JakJak Residence
Quality results in Murarrie.
South East Medical
Website works in progress – Description to be included soon.
Camp Hill – Renovation
Carrying on from works to this residence in previous years we were engaged to update both bathrooms, water closet and the laundry that were existing from when the home was raised and extended originally.
There are often compromises with bathrooms as there is often just not the space required for all the amenities that are jamb packed into the modern bathroom. We were able to pinch some room from a small linen cupboard ensuring we were able to fit some impressive modcons into this amazing main bathroom.
Underfloor heating, heated towel rails, full height tiles, Floor grates, custom timber joinery, hand made barn doors along with feature night lighting, ambient pendants and traditional timber windows are all included throughout all areas renovated.
It’s always great being engaged for repeat business. Big thank you to our contractors and suppliers whom remain consistent and provide us with great service enabling us all to have repeated opportunities to build relationships with our clients over multiple projects.
Many thanks to our clients Symon & Nicole.
Mt Gravatt -Renovation
We were given the opportunity to tender this project through a great industry colleague – Dawn Powell from Designing Interiors. Project brief included a new laundry and multiple changes to both existing living rooms.
The project was always going to be unique as it centred around two significant features – An Escea gas fireplace and a LG OLED Ultrathin wallpaper TV.
Consideration was given to both the aesthetic of the fireplace when the room was to be used for ambiance and entertaining versus the practicality of daily life and having a useable viewing platform for the 4k vision.
Final feature wall selection was a single 3000mm x 1500mm porcelain feature tile from Artedomus. The logistics of procurement, delivery, cutting onsite and installation where an enjoyable challenge.
The LG OLED ThinQ utilises a unique system in using the sound bar as the “hub” with all power, data and entertainment ports being powered through this. The sound bar has considerable weight and as such would normally be sat on a TV cabinet. The requirement was for this too be wall mounted – Which to our knowledge had/has never been done with this system. We designed, fabricated and installed a custom mounting bracket to ensure the visual appearance of these expensive and quality products was not diminished with cables, power cords and speakers sitting on the niche.
Highlights that when a good attitude from all parties – Including suppliers, clients and us,as builders. There is always a cost effective and quality solution for all “problems”
Thank you to Pat and Miriam for being so open to the different product selections, ideas and the friendship that you provided during this renovation.
Fig Tree Pocket – Main Residence Renovation
After completing the detached guest suite renovation for this residence we moved downstairs and began works on the main residence. This residence was built in 2006 by an owner builder.
The size of the residence is hard to express through photos and while it looks grandiose at first glance, once the outside layers were peeled back we come across consistent building defects due to poor product selection and bad workmanship. This highlights the importance of using qualified, trusted and licenced builders whom understand the entire process from design, product suitability and selection through to installation onsite.
Considerable structural works were undertaken to the kitchen, ensuite and all external balconies. There were significant challenges in working with the existing structure and general layout while ensuring we were able to create a quality finished product.
In conjunction with all structural works the entire residence was renovated, refurbished and replaced. Scope included replacement of all bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, modifications and inclusion of robes to all bedrooms. The entire residence was repainted and some unqieu features included throughout the build.
A main feature of the residence is the two storey living area with feature timber beams. We supplied and installed an Escea 1500 gas fireplace to the main wall. These are designed in New Zealand and are an absolutely fantastic product.
There were many challenges throughout this residence. We were constantly finding items that required further works before initial tasks could be undertaken. All these challenges where ultimately overcome and solutions found to deliver the quality product this block and monster of a house deserves!
A special thank you to Oliver and Nydia for their ongoing patience and friendship throughout the constantly evolving renovation!
Ashgrove Internal Staircase
This beautiful Queenslander that had been fully renovated and extended previously but had no link between the garage and rumpus rooms located on the ground floor to main residence.
We were recommended from previous clients -quoted, designed and completed all works associated with retrofitting a staircase into the existing lounge area, providing a vital link to what would be the kids play room and access to vehicles during wet weather.
Careful consideration was given to retaining the existing charm and warmth of this comfortable home. Material selection and colour palette was to tie into existing theme’s while retaining all critical elements to a safe and useable staircase.
Loved the integration of joinery in having a bookcase located at the transition landing!
Fig Tree Pocket – New Build
We were again lucky enough to have repeat business from our clients Paul & Wendy. They’re block in the leafy & private suburb of Fig Tree Pocket had no street frontage for a shed/workshop.
Paul had already had the plans drawn up and we took the project from there. Engaging and organising the engineering and building approvals required for project start.
While a small workshop – There was a unique aspect to this project due to the site access and massive slope at the rear of the block. The block fell away over 3.5m over the distance of the proposed workshop.
Structural steel with careful onsite detailing and quality fabrication solved the engineering issues associated with the architectural designs.
Simplified cladding solutions where incorporated to ensure this little workshop did not exceed the budget requirements.
Thanks to Paul & Wendy for their continued support
East Brisbane – Extension
Clients were looking to maximise floor area to this existing non-conforming duplex and looking to incorporate some outdoor dining/entertainment structures to make the most of the incredible weather in South-East Queensland.
We were invited to tender for this project with clients providing the architectural concept drawings. Upon acceptance we were responsible for all preliminary planning works and consultant engagement. In this instance a Development Approval and building approval was required. Graphic BC organised all items required to take this project from initial design through to final approval.
This was a premium extension for a small area utilising materials that are not often used anymore due to the cost. We specified F27 hardwood joists, structural steel columns and Australian species hardwood decking – Red Ironbark.
Primary consideration was longevity and maintenance when scheduling these materials. Use of powder-coated balustrades, hardwood subfloor, cement sheet ceilings (rather then plasterboard), Insulation panel roofing, sustainably sourced recycled terracotta tiles and Australian species timber throughout all fulfill this criteria in having suitable durability ratings, sustainable use and little to no further maintenance requirements – particularly with regard to the balustrade. In general Australian species timber products are more suitable for our climate then imported timber species and engineered products.
Wooloowin Assisted Bathroom Renovation
The dwelling was constructed between 1910-1915 and had been subject to three extensions in its life, however there was only one bathroom for the upstairs bedrooms and no master bathroom. This project involved the conversion of an existing bedroom into an ensuite for our elderly clients. The layout was designed by our clients brother, David, who while now retired has had a successful career as a builder in Brisbane. It was great working alongside past generations and seeing how things have changed but the the overall attention to quality and detailing remain the same. David looked after all the tendering, contracts and day to day questions for our clients, His knowledge and experience ensured we had a very seemless build and I sincerely appreciated and enjoyed working alongside him.
While the primary focus was on the safety and practicality of day to day living, with the potential need for assisted showering and toileting, there was also considerable thought given to the overall aesthetics and future use of the ensuite. Ensuring that the end result was both extremely user friendly but would cater and appeal to all persons in the coming years.
After an initial site visit with the client, we come up with a method to ensure all the existing floor transitions remained level and that there was no need for ramps or steps that may present trip hazards. Installation of a new supporting bearer to incorporate lower floor joists was integrated into the existing sub-floor. We installed multiple grab rails and designed the floor to allow for compliance with AS 1428 enabling a very practical and usable bathroom.
The challenges of undertaking a bathroom in pre-1946 homes is always getting things level, square and true. We overcame these problems by re-framing, straightening and installing new timber framed petitions. New Securaflor and villaboard sheeting was installed throughout the ensuite to ensure the longevity of the bathroom.
All plastering, waterproofing, tiling, joinery and painted where completed by contractors we use on all projects. While this may not seem important, It’s crucial to a successful and enjoyable renovation and allows us to know that as a company, whomever is onsite, is representing the values that we stand for.
Our sincere thanks to the Harris family for engaging us to undertake this project and for the ongoing friendly relationship.
Murarrie Small Lot Renovation
This was our personal home that we purchased back in 2012. The house was originally constructed in the 1950s. As was standard during those times, the house was constructed utilising a variety of surplus materials from the war. As such, the house was was in need of some very significant renovations and by no means was an easy or good quality home to work with.
The saying goes that a “builder’s house is never finished” and we’re a living testament to this fact. The house was finished two days before it got listed for sale, with a very quick contract and great feedback from the prospective buying market. We thoroughly enjoyed living in the finished product for the weeks between sale and settlement and can appreciate the hard work, time and money spent on getting this house from what it was, to where it is now.
Renovating your own residence is vitally important for client-builder relations. It’s very easy to become disengaged with how money is spent onsite during renovations. Again, there’s a common phrase “well it’s what the client wants”, which is often used when a builder may come across something that isn’t overly economical or efficient in either the design or cost effectiveness. Having experience on our own projects, were we are both the one undertaking the work, and ultimately the one paying for it, we can offer clever insights into ensuring all works are economical, efficient and ultimately offer the best value for money. All while ensuring there is a motive to work towards good workmanship and quality results.
This project was ultimately part of a wider development of residential land into three small lots. Extensive knowledge and experience was gained from undertaking these works and at Graphic BC we can offer a great understanding of building on small lots, renovating existing homes cost effectively and ultimately ensuring you end up with a beautiful home.
Mitchelton Commercial Character Renovations
We successfully tendered for this project late in 2016 as a recommended contractor from Ashcroft Architects. The project scope included a large deck extension to the rear of this existing character dwelling. The dwelling was being used as a small boutique cafe. New owners and a change of direction led to the current design, allowing increased work flow in the kitchen, a bar and pizza oven on the rear deck aswell as additional seating for approximately 50 patrons.
The project incorporated a large amount of timber work, sticking to the traditional details and material selection of these pre-war era homes. A great feature (a signature of Ashcroft Architect’s) are the natural rustic timber posts. These irregular and winding posts make for a great clash with the straight lines and lineation of weather boards and decking which are found throughout the pre-war cottage.
The project was undertaken and completed while the tenants (Ion Bar and Cafe) continued operation of their cafe. Our best efforts where made to work around and with James & Tamara and a portion of our works were actually undertaken after hours to minimise the impact on their business. Something we very much pride ourselves on is the ability of our staff and team to be polite and understanding, taking all considerations to minimise the impact and inconvenience of renovating.
The work at Ion Bar and Cafe was extremely enjoyable to work on and included alot of traditional building design, with items not necessarily that common throughout the commercial industry. We handpitched the roof including the connection of our extension to the existing cottage roof – This is something that particularly challenged us. The design, installation and works were all designed by Graphic BC, checked and approved by both the consulting engineers and the architect. The underside of our hand pitched roof was lined with traditional VJ boards and actually become a very large feature of the extension. The pine linings where stained with a Hardwood stain and clear sealer and provided a very warm and welcoming atmosphere as one walked out onto the deck.
As part of the development approval, BCC required an acoustic sound wall to the southern elevation to minimise and prevent any noise impacts to the neighbours of the cafe. These were safely designed and installed which provided a great clash of traditional building principal and new-age technology and product.
Client feedback was again very encouraging and the owners, Denovan Family Real Estate, have already signed on more work with our team at Graphic bc!
Camp Hill Renovations
The renovation of this Queenslander incorporated a new heart, The relatively new but small kitchen required replacing. The extent of the renovation’s included a new kitchen, barbecue bar and office on the western fasade. On the eastern fasade a new hardwood deck, accessible from both master guest bedroom and main living area was incorporated.
We replaced the majority of th existing windows/doors on the front and eastern fasade’s with new custom made timber sliding assemblies that also included the “Vista” blind set up – (Very Impressive design)
This was a very unique build in that we built above the existing garage structure and completed all structural works externally. This allowed us to leave the existing kitchen intact and completely useable for the duration of the renovation.
These solutions are what we pride our company on – In taking the time to come up with an approach that, While not the easiest or the most practical from a building perspective. Allows for a great experience and very little impact to our clients for the duration of a 3 month renovation to the most used room in a families house.
This project was delivered ontime and handed over three days before Christmas ready for the festivities!
Bardon Staircase Renovations
This beautiful little Queenslander never got fitted with a internal staircase during its evolution from single storey to partially raised and built in underneath.
Consideration had to be given to the stormwater drainage that was running through where the proposed staircase would be installed. We had to cut the existing slab and install a drainage grate to prevent any stormwater from gaining ingress or causing issues with timber staircase.
Thoroughly enjoyed the problems associated with building these stairs while the family was still living around the works. Graphic BC installed a temporary false floor and handrail to prevent any mishaps while we worked from the ground up.
Utilized all native Australian hardwoods to keep with the “Queenslander” theme. We are especially proud of our custom designed handrail which we thought suited our very trendy clients perfectly!
Camp Hill Bathroom Extension
This existing bathroom renovation was the primary bathroom for a beautiful Queenslander that had already undergone significant renovations in it’s past. We incorporated a small roof deck to allow some additional floor area while also cutting in two additional timber windows to maximize natural light and ventilation.
This project had a larger scope then an “ordinary” bathroom renovation due to the significant building works that were involved before undertaking the actual wet area’s.
Mansfield Extension and Renovations
This project was a large extension to the rear of an existing double storey brick residence. Incorporated an additional two bathrooms, three bedrooms, rumpus and large outdoor entertainment area. We also removed the brick fasade on the street elevation and reclad with Weathertex to “Soften” the streetscape, while allowing considerably more floor area in the garage.
Complete project scope included the renovations, structural repairs, excavations, structural landscaping, Cooldeck fly over roof and all items required for final approvals.
We were flexible with budget arrangements and certain aspects like painting were removed to suit the client.
We may be biased but believe it to be the best house in the street and is great to see what these 80’s brick homes can be turned into.
Carindale Bathroom Renovations
Our first bathroom under the Graphic Building Company name, We were recommended to Carol through our contacts and ended up submitting a successful tender. Was a nice simple bathroom renovation and a fantastic client.
Makes our job and life considerably easier when working for great people!
