mediator
in building disputes and am a member of the Chartered What’s the best thing about working on Sydney properties?
Institute of Arbitrators.
I enjoy the variety of projects I am involved with, from
Growing up in Italy, I have loved design and art all my life. residential to commercial work. As I do boutique work, I
Studying architecture after art and design seemed the most often get to be involved with not only the architecture part of
logical thing to do in order to gain a profession that allowed the job but also the interior design, styling and landscaping.
me to use all of my skills.
When did you first work with Tailored Construction Group
Do you have a specific style, or do you adapt depending on the and how did that come about?
needs of clients?
We did our first project together for a client in Double Bay
All of my work is unique. I take a ‘tabula rasa’ (clean slate) over 12 years ago. It was a beautiful house renovation and
approach to ensure the final outcome is fresh and original. we kept working from there. Working with Jonathan is
I am sure people recognise a style that carries through all always a good experience as we communicate very well and
my work, however I try to treat each project differently we work as a team to reach the best outcome for the clients.
and answer to the specific needs of my clients, the project Our projects often get published in magazines and we did
requirements and context. Maybe one characteristic of my one project together in Paddington back in 2007 that won
work is that it looks effortless and simple, however I always an award from the Australian Institute of Architects.
explore multiple options before presenting the best two or
three options. What is your advice for anyone looking to hire an architect?

What do you most love about your work and what makes you It is important to be honest and clearly communicate your
stand out? needs and your budget. It’s also important to understand
that the best outcomes only come when there is respect and
I love the smooth flow between the old and the new when I trust between all parties.
do renovation projects, and the good planning, functionality,
balance and composition when the job is a new construction. What is your advice for anyone looking to hire a builder?
Understanding council planning laws and legislation ensures
my work is approved quickly and with minimal fuss. Check the work the builder has done in the past, and check
references. To ensure the job will run smoothly and to help
avoid misunderstanding and disappointments, make sure
all documentation – including the contract and architectural
drawings – are well prepared.

12 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 13

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BEHIND THE
FAÇADE

While the front of this Balmain terrace had to be
preserved and the footprint of the house couldn’t
be changed, the internal layout was completely
reconfigured to suit the needs of a young family.

Tailored Construction Group 15

BBack in 2007, Brett and Corinne Field started (DA) requirements, the external façade of the house and
searching for a home that would accommodate their young its colours had to be maintained, and the design wasn’t
family. Having decided on the leafy Sydney suburb of allowed to encroach any further into the original backyard
Balmain, the couple soon purchased a classic terrace house. green space.
“The house was a little tired but liveable, and the
suburb was perfect for us – it’s close to the city but has Once the DA was approved, Brett and Corinne hired
a village feel and there are lots of cafés, restaurants and Tailored Construction Group (TCG) to undertake the
pubs nearby,” explains Brett. build, at Maddalena’s recommendation.
Ten years later, Brett and Corinne decided it was time
to renovate. They engaged architect Maddalena Vienna, “Essentially only the façade was being retained and
of Vienna Design, to come up with a design that made the rest of the house was going to be totally rebuilt,” says
better use of the space without changing the existing Brett, adding that they were allowing 10-12 months for
footprint of the house. the project.
“Maddalena’s brief was to retain the character and
some of the period features of the house while adding the TCG Director Jonathan Hayes and his team set about
modern luxuries of a high-spec kitchen and living rooms,” pulling down the back of the house. “We had to carefully
says Brett. demolish the existing structures that were to be removed
As per Leichhardt Council’s Development Application under instruction by an engineer in order to meet the DA
requirements,” he says. “The front façade and bedroom
and loungeroom structure were left, and existing
fireplaces were retained and reused.”

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Tailored Construction Group 17

Early on in the demolition, it was discovered that existing Along with their two teenage daughters, the couple
walls on an old extension hadn’t been constructed to code, now enjoy having plenty of living and entertaining space.
which resulted in a fire-rated, double-brick boundary wall “The space is great for getting together with family and
having to be built down one side of the property. friends, and it’s also ideal for relaxing in,” Corinne adds.

“After this discovery, we met with Maddalena onsite Now that they have well and truly settled in to their
then she went back to the owners and they jointly decided to updated home, Brett and Corinne say they have had the
make a feature out of the new fire-rated wall,” says Jonathan. opportunity to recommend TCG to friends. “We were
“All of the bricks that had been knocked down at the back of impressed with the interactive website and app, which
the house were cleaned and re-used for the new wall.” kept us appraised of the project and how it was tracking,”
Brett concludes.
Brett and Corinne were delighted with the feature wall.
“We also love the fact that there is a great combination of period “The whole project was completed in 11 months and
features in some of the cornicing, ceiling roses and fireplaces, we couldn’t be happier with the level of communication
and clean, modern lines in the living areas,” says Corinne. we experienced.”
“And there is lots of natural light throughout the house.”

18 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

TECHNICAL SPECS

The project was designed by:
VIENNA DESIGN
Ph: 02 9233 4566
www.viennadesign.com.au
The project was built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L
Ph: 02 9676 3516
www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au
GENERAL
• VELUX skylights
• Blackbutt 90mm timber flooring with a matt

tung-oil finish throughout
• Excel Life switch points, some with USB ports,

throughout
• Internal recessed wall lights to staircase
• Ducted air-conditioning with linear grates
• AGI acoustic insulation to bedroom, kitchen and

laundry
• Custom polyurethane joinery to kitchen,

bathrooms and laundry
WINDOWS & DOORS
• Airlite western red cedar
KITCHEN
• Caesarstone benchtops
EXTERNAL
• Caesarstone benchtops
• Warmtech underfloor heating
• Rinnai 32L continuous hot water system
• Heated towel rails
BATHROOM
• Blackbutt 90mm hardwood timber deck
• HEATSTRIP external strip heater to outdoor

entertaining area

Tailored Construction Group 19

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KITCHEN
CONNECTION

Creating a seamless finish was important to the
owners of this split-level home, who wanted to
install their dream kitchen and gain some extra
space without impacting on any original features.

Tailored Construction Group 21

AAfter living in their North Rocks home for over to check in on the project regularly, even when Helene was
20 years, Helene and Ken Atkinson decided to make overseas for work.

some changes. “I am fussy and have a good eye for detail, and fortunately
“We wanted to put in a new kitchen and were looking at Jonathan was very genuine and easy to deal with. He was
always quick to respond if I felt something didn’t look quite
how we could gain some space to put in an integrated fridge/ right,” says Helene. “The company also has really good systems
freezer and have it appear streamlined,” Helene recalls. in place, which means everything is transparent – this is
“We were originally thinking we’d have to do a large extension, something Ken and I both appreciated during the process.”
but then an architect friend suggested we push the front
wall out, which would provide the space we needed.” The couple also appreciated achieving what they wanted
without the project being too costly or altering the look of
The next step was to find the right construction company the house.
for the job. “We were using Impala Kitchens & Bathrooms to
design our kitchen, and they recommended Jonathan Hayes “We have a cleaner who comes every fortnight and,
at Tailored Construction Group (TCG) for the building work,” looking at the house from the outside, she didn’t even
says Helene. “We met with Jonathan and were so impressed, realise the extension had been done – we had to point it
and we felt confident with the fact that he could work closely out,” says Helene, adding that she loves cooking and can
with Impala.” now easily accommodate family and friends in the hub of
the house. “We got the kitchen we wanted plus extra space,
After meeting with the Atkinsons and inspecting their and we love it!”
split-level property, which was built in the early 1980s and
sits on a 970 square-metre block, Jonathan agreed that the TECHNICAL SPECS
front wall could be pushed out by 600 millimetres to create
more walking space in the kitchen. “The challenge was The project was built by:
going to be integrating everything so the renovation looked TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L
seamless,” he says. Ph: 02 9676 3516
www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au
To help ensure the integration was smooth, the original
bricks were reused for the front wall and the existing window GENERAL
was replaced. All finishes and architectural features, such • Scyon Linea weatherboards
as cedar panels, were carefully matched and lighting was • Polyurethane joinery doors and panels
incorporated into the bulkhead. • Caesarstone kitchen benchtops
• Cypress pine timber flooring
During the renovation, Helene and Ken took full
advantage of TCG’s CoConstruct app, which allowed them

22 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

ACCESS
ALL AREAS

A few years ago we started looking for an alternative their project as they like – if they want to check in daily, ask
way of managing the hundreds of emails sent by all questions and make comments along the way, they can. By
parties during a construction project – from the allowing clients to view expenses and approvals, see photos
client and architect through to all subcontractors, and check to-do lists that show where progress is being made,
suppliers, engineers and each of our staff members. the system also guarantees that each component of a project
That’s when we came across CoConstruct – an is completely transparent.
innovative online product that keeps everyone in
touch and well informed from the minute a project is The feedback we’ve had to date has all been positive. One
given the green light. of our clients moved overseas halfway through their project
and he really appreciated being able to stay on top of the
We implemented the system in mid 2013 and haven’t job remotely and add his input without having to be onsite.
looked back. It’s perfectly suited to the needs of our clients Having the ability to access up-to-date information across all
and it means all relevant parties can input their information at projects at any time also makes life easier for our staff.
a time convenient to them.To get started, all you have to do is
login via our website. The system has definitely enhanced our level of
communication and has helped to ensure the building process
As well as being safe, secure and accessible from any device, is as streamlined as possible. It’s a great addition to the high
the system means our clients can play as much of a role in standard of service we offer and we welcome any feedback
you may have after experiencing it for yourself.

SELECTIONS AND APPROVALS MADE EASY...

V SELECTION SHEET V ELECTRONIC APPROVALS V UP-TO-DATE FINANCIAL TOTAL
Review what selection choices you View and approve upgrades online Check a running total, in real-time, of
have made and see what decisions are without having to fax or mail signed the financial decisions you have made on
coming up next. documents back and forth. your construction project.

. . . AND SIMPLE COMMUNICATION FOR EVERYONE

In addition, all of your other communications
are kept organised in one place:

• Questions & Answers • Photos
• Comments • Documents
• Project Milestones

A SIMPLE WAY TO ACCESS YOUR INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE...

It starts by entering your personal login information
at www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au
From there, you have access to the following areas
and more.

SELECTION SHEET V
See choices and stay on schedule The QUESTIONS LIST saves all of your
The site organises selection items on a single colour-coded list, questions and your builder’s answers in one
displayed with all of the pertinent allowance, pricing and other easy-to-find place.
helpful information. Upcoming selections are automatically flagged
to help keep you on schedule.With just a few clicks, you can enter V
your choices. The SELECTION SHEET shows real-time
information and prominently marks upcoming
EXPENSES & VARIATIONS selections to keep everyone on schedule.
Eliminate ‘sticker shock’
Every decision made on the selection sheet is automatically reflected V
on the expenses page. With a single click, you can see how each of The EXPENSES PAGE automatically shows how
your choices has affected the final price of your project. If you need selection choices and variations affect the final
to approve a variation, you can do it electronically, saving you the project price.
time and hassle of faxing or mailing signatures to our office.
V
MILESTONES The WARRANTY LIST lets you request new
Understand the next steps items and verify items once they are complete.
Every construction project is an involved process, so the site will
show you a list of major milestones on your project. You can check
the progress made so far and see what steps are coming up next.

QUESTIONS LIST
Never lose answers to your questions
Over the course of a project, you will have lots of questions, and
this site will help you keep all of those questions, and our answers,
organised and in one place. Simply enter your questions here and
our responses will be listed right next to them.

BUILDER’S TO-DO LIST
See items as they happen
We may choose to post some to-do items on the website.While
you cannot add items to this list, viewing it can help give you an
idea of how things are moving along on your project.

COMMENTS, PHOTOS & FILES
Stop jumbled emails
As construction progresses, you will need to have ‘conversations’
about certain items, like asking for clarification on a selection or
providing an update on a warranty request. Rather than using email,
you can add comments to many of the items in the site. Comments
group these conversations together with the items they relate
to, which keeps information organised and available to everyone,
cutting down on misunderstandings. Along with the photos we
upload, you can also attach photos and files.

WARRANTY LIST
Easily track loose ends
Once your project is complete, you can submit warranty requests
online.You can come back to the site to check the status, add
comments as necessary and then verify when they are complete.

EMAIL UPDATES
Let new information come to you
You can access the website at any time, but if there is something
updated that you need to see on the site, you will also receive an
email each morning letting you know.

FLOW-ON

26 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

EFFECT 27

Seven years after being renovated, this spacious
West Pennant Hills home continues to be ideal for
the ever-changing framework of family life.

Tailored Construction Group

IIn 2000, Moira and Michael Fitzpatrick purchased Construction Group (TCG), and with his help we replanned
a 2240 square-metre block in West Pennant Hills and the whole downstairs section of the house.”
added a two-storey home big enough to accommodate
their large family. As well as modernising the kitchen, the aim was to create
“We wanted a house that would give our six children a more flow between indoors and outdoors. This was achieved
room each and had plenty of space for them to play,” says by removing walls, increasing the size of door openings
Moira. “We loved the bush aspect and the privacy of the block, using structural steel and replacing the old windows and
and the suburb is close to the city and has good transport.” sliding doors.
Moira’s architect brother drew up plans for the house,
keeping the design simple and placing all of the bedrooms “We removed the existing tiled floor surfaces and installed
upstairs to ensure the downstairs living areas were sizeable. T&G solid blackbutt flooring,” says Jonathan. “We also
In 2011, with just two of their daughters living at home, installed the new kitchen, changed the lighting throughout and
the couple were ready to renovate. “Our main priority was to completed all of the indoor finishes and paintwork.”
have a new kitchen, so that was the starting point,” Moira
adds. “We were introduced to Jonathan Hayes at Tailored At the back of the house, bi-fold aluminium doors and
windows were installed and a large covered patio was added.
“The bi-fold doors and windows allowed the kitchen and the
patio to merge into one big living area,” says Jonathan.

28 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“The whole back of the
house was opened up and
the living space became
one, which was exactly
what we wanted. The flow
was instantly improved
and we started using the
outdoors a lot more.”

Tailored Construction Group 29

30 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“The whole back of the house was opened up and the “Darrell looked after the electrical side of things,
living space became one, which was exactly what we wanted,” and John worked on the construction. They are all very
says Moira. “The flow was instantly improved and we started amenable and have lots of great ideas, which helped to make
using the outdoors a lot more.” the renovation painless,” says Michael.

In terms of their experience with TCG, Moira and “We believe that you have to look at renovating and
Michael say that they really liked dealing with several family updating every five to seven years,” the couple add. “We’ve
members – Jonathan was joined onsite by his brother, TCG definitely got a few more ideas, so will be giving Jonathan a
General Manager Darrell Hayes, and their father John, call soon to discuss them.”
a highly skilled builder.

“Our main priority was to TECHNICAL SPECS
have a new kitchen, so that
was the starting point.” The project was designed and built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L
Tailored Construction Group Ph: 02 9676 3516
www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au
KITCHEN
• Blackbutt 80x19mm tongue and groove hub

flooring
• Polyurethane joinery doors and panels
• Airlite aluminium bi-fold doors and windows
• Caesarstone benchtop in ‘Linen’
• Dulux paint

31

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CREATING 33
SPACE

Adding two extra bedrooms on to this lovely
Federation home has given a large family the
space they needed to spread out.

Tailored Construction Group

LLocated in the Upper North Shore suburb As well as the two new bedrooms, a storage room was
of Gordon, this classic Federation house was purchased added, along with large built-in robes. “We also installed two
by Nanette and Norman Rickard back in 2003. Soon after dormer windows, which were in keeping with the original
moving in, the couple called on Tailored Construction Group gables on the house,” says Jonathan. “We very carefully
matched the existing materials of the house to get the exact
(TCG) to do a minor kitchen renovation. finishes the owners wanted.”
“At the time we found the company to be very professional
The attic conversion meant the house was going from
and extremely honest, and they stuck to plans and procedure,” three to four levels, so the stair void was designed around
says Nanette. “We brought them in again five years later to the original staircase so the one void could provide access
do a bathroom renovation, which we were also happy with.” to all levels. “It looks good and is functional, and it all fits in
so snugly that you really can’t determine the extent of the
After deciding to share their four-bedroom home with their work from the outside,” says Jonathan.
daughter and four grandchildren a couple of years ago, the
Rickards soon realised it would be beneficial to undertake an The project took a total of 12 weeks, with the couple using
attic conversion and gave TCG Director Jonathan Hayes a call. TCG’s CoConstruct app as a filing system. “We had onsite
meetings and we were happy to have Jonathan’s father,
“We wanted to add two bedrooms on that seamlessly John, come and check the work,” says Norman. “John had
fitted in with the style of the house,” says Nanette. “We live worked on our original renovations, so it was good to have
in a heritage zone, so the work also had to meet the Council’s him overseeing the new work.”
strict heritage regulations.”
According to Nanette, the attic conversion has enhanced
The first set of plans TCG lodged with Ku-ring-gai Council the whole property. “Because the hallway and vestible have
were rejected. “Fortunately we were able to come up with been widened, the house is now very light and bright,” she
another way to do the work that would have less impact and says. “We’re also really happy with the generous proportions
satisfy Council’s regulations while still meeting the owners’ of the new bedrooms and can now look out over the rooftops
requirements,” Jonathan explains. into the distance.”

Built over three levels, the property had one staircase up The Rickards are also delighted with how naturally
and one down from the entry point, with a split-level area the extension fits in with the existing house: “It really is
at the back. “The family remained onsite while construction seamless, and has definitely added value to our property.”
took place, so we built the attic conversion above them.
Then, at the last minute, we cut the stairway in so we didn’t
cause too much disturbance,” says Jonathan.

34 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

TECHNICAL SPECS

The project was designed and built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L
Ph: 02 9676 3516
www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au
GENERAL
• Marseille terracotta roof tiles, to match existing
• Western red cedar double-hung windows,

to match existing
• Clispsal 400 Series LED recessed downlights
• Dulux paints to match existing colour palette

“We very carefully matched the existing materials of the
house to get the exact finishes the owners wanted.”

Tailored Construction Group 35

36 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

UPWARD
MOBILITY

A first-floor addition to this heritage home in Crows
Nest made all the difference for a growing family.

Tailored Construction Group 37

J

Just over four years ago, Tory and Mike Clegg As the house is semi-detached, it shared a common wall
with the neighbouring house that had to be extended up. “This
moved into their newly purchased Crows Nest home with had to happen before we could add on the master bedroom
their dog. A couple of years on, they had one baby and another with ensuite plus an additional bedroom,” Jonathan explains.

on the way, so were suddenly yearning for more space. Once work had begun, part of the ceiling fell in and it
“Our home was a two-bedroom heritage property that became apparent that the roof needed to be replaced, an
unexpected development that pushed the timeline out.
the previous owners had lovingly restored,” says Tory. “We had originally wanted the work completed before our
“We needed more space but wanted to stay true to the second bub arrived, but two weeks before our baby came
original bones.” we literally had the roof come off,” says Tory. “We then
had to move out for six months while the renovation was
Work colleagues recommended Tailored Construction completed – it was a crazy time.”
Group (TCG) for the project and the Cleggs decided to
proceed. “We purchased the property with an approved Meanwhile, the TCG team forged ahead with the project,
Development Application (DA) for a first-floor addition, adding a staircase to the centre of the house and installing
so the brief was pretty straightforward,” explains Tory, two large skylights overhead. “We matched the staircase to
who also obtained the Construction Certificate (CC) before the existing timber floor finishes, which looks great, and
work began. the skylights let in plenty of natural light,” says Jonathan.
“One of the trickier parts of the job was reconfiguring
“We had to comply with North Sydney Council’s existing the existing air-conditioning system, which took a bit of
DA conditions,” recalls TCG Director Jonathan Hayes. working out.”
“The council’s heritage controllers were dictating the finishes
we needed to use, which had to be in keeping with the
property’s Heritage Impact statement.”

38 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“We really enjoy the extra
space – our kids don’t
wake each other up and
we can now have friends
and family come to stay!”

Tailored Construction Group 39
Tailored Construction Group 39

The Cleggs made great use of TCG’s CoConstruct app
during the construction process, which took a total of nine
months. “The app was part of our decision to go with TCG
and I loved it,” Tory admits. “I used it three times a day
and have since showed it to our friends who are looking
for builders.”

Tory says the fact that TCG is a family business also
made all the difference for her. “Being a family really
translates into every transaction you have with the company
– they genuinely care and are very receptive when you have
questions and concerns,” she explains. “And the guys that
work onsite are all very respectful.”

Now that the roof is solid and there’s a bedroom to
spare, Tory and Mike say they are very happy with their
transformed home: “We really enjoy the extra space – our
kids don’t wake each other up and we can now have friends

and family come to stay!”

“Our home was a two-bedroom heritage property that the
previous owners had lovingly restored. We needed more
space but wanted to stay true to the original bones.”

TECHNICAL SPECS www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

The project was designed and built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L
Ph: 02 9676 3516
www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au
GENERAL
• Airlite aluminium doors and windows
• VELUX FS Skylight
• Specialty light fittings and in-wall recessed internal

stair lights
• Clipsal ‘Classic’ electrical switches, with Clipsal

‘Impress’ pushbutton with LED power provided for
motorised blinds and outdoor awning
• Fujitsu 6kw split system air-conditioning unit
• Blackbutt timber staircase, with sand and stain in
Black Japan to treads and risers to match existing
timber floors
• Powdercoated handrail and balustrade to balcony
• Dulux paint
BATHROOM
• Frameless glass shower screen
• Tile-insert floor waste
• Recessed shaving cabinet
• Strip lighting to shaving cabinet
EXTERNAL
• Weathertex Classic Smooth 200mm
weatherboards
• Boral terracotta roof tiles in ‘Modern French’
• 0.42mm corrugated roof sheeting

40

Tailored Construction Group 41

42 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

NEW
BEGINNINGS

Redesigning the floor plan of this 1930s double-brick
bungalow allowed the light to pour in and provided
plenty of additional living space.

Tailored Construction Group 43

H As the house is located in a heritage conservation area,
Having resided in this spacious three-bedroom the Council wanted to ensure the veranda was opened up
Chatswood property for over 20 years, the owner was keen again. “This part of the house is really what started the whole
to modernise the living areas, let in more light and do some renovation,” recalls the owner. “Fortunately Maddalena was
repairs to the original part of the house. able to come up with a design that met Council requirements.”
“The bathroom was badly located near the living area,
the 1970s kitchen was dark, enclosed and in need of an Once the new layout was finalised, Maddalena submitted
update, and I had a large laundry that was wasting space,” the Development Application (DA) and Construction
he explains. Certificate (CC) applications to North Sydney Council.
At the front of the house, the original veranda had The construction side of the project then went to tender,
been closed in at some stage to become a sunroom. The with the owner requesting three quotes.
weatherboards in this area had rotted and needed replacing.
The starting point was to hire an architect. “I went “From there I selected Tailored Construction Group
through an industry body and they suggested Maddalena (TCG),” he says. “Meeting Jonathan Hayes, the Director, was
Vienna of Vienna Design,” says the owner. “After meeting a positive experience – he was very open to suggestions and
Maddalena I felt that we could work well together. She knew he and his team of tradesmen were very professional.”
the suburb well and had worked on similar projects.”
Maddalena suggested significant changes to the existing The work was originally scheduled for six months but
layout, including opening up the back area of the house a few unexpected surprises and some additional changes
and relocating the kitchen, bathroom and laundry to the made by the owner added extra time to the project.
southern side.
“I was also given the option of putting in a second bathroom, “After starting work, it was apparent that a steel support
but that would have meant losing the living room,” he adds. beam had to be placed across the width of the house in the
“In the design process I did away with the formal dining room, living room. This took quite a lot of wrangling to get into
as it was the least-used room in the house.” place,” says Jonathan. “We couldn’t work with some of
the old floor in the bathroom and laundry areas – we had
to pour a new concrete slab in one section to level it out.
A new power supply also had to be installed.”

44 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

White-ant damage to the existing rafters had to be “The old plaster-set cornices tended to crumble, so we had
repaired, and the size and spacing of the rafters had to be to reset them and get templates made to copy them,” he says.
adjusted as they no longer met Council requirements. “Also, old sandstone footings had moved and caused cracks
in the house, so we had to do some repair work there.”
According to the owner, Jonathan and the TCG team
took a practical approach and dealt with the issues as they The owner is now happily reaping the rewards of the
arose. “The additional work should have added an extra six renovation. “The plan works so well and the space seems to
months to the job, but Jonathan made sure that only three have doubled. The kitchen and living area have been opened
months were added,” he says. “This was greatly appreciated, up and I love being able to entertain and not be shut away
as I had moved out during construction.” from my guests. And the windows across the back of the
house let in a lot more light,” he says.
New joinery was installed throughout the whole house,
including the study, bar, each of the three bedrooms, the “One thing I really like is the design of the sunroom, which
bathroom vanities and the laundry and kitchen. “We also has an open veranda feel and specially shaped windows – it’s
renovated the windows and the back and sides of the very light with plantation shutters that set it off beautifully,”
house, and installed new timber windows and doors, plus he adds. “This was my first experience of renovating and it’s
new floor coverings,” says Jonathan, adding that one of been good. I couldn’t have anticipated how well the house
the most challenging aspects of the job was redoing the has come up – it’s an absolute joy to walk out of my bedroom
ceilings and cornices. each morning and see my beautiful home.”

TECHNICAL SPECS

The project was designed by:
VIENNA DESIGN
Ph: 02 9233 4566
www.viennadesign.com.au

The project was built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L
Ph: 02 9676 3516
www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au
GENERAL
• Select grade blackbutt timber flooring
• Installation of ceiling rosettes, decorative cornice

and square-set cornice
• VELUX skylight
• DAIKIN Premium 16kw inverter ducted

air-conditioning unit
• Custom laundry and robes
WINDOWS & DOORS
• Airlite western red cedar
KITCHEN
• Custom kitchen
• AEG kitchen appliances
• Electrolux refrigerator
• Franke tapware
BATHROOM
• Custom bath
• Kohler ‘Stance’ taps and accessories
• Tile-insert floor wastes
EXTERNAL
• Stratco Topdek 0.42mm corrugated roof

sheeting in Heritage Red
• Stratco Ezi-Slat Fencing

Tailored Construction Group “The plan works so well
and the space seems to
have doubled.”

45

What’s it really like to remain living in your home
while it’s being renovated? We asked one couple to
share their experience by answering a few questions.

REALITY
CHECK

46 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 47

Where is your home located and who resides here? We also had to constantly shift around the house, as the
We live in Normanhurst, on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, tradesmen were working in different areas, and walls and
with our two children. We purchased the house in 2007. some floorboards were missing during winter, so there was
no possibility of heating the house.
Please describe the property as it was originally.
The size of the block is approximately 880 square metres, It was also really difficult to find things as a lot of our
and the house was built in 1968 by AV Jennings. It had four possessions were in storage. And we had to make alternate
bedrooms, one bathroom and a separate toilet. The house arrangements for the children, as we didn’t want them
was in its original condition when we bought it, and soon home alone with tradesmen we didn’t know. Our life
after we hired Tailored Construction Group (TCG) to make was generally very chaotic, which is difficult on family
structural changes to the internal layout – this included relationships – it’s hard to enjoy yourself when you are
creating an open-plan kitchen and dining area, and closing living in chaos.
off a family room to create a second bathroom. We were
happy with the work and decided to use TCG again for the How did you make the experience less painful?
more recent extension. We occasionally stayed with family and friends.

What was your original brief and desired timeframe for your Was the work completed within the original timeframe?
recent renovation? No – it took a total of 36 weeks. We faced a number of
The plan was to create a second living space, an additional challenges with this extension. For example, there was the
bedroom and an outdoor entertaining area. We also wanted incorrect installation of a skylight in the study and poor
to change the size of the existing bedrooms to create more customer service by the window company. There was also
even-sized rooms with additional storage. All windows had some sub-quality work by subcontractors, in particular
to be removed and replaced, and some needed resizing, and plastering and painting, which TCG had to redo. This all
we wanted the entrance to the house to be changed – it was added to the time the job took.
on the side of the property and we wanted it moved to the
front. The anticipated timeframe for the work was 28 weeks Now that the renovations are finished and life has returned
after commencement. to normal, what do you all most enjoy about the space?
The separate lounge room is a great haven for the children
Once work started, what were the main challenges of when they have friends over and the layout of the bedrooms
remaining onsite? works better. Great use has been made of the position of
As well as the instant loss of privacy, there was constant the house on the block and the outdoor entertaining area
dirt, dust and building rubble in the house. The tradesmen is fantastic – the whole family uses it a lot and it’s great for
left food scraps and coffee cups throughout the house. parties. In spite of the challenges, we’re very happy with the
final result.

48 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 49

EASING THE STRESS specifications such as windows, types of glass and roof
tiles – we were originally just making changes to the
At Tailored Construction Group, we understand that one of roofline but the owners then asked us to re-roof the house.
the main driving factors for homeowners deciding to stay
onsite during their renovation is cost. With this particular In our experience, homeowners that remain onsite
project, the owners wanted to keep their outgoings down often make unexpected changes along the way, which
by remaining in their home. While they found the process adjusts the scope of the work. The only way to stay within
extremely difficult at times, they remained well humoured, the original timeframe is to have made all of your decisions
were easy to communicate with and were happy with the in advance and to try and avoid making new changes.
end result.
With regards to making a mess, we admit that
One of the biggest challenges for everyone was that tradesmen generally don’t see the jobs they are working
we were working on many areas of the house so had to on from the homeowner’s perspective, so they can tend
keep moving around, which made it hard to keep the work to eat on the run and leave a bit of rubbish around. Along
sealed off so the family could go about daily life. with having tradesmen in your living space, one of the
biggest issues for homeowners is usually the dust – it is
Having to continuously move around also meant some unavoidable and really does get into everything, so can be
of the work, such as gyprocking, had to be redone. This extremely annoying to live with.
segmented the process and added complications to the
schedule, which started as 28 weeks but extended to We always say to our clients that if they are able to
36 weeks. One of the main contributing factors for the move out, it’s definitely the best way to go if they want to
extra time taken was a change of plan and signing off on keep stress to a minimum.

50 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au