Multi-Level Apartment Renovation in Cottesloe

Three years ago I visited a 3 level apartment in Cottesloe. John and his team had just completed an extensive renovation to the ground level of the apartment. Pam, the owner of the property, mentioned at the end of our meeting that I would be seeing her again, perhaps in a few years, because the apartment needed more work done on the upper floors.

On a recent glorious day, when it definitely felt like the start of the summer, I had the privilege to revisit Pam’s apartment in her beach suburb. This time, I was told, new bathrooms and some clever re-design of interior spaces had taken place. I was excited because it was like doing my own version of ‘Grand Design Revisited’, and also because Pam has an amazing sense of style so I was really keen to see what else she might have done to her already gorgeous abode.

I first had to check out the original renovation work again, especially how the L-shaped courtyard had worked. Turned out it’s a great space to relax, have a drink and watch the sun go down. Perfect.

Pam told me the second renovation project kicked off with a meeting with John and a house elevator specialist. Yes, Pam wanted (so she thought) an elevator in the apartment (more on that later). The meeting was to determine what needed to be done to accommodate the eventual installation of the internal lift while revamping the bathroom upstairs and rearranging internal walls to maximise space.

The plan was to have a space (recess) in the hallway upstairs to accommodate a stunning armoire, which would act as a linen closet. It also included a plan to renovate a 70’s bathroom and bring it into the 21st century. A spacious walk-in robe/study space in the second bedroom would also be completed as part of the new renovation.

Then I noticed a new powder room on the ground level next to the entrance. That wasn’t actually in the plan. As the work got underway, it was obvious to Pam that having a powder room there seemed logical. After all, one of the main reasons for the house lift was because she was getting tired of having to go up and down for toilet visits! When I looked at the whole renovation, as complex as it initially sounded, it looked as though everything was how it was meant to be. It sounded complex because everywhere was quite tight. She wasn’t dealing with a huge open plan space.

With a very clear idea of what she needed, Pam was able to communicate that to John. He was then able to deliver exactly what she had hoped for, and perhaps more, with the renovation. Her words were ‘I can’t fault any workmanship or the process we’ve been through with John’. It took exactly six weeks to complete work.

I asked her if she would have any advice for those who are thinking of doing a similar reno in a multi-level apartment. She said it was difficult to contain the amount of dust created by unearthing layers of previous work underneath the existing structure. Imagine old tiles from decades ago that were merely covered up, which they had to jack hammer out to start ‘afresh’. As much as the team tried to contain and minimise the dust, Pam still had to wash, clean, and dust every single item in the house after the work was completed. Her advice? Put all of the furniture in storage.

She was very happy with the result. Any more big renovation projects? Perhaps no. For now anyway 🙂 House lift? Probably not if she can keep her current level of health. While walking up and down the stairs is still good exercise, running up the stairs for bathroom visits is a thing of the past!