Tailormade Magazine Issue 2

TAILORMADE

Custom-built homes and renovations

SMART SOLUTIONS
Giving new purpose
to older properties
ALL ON DECK
Making the most
of outdoor living

SPACED OUT
Building homes with
room to move

www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

CONTENTS

3 Director’s Message

4 New Order
Adding flow and function to a Berowra home

10 Inside Out
Creating the perfect space for home entertainers

18 Light Hearted
Letting the light in to a Leichhardt kitchen

22 Access All Areas
Our online project-management system explained

24 Balancing Act
Converting a semi into a spacious family home

32 Powered Up
The multiple benefits of installing HUB wiring

34 Man Cave
Providing one guy with the ultimate retreat

38 Joining Forces
The pluses of treating two properties as one project

46 The Great Outdoors
Enhancing everyday living with an alfresco area

52 Trading Places
Combining business and lifestyle in Lindfield

59 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 September 2016 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.

2 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

BUILT FOR LIFE

WWelcome to the second edition of TAILORMADE. When you build with Tailored Construction Group,
Thanks for taking the time to look through some of you can rest assured that your project is in safe hands.
the many residential construction projects Tailored Backed by our resourcefulness, sound financial position,
Construction Group (TCG) undertakes each year. technical and administrative capability, experienced and
Over the past 14 years, the TCG team and I have been qualified staff, up-to-date equipment and vast experience
busy building a reputable building brand in the Sydney in the field of residential custom construction, we are
residential construction industry. We’ve achieved this fully confident of executing your project in a timely
through our ability to attract and retain exceptional fashion with quality workmanship guaranteed.
employees and subcontractors who continually strive
to better themselves and complete our projects to the If you’re thinking of building, renovating or
highest standards. extending, or already have plans and documentation in
We know our customers have high expectations and we place, please don’t hesitate to call us on 9676 3516 for
are constantly aiming to surpass them – the outstanding an obligation-free consultation at your home. We will
amount of repeat business we receive is testament to this. work closely with you at every step to ensure your goals
We endeavour to build relationships with our clients that are achieved in the most efficient and cost-effective
will ensure they are customers for life. manner possible.
The projects in this issue are all custom-designed
and complex builds that were managed via our online In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this issue.
project-management system. This innovative app assists
us in meeting our project goals with strategic planning, Jonathan Hayes
attention to detail and fluent communication between Director, Tailored Construction Group
ourselves and our employees, sub-contractors, suppliers
and – most importantly – our clients. You can find out
more about this awesome tool on page 22.

Tailored Construction Group 3

4 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

NEW ORDER

Going back to the drawing board ensured every aspect
of this family home could be utilised and enjoyed.

Tailored Construction Group 5

SSeeing the enormous potential in this 1960s convert the small living area and kitchen into an open-
Berowra property, Sam and Felicity Hollins decided to plan space suitable for family life. They also wanted a new
take the leap and purchase it back in 2010, with a view to stairwell to get from the first to the second floor and a
renovating soon after. bathroom added upstairs.
“The previous owner was a builder who had added an
upstairs extension that was left unfinished. The house was “The former owner’s original design wasn’t ideal for
big but the space was frustrating because it didn’t flow – the space, so once I had a chat with Sam and Felicity
we didn’t use the upstairs bedrooms and spare room at about what we could do, my team drafted a new set of
all,” Felicity recalls. “We had a baby in the first year after plans,” says Jonathan. “Sam and Felicity submitted the
moving in, which delayed our plans for a few years.” plans to Hornsby Shire Council and we helped with the
Once they were ready to proceed, Sam and Felicity approval process.”
started the search for a builder. Tailored Construction
Group was recommended to the couple and they set up a To ensure Sam, Felicity and their two young daughters
meeting with Director Jonathan Hayes. could remain in the house while the build took place,
“We’d had a bad building experience in the past and Jonathan carefully scheduled each stage of the work and
wanted to retain a certain level of control during the regularly consulted the couple.
project,” Felicity explains. “Jonathan is a really good
communicator – he listened to everything we had to “The goal was for there to be minimum disruption,”
say and everything he said made sense. We immediately Jonathan adds. “Tying everything together was the most
knew he was the right project partner for us.” challenging part as we were changing the layout and had
Sam and Felicity wanted everything to sit within the to get the plumbing for the upstairs bathroom down to
existing framework of the house but were looking to the subfloor.”

Getting a new steel beam into the ceiling was equally
challenging. Although there was already a steel beam in
place, it didn’t extend far enough to provide sufficient

6 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

TaTilaoirloerdedCoCnosntrsutrcutciotnioGn rGoruopup “We love the fact that we
are utilising what was
already here but are
now able to use all of
the space, and the raked
ceiling in the back room
is very impressive.”

7

support, which meant an additional piece of steel had Once the build began, it took a total of five months
to be added. and was far less disruptive than Sam and Felicity
had anticipated.
“We got an engineer in for this part of the job to make
sure everything would be structurally sound. When the “At various stages we had to live without a kitchen,
new beam was delivered it took eight of us to carry it,” laundry and shower,” says Felicity. “We were expecting
says Jonathan. “The ceiling is now a standout feature of a lot of stress and there was none, which was very
the property.” refreshing. Jonathan was organised, ethical and fair, and
he far exceeded our expectations.”
During the build, Sam and Felicity took full advantage
of TCG’s CoConstruct app, which is designed to keep As for the results, the entire family is extremely happy.
clients up to date during every phase of their renovation “We love the fact that we are utilising what was already
or building project. here but are now able to use of all of the space, and the
raked ceiling in the back room is very impressive,” Felicity
“We really loved the app – every night we would sit adds. “Jonathan made everything that we wanted to
down and have a look at what was going on and check our happen work and was very patient with our lack of building
own to-do list. Sam particularly appreciated the level of knowledge. We couldn’t be happier with our home.”
organisation it provided,” Felicity adds.

TECHNICAL SPECS KITCHEN
• Polyurethane kitchen with a step-in pantry,
The project was designed and built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L soft-close drawers and cupboards, and a brushed
Ph: 02 9676 3516 aluminium kickboard
Website: www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au • Bosch cooktop, oven, rangehood and dishwasher
• Samsung SRF752DSS fridge
GENERAL • Abey ‘Lago’ LG2000T2 sink and tapware pack
• 80mm spotted gum timber flooring to kitchen, • Vista Manuro glass mosaic splashback tiles,
supplied by Beaumont Tiles
family and dining room
• Custom wood staircase with pine balustrades BATHROOM
• Airlite aluminium windows • Custom-made shower screens
• Velux skylights • Konev basin and wall mixers
• Heated towel rail
LIGHTING • 300x300mm Graphite Industrie floor tiles in charcoal
• Ledlux Desi 100LM SQ steplight • 300x300mm Vista Quarry Format horizontal tiles,
• Lab 1Lt Pendant with 170mm bottle beaker shade
supplied by Beaumont Tiles
for stairs
• Clipsal LED recessed downlights used throughout

8 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“We really loved the app
– every night we would sit
down and have a look at
what was going on and
check our own to-do list.”

Tailored Construction Group 9

INSIDE OUT

A passion for hosting family and friends led to a first-floor
extension, oversized sliding doors and an outdoor kitchen
being added to this charming Balmain cottage.

10 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 11

SSet on a wide road in one of Balmain’s oldest The TCG team started by demolishing part of the
streets, this original workman’s cottage hadn’t been existing house, then rebuilding around the existing
updated for at least 15 years when Andrea and Jonathan kitchen and adding the upstairs level.
Martin purchased it back in 2010.
“The house was dark and had two bedrooms and one “Downstairs, we rendered the internal timber walls
bathroom – it was quite a squeeze whenever we had and carefully patched into the existing kauri pine timber
extended family stay with us,” says Andrea. floor and sandstone slabs the original fireplace sits on,”
Having decided to renovate, the couple were given Jonathan explains. “We added the laundry in under the
the name of an architect and a builder by friends whose stairs, renovated the existing bathroom and updated all
Darlinghurst terrace had recently been remodelled. the electricals and cabling.”
“Our friend recommended architect Maddalena Vienna,
of Vienna Design, and Jonathan Hayes of Tailored In keeping with their love of entertaining, the couple
Construction Group,” says Andrea. “For the build part of had also requested enough space in the garden for an
the project we went through a tender process and agreed outdoor kitchen.
to go with Jonathan, as he completely understood what we
were seeking to accomplish and we had built a nice rapport.” “We pulled out the small courtyard at the back of the
Andrea and Jonathan were looking to add on a storey house and installed a deck,” says Jonathan. “The bi-fold
that included a master bedroom with a balcony and doors leading from the kitchen and the addition of a
ensuite. They also had plans for the ground level. barbecue make this a useable space all year round.”
“We wanted to move the laundry to under the new
staircase and provide additional bench space in the The entire project took six months from start
kitchen, where we planned to add a two-metre window to finish, during which time Andrea and Jonathan
above the stone benchtop,” says Andrea. “And we wanted took full advantage of TCG’s CoConstruct project-
bi-fold doors leading from the kitchen to the garden, as management system.
well as four-metre-wide sliding doors from the dining
room to the garden.” “The system was fantastic – it allowed us to review
upcoming tasks, approve or decline any variations,
view updated photos and keep track of the budget and
expenses,” says Andrea. “It was invaluable when we were
overseas for a month during the renovations, as we could
still keep track of progress, stay in touch with Maddalena

12 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“We pulled out the small courtyard at the back of
the house and installed a deck. The bi-fold doors

leading from the kitchen and the addition of a
barbecue make this a useable space all year round.”

Tailored Construction Group 13

14 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 15

“We really appreciate
the extra space when
we have guests staying
or are entertaining.
We also really love the
large skylight in our
ensuite, as you can sit
in the bath and look up
at the moon.”

16 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

and Jonathan, and make critical decisions on the build straight out to the garden and lets in so much light.
without having to be onsite.” We also really love the large skylight in our ensuite,
as you can sit in the bath and look up at the moon.”
Now that they’ve lived in their modified home for a
short time, the couple says there are several aspects of the Andrea says she and Jonathan are grateful to the
renovation that are particularly satisfying. TCG team for keeping the project on track and has
already recommended the company to two friends:
“We really appreciate the extra space when we have “Jonathan has been an absolute pleasure to deal with
guests staying or are entertaining – there is now more and we have been so impressed with his consideration,
room to move about and not feel as though we’re on top support and help during what could have been a very
of one another,” says Andrea. “We are so glad we agreed stressful period.”
to add the two-metre window in the kitchen, which looks

TECHNICAL SPECS KITCHEN
• Custom-built kitchen featuring 40mm stone
The project was built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L benchtop with waterfall ends
Ph: 02 9676 3516 BATHROOM
Website: www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au • Custom-built 20mm stone-top vanities
GENERAL • Custom-built robes
• Removal of existing asbestos • Kauri pine and cypress pine timber floor
• Dulux paint throughout • Mohawk Group ‘Horizon Collection’ carpet in
• Zincalume corrugated roof sheeting
• Scyon Linea shiplap cladding black powder
• Robus 10w LED recessed downlights • 450x300x10mm rectified ceramic wall tiles in
• Pine timber staircase with square pine balustrade
snow matt
WINDOWS & DOORS • Pietra floor tiles in grey
• Airlite western red cedar • 300x300x12mm honed frameless shower screen

HEATING & COOLING with 10mm toughened glass and chrome fittings
• Warmtech infloor heating with 24/7 electronic • Valsir LUCI In-Wall Cistern package
• Lexi LE685CHR Deluxe handshower on rail
programmable wall thermostats • Lexi 246504 200mm straight-arm flange
• Electrical strip heater • Heated towel ladder
• Toshiba split air-conditioning system • Bermuda 115mm square floor waste
• Rinnai Smartbox with semi-recessed frame
• R3.0 insulation ceiling batts
• R2.0 insulation wall batts

Tailored Construction Group 17

LIGHT
HEARTED

Removing a wall and updating this Leichhardt
kitchen has allowed the light to pour in and
transformed the way the owners use the space.

18 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 19

A

After receiving a referral from a family Lisa and Justin, so they worked through our CoConstruct
project-management system, which allowed them to see
member, Lisa and Justin Howell called on Tailored how each part of the job was progressing.”
Construction Group to renovate the kitchen at their two-
storey Leichhardt home. There was only one unexpected surprise along the way –
the back doors that had been ordered well in advance didn’t
“Lisa’s aunty had Tailored Construction Group (TCG) do show up on time. “The TCG team kept a close eye on this
a kitchen renovation and modify other parts of her house,” and managed to get the doors to the property four or five
says Justin, who asked TCG director Jonathan Hayes to take days later than expected,” recalls Justin. “Other than this
a look at the space and provide a quote. everything went to plan.”

“The original brief was to rip out the old kitchen and a Justin and Lisa are very happy with the result and love
wall located between the kitchen and dining area, which we the fact that the back of the house now feels a lot bigger and
expected to take a couple of weeks,” says Justin. “Post the the ceiling has been so seamlessly integrated.
original brief we added on modifying the kitchen window,
putting in floorboards, installing new back doors and “We are getting the full benefit of the raked ceiling and
painting the back end of the house. Based on TCG’s plan, the skylight in the kitchen. The most enjoyable part about the
work was expected to take five weeks.” space is that we can now go straight from the dining area
into the kitchen, plus we have the original walkway around
Jonathan was supplied with an engineer’s design upfront the kitchen,” Justin explains.
then went in and did the measuring and determined what
had to happen. The upstairs section of the house had to be The pair says they have already recommended Tailored
temporarily supported while the kitchen/dining room wall was Construction Group. “Dealing with Jonathan was easy – he
removed and the structural posts and beams were installed. kept a good head during times of frustration and always
kept emotion out of the conversation by giving practical
“We then demolished the existing kitchen window and advice,” Justin adds. “He earned our trust reasonably
gutted the room. The original kitchen was very closed in, so quickly, which was important to us given our low level of
it was made open-plan and you can now see through to the expertise with renovations.”
backyard,” says Jonathan. “The timeline was important for

20 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“The most enjoyable part about the space is that we can
now go straight from the dining area into the kitchen,
plus we have the original walkway around the kitchen.”

BEFORE BEFORE

DURING DURING

AFTER AFTER

Tailored Construction Group 21

ACCESS A few years ago we started looking for an alternative
ALL AREAS way of managing the hundreds of emails sent by all
parties during a construction project – from the client
and architect through to all subcontractors, suppliers,
engineers and each of our staff members. That’s when
we came across CoConstruct – an innovative online
product that keeps everyone in touch and well informed
from the minute a project is given the green light.

We implemented the system in mid 2013 and haven’t looked
back. It’s perfectly suited to the needs of our clients and it means
all relevant parties can input their information at a time convenient
to them.To get started, all you have to do is login via our website.

As well as being safe, secure and accessible from any device,
the system means our clients can play as much of a role in their
project as they like – if they want to check in daily, ask questions
and make comments along the way, they can. By allowing clients to
view expenses and approvals, see photos and check to-do lists that
show where progress is being made, the system also guarantees
that each component of a project is completely transparent.

The feedback we’ve had to date has all been positive. One of
our clients moved overseas halfway through their project and he
really appreciated being able to stay on top of the job remotely
and add his input without having to be onsite. Having the ability
to access up-to-date information across all projects at any time
also makes life easier for our staff.

The system has definitely enhanced our level of
communication and has helped to ensure the building process
is as streamlined as possible. It’s a great addition to the high
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.

BALANCING
ACT Securing the sandy foundations was the starting

point for allowing this small semi to be converted
into a spacious family home.

24 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 25

B Jonathan called in the engineer, who designed a propping
Back in 2014, the owners of this Coogee property system that would allow the house, which sits on a steep hill,
were looking to add a first-floor extension and a garage to to be suspended during the excavation process.
their home but were having trouble finding a builder willing
to do the excavation work required. “We would dig a hole 2.5 metres deep in the sand, place
“We had a two-bedroom semi and wanted to add an a pad down then install an acrow prop – all up we had to dig
upstairs level with two more bedrooms, a bathroom and a series of 94 holes for the props, which allowed us to install
laundry, a second living space and a study nook. We also 46 temporary structural steel ledgers to secure the home
wanted to add storage rooms and a garage under the house, in position,” he explains. “Once the house was supported,
plus a driveway and retaining walls,” says Heather Svendsen, we started digging in between all the props. The excavation
who lives here with her husband David and their two children. took two months in total, and once it was done the race was
“We had hired an architect to do the plans and had got on to pour the concrete footings and brick up the retaining
to the point where the plans were approved, but none of the walls to allow the house to be securely settled back down on
builders we got in to quote were interested in executing the the new foundations.”
work,” says Heather. “Fortunately we had two people highly
recommend Jonathan Hayes at Tailored Construction During the digging process, Jonathan and his team
Group. Jonathan was very organised and had a quote to us ordered all the building materials for the upstairs extension,
within a few days that we were happy to go with.” ensuring the second stage of the project was seamless.
Work commenced in 2014 and the project took 10
months to complete. “The most challenging component “The first floor was a standard extension and this
was definitely the excavation,” says Jonathan, who is the went very smoothly,” says Jonathan. “The final stage was
Director at Tailored Construction Group (TCG). “The house renovating the original part of the house to tie everything
is built on sand, which is very easy to dig out but causes together – we added new stairs, put in suspended balconies
structural instability.” and added suspended garden beds to the front porch.”

Throughout the build, Heather and David relied on TCG’s
CoConstruct project-management system to find out more,

26 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“We all really enjoy having two living areas – we can have
10 people here and not feel crowded. The whole house
feels light and airy, and we wouldn’t change a thing.”

Tailored Construction Group 27

“The most challenging component was definitely the
excavation. The house is built on sand, which is very easy
to dig out but causes structural instability.”

DURING

28 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 29

“The final stage was “Because of the council’s
renovating the original heritage order on sandstone
part of the house to tie cottages built during the
everything together late 1800s and early 1900s,
– we added new stairs, the building’s façade had
put in suspended to be retained.”
balconies and added
suspended garden beds
to the front porch.”

30 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“We both work full time, so the app made it
easy for us to make decisions and to check in

regularly at our convenience.”

turn to page 22. “We both work full time, so the app made tiles that had been uploaded to the app, so they could clearly
it easy for us to make decisions and to check in regularly at see that the colour we had originally chosen was not the
our convenience,” says Heather. “Having all the information colour they laid down.” Heather explains. “Fortunately they
on our project accessible meant we didn’t have to always be replaced the tiles at no expense to us.”
double-checking everything.”
A year on, the family continues to take full advantage
The app proved particularly helpful when the roofing of their transformed home. “We all really enjoy having
supplier Heather and David had chosen supplied different two living areas – we can have 10 people here and not feel
tiles to the sample they had delivered to site for selection. crowded,” says Heather. “The whole house feels light and
“TCG was able to go back to the supplier to show them the airy, and we wouldn’t change a thing.”

TECHNICAL SPECS FLOORING
• 90mm cypress pine timber flooring throughout
The project was designed and built by: BATHROOM
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L • Custom-built joinery
Ph: 02 9676 3516 • 12mm frameless shower screen with chrome fitting
Website: www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au • 150x75mm subway wall tiles in aqua
GENERAL • 450x250mm white ceramic floor tiles
• Dulux paints and varnishes ROOFING
• Plantation shutters • Glazed terracotta tiles
• 90mm cove cornice EXTERNAL LININGS
• LED recessed downlights • Rendered brick retaining walls
WINDOWS & DOORS • Existing brick residence rendered
• Airlite western red cedar • First floor acrylic render applied to polystyrene panels
STAIRCASE
• Pine stringers, treads and handrail 31

Tailored Construction Group

POWERED UP

If you have a household full of devices, it’s worth
having HUB wiring installed. Darrell Hayes,
General Manager at Tailored Construction Group,
explains the benefits and walks us through a
recent project.

HUB wiring – the centralised distribution of communication CCTV to media-centre computers, laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi
cabling to the end user’s devices and systems – should be access points, personal video recorders, security systems,
considered by anyone that uses the Internet on a regular irrigation systems and video intercom, to name a few.
basis. It can be as simple as having a couple of data outlets,
or you can flood the house with them. We then document the outlet locations for the different
services, in much the same way that locations are decided on
Data outlets are a must as they provide non-portable for electrical services.
devices with a wired connection and reduce the load on
the Wi-Fi source within the home – i.e: if you have an Xbox, It’s important to have your HUB wiring installed by a
running a permanent data outlet will give you a more registered cabler, and keep the following in mind:
reliable service. • Your HUB should be centrally located.
• Be sure to provide conduit access from outside to the HUB
Having HUB wiring also means your home will be NBN
ready – this requires having a cable pathway from the external location for NBN fibre access.
point of entry of the house to your HUB location. This will • If you think you will be expanding the system by installing
enable installation of the fibre from outside to your HUB
without unsightly surface wiring or needing to make holes. items such as wall-hung TVs, provide cable access.
• Identify all devices that will be connected and make
SWITCHING ON
provision for them.
At Tailored Construction Group (TCG), we’ve noticed that • Remember that running cables during construction works
more and more of our clients are requesting the installation
of data points throughout their homes. The increase is out cheaper and results in less damage.
coming from people understanding that wired points are
more reliable than wireless connections. AN NBN-READY EXAMPLE

When working on a home renovation or build, we One recent project TCG worked on was designed with
determine where the HUB will be located and our clients heavy use of the Internet and future growth in mind. The
advise us on the services they require, which may include HUB wiring installed covered services such as voice, data,
anything from an Xbox, Playstation, smart TV, TV tuner, audio, CCTV, automation and security, and was tailored
Foxtel box, Fetch box, Network Attached Storage (NAS) and to make it easy to integrate these services. It also covered
Pay TV and free-to-air TV, however with services such as
Netflix now available, these are becoming less important
and less utilised.

32 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

The project incorporated the following off a single data cable. Samsung IP Cameras now
communication services: have high definition, infrared see-in-the-dark 0 lux
(visible light levels), email notifications and audio.
• Voice: Although home phones are used less and less
and may not be needed with this networked home, • Video: Aiphone JK series colour video intercom with
any data point can be utilised as a phone point. memory, which can also be connected to the Internet.

• Data: With 70 data points installed, there is no • Audio: The home is wired throughout for an
shortage of wired points for reliable Internet Aton audio system.
access. When designing the system, non-portable
items should have a wired connection to reduce • Irrigation: The sprinkler system for lawns and garden
the load on your Wi-Fi. A Synology NAS is also a beds are automated, with the security system used to
handy addition, as it is used as a centralised storage control solenoids, which turn the system on and off.
device with remote access for things such as CCTV,
Plex libraries, photos, video and alarm access. • Cable access: A data cabinet was installed centrally
to house all services, including the network switch,
• Security: A Ness M1 security system was installed. POE switch, patch panels, cable managers, NAS and
This system has its own wiring system for reed router. Conduit access was provided from crawl/roof
switches to all windows, doors, PIR detectors, spaces to the HUB.
sirens, garage door opener, front door opener,
etcetera, but is also connected to the Internet by • A false wall was added behind the TV in the main media
a data point for remote access and automation. room, with access provided through a door. Conduit
access was provided from the HUB to the false wall
• CCTV: Wired data points can be applied here by space. This makes it easy to connect or modify services
using a power over Internet switch at the HUB and to the TV. An additional conduit from the street to the
the Synology NAS software. The cameras can run HUB location was provided for future NBN fibre cable.

Tailored Construction Group 33

MAN

34 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

CAVE

It’s no secret that every guy loves the idea of escaping
to his very own space, whether that’s a room, a shed or
– in this case – the ultimate everyday retreat.

Tailored Construction Group 35

W support the house, and the beams then formed part of
When the owner of this Western Sydney home the permanent structure.”
decided it was time to establish a man cave, he consulted his
wife and they agreed that he could claim the space under The engineer designed a monolithic slab, which went
the family home. After talking through their plans with in as soon as 2.4 metres of height had been achieved and
Jonathan Hayes, Director at Tailored Construction Group was poured all in one go. “The slab was poured right back
(TCG), the first stage of the project got under way. to the walls, forming both the retaining wall and the floor.
“The existing clad cottage had a single garage underneath From a waterproofing perspective, this meant there would
one side of the house,” explains Jonathan. “First off the be no cracks for water to get in to,” says Jonathan.
owners wanted to have direct access from the single garage
to the house, but they then decided to extend the garage and Soundproof batts were installed between the joists of
make a bigger useable area so the ‘man cave’ could double as the upper floor, along with acoustic seals to the door leading
a games room for their three children.” upstairs, allowing music to blare without impacting on
As the original garage only had 2.1 metres of head height, anyone upstairs. To ensure the space would be comfortable
a significant amount of excavation had to be done to raise all year round, Warmtech underfloor heating was placed
the height to 2.4 metres. The existing concrete slab in the underneath the tiles in the gaming area, with carpet laid
garage had to be demolished and the clay earth had to be over the top. An internal timber staircase and smart timber
retained while the TCG team dug further down. features provided the finishing touches.
“We called in an engineer as the house had to be held
up while we did the digging,” says Jonathan. “Initially Along with the gaming area, the large open-plan room
we used a series of props and had to keep changing accommodates two cars, one in front of the other, and exercise
their position as we went. Once enough space had been equipment. The total floor space is now 94 square metres.
created, we put in structural steel beams to temporarily
“Several parties have been held here and the owners tell
me the space is used every day,” says Jonathan. “It’s become
a great retreat for everyone in the family.”

36 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“Several parties have been held here and the owners
tell me the space is used every day. It’s become a
great retreat for everyone in the family.”

TECHNICAL SPECS • 200x50mm blackbutt timber screens
• Blackbutt custom joinery with concrete
The project was designed and built by:
TAILORED CONSTRUCTION GROUP P/L suspended slab bench
Ph: 02 9676 3516 • Warmtech heated floor
Website: www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au • Taubmans paint finish
GENERAL • Acoustic seals to doors
• Dincel Construction System 200mm reinforced • Soundproofing to ceiling
• Aluminum double-hung windows
concrete wall structure • LED recessed downlights
• 600x300mm ceramic floor tiles • Fluorescent bar lights with cages
• 900x100mm timber grain feature tile
• Godfrey Hirst ‘Balmoral’ carpet in midnight 37

Tailored Construction Group

38 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

JOINING 39
FORCES

Using one builder meant two neighbouring homes
could be transformed at the same time.

Tailored Construction Group

W Both homes share a common fire-rated wall and both
When two neighbours in the Sydney suburb of owners opted for two upstairs bedrooms and a bathroom,
Balmain started discussing their renovation plans, they with an external balcony to the master bedroom. On
soon realised the best course of action would be to have the ground floor, the two properties were also having
all the work done simultaneously. their kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and living areas
The idea was for both of the semi-attached homes opened up, with doors being added to create flow into the
to be extended upwards. Built in the early 1900s, the outdoors and skylights brightening up downstairs.
properties mirror each other and are both set on very
compact blocks. The initial challenge was for the architect That’s where the similarities ended. One property was
to fit the extension in without compromising on floor being completely modernised – aluminium windows were
space or impacting on the streetscape. installed and no architraves were used. The other property
Once the plans had been drawn up and approved by was highlighting its age by using traditional timber and
Leichhardt Council, which is notoriously strict with older retaining the existing architraves, skirtings and doors.
properties, the construction aspect of both projects was This ensured both homes were able to establish their
sent out to tender. own identities.
“We were recommended by the architect and were
happy to win the work,” recalls Jonathan Hayes, Director Although the majority of the work ran smoothly, the
of Tailored Construction Group (TCG). “We signed two TCG team faced a couple of challenges.
separate contracts, but the project was essentially treated
as one job, and we had one onsite office. When the “We were working to a tight deadline, as one owner was
architect was onsite we would discuss one project then renting nearby on a short-term lease and the other was
walk across the yard to discuss the other.” living with family. After we commenced the demolition
it was found that the timber floor structures and
40 foundations to the original properties were rotted and

www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

“Although the work was
being done simultaneously,

both lots of owners had
very different design ideas.”

Tailored Construction Group 41

42 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group 43

44 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

COMMON GROUND • Agree on start and finish dates that fit in with
everyone’s schedule.
Undertaking a building or major renovation project
at the same time as your neighbour can result in • Do the right thing by all the neighbours your joint
significant savings, particularly with the initial setup building project is likely to affect – do some door-
and preliminary costs. But before you start signing on knocking to let them know well in advance of the
any dotted lines, Jonathan has some suggestions: project’s proposed start and finish dates.
• Use one architect to draw up and submit plans for both
• Prior to the building commencing, it’s a great idea to
properties. This helps to keep dual projects on track as have your windows and joinery schedule completed,
each aspect of both jobs can often be done in unison. as this will assist with long-lead-time items.
The same applies to other service providers, such as
structural engineers and construction companies.

unsuitable for building on. This required a site visit by the 45
engineer, with the subfloor being completely redesigned
to new concrete slabs,” Jonathan explains.

“There was also piering required to one property, as the
subsoil was backfill, which we think was due to it being an
old water course years ago. Another setback was causes
by the joinery components of the project, as the scope
of works took considerable time to finalise,” Jonathan
adds. “This, coupled with some unexpected delays from
the nominated joiner due to one side being ready before
the other, meant the job started to split from a timing
perspective, with one project finishing a few weeks in
advance of the other.”

In spite of these unforeseen occurrences, the entire
project was completed in 11 months. “Both owners were
very happy with the end results and we all learned a lot
during the process,” says Jonathan. “It was great to see
two very similar homes end up looking so different.”

Tailored Construction Group

46 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

THE GREAT 47
OUTDOORS

Adding an alfresco area has enhanced daily living
for a Sydney household that enjoys entertaining.

Tailored Construction Group

UUpon deciding to proceed with an extension, sloped steeply at the back and was identified by the council
the owners of this sizeable property had one goal – to create as a ‘landslip area’, which meant taking extra steps to gain
an undercover area that could be used all through the year. building approval.
“We basically wanted a shaded deck that filled the space
between the house and the pool, where we could relax “Even though the house had been on the block for 70
and have meals,” explains the couple, who hired Jonathan years without any subsidence issues, we had to call on a
Hayes and his team at Tailored Construction Group geotechnical engineer to drill into the site and take a core
(TCG) to undertake the job. “We also wanted to be able to sample to check for stability,” says Jonathan. “Once approval
access the laundry without having to battle the elements was given, everything went smoothly.”
every time.”
Having a clear idea of what they wanted made it easy for Along with the deck and awning, TCG installed French
TCG to come up with a viable solution. “After an inspection doors to create flow, and the area was spacious enough
of the site, having a conversation with the owners and going to accommodate both a dining setting and two lounges.
through the magazine images they had collected, it was a Blackbutt was chosen for the decking, to match in with
matter of fine-tuning the design and drawing up plans,” existing timber furniture, and two smart overhead lamps
says Jonathan. provided the final flourish.
After coming up with several design options, TCG’s
draftsman created 3D illustrations to present to the owners. Since construction was completed, the area has become
Throughout the process, the only complexity came about a regular gathering spot for dining with family and friends.
when the plans were submitted to City of Ryde Council.
Located in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs, the block “It definitely gets plenty of use, even during the winter
months,” the owners confirm. “Jonathan and his team were
great to deal with and we were really pleased with the quality
of the workmanship. It not only looks good but is exactly
what we wanted”.

48 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au

Tailored Construction Group “We basically wanted a
deck that filled the space

between the house and
the pool, where we could

relax and have meals.”

49

“Blackbutt was chosen for the
decking, to match in with
existing timber furniture, and
two smart overhead lamps
provided the final flourish.”

50 www.tailoredconstructiongroup.com.au