Granny flats – the newest phenomenon for home additions and renovations in South Australia. These handy home additions can offer homeowners a valuable subsidy to mortgages, improve the resale value of their homes or even provide them with an affordable solution to stay close to dependent family members.

UPDATE: Please also read this media release on Granny Flat reforms in South Australia:

https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/media-release167

Benefits Of Building A Granny Flat

But, the benefits of granny flats don’t just stop there. An additional space
can offer homeowners:

• A home office just metres away from their usual living space;
• A spare guest room for friends and visitors;
• An art/yoga studio;
• A home gymnasium;
• A dance studio;

The demand for granny flats has grown notably in recent years, as house prices reach record heights and younger generations are increasingly being pushed out of the housing market. They provide the perfect stepping stone for young adults who don’t yet have enough funds to buy or rent a place of their own but are at an age where they’re ready to become independent. Also see our article on the costs of building a granny flat.

Also see our article on current granny flat trends in Adelaide.

Australia is a big country, so it comes as no surprise that each state has its own set of laws when it comes to building granny flats on residential land. But, if you’re a South Australian homeowner and have thought about building a granny flat to provide you with a secondary income, we advise that you do some research.

Image source: https://www.lifestylegrannyflats.com.au

Consideration When Designing & Building

We’ve provided you with a list below of all that you need to know when considering building a granny flat in your South Australian home.

1) It’s illegal in South Australia to build a granny flat for anyone but a “dependant”. Before we go any further, it’s worth noting that it’s illegal to rent out; residential granny flats to anyone besides a “dependant” or family member in South Australia.

South Australian councils only allow homeowners to build granny flats on their land, providing its use is solely to house immediate family members; be it, elderly parents/relatives or teenage children – strictly not as an investment property. In some very rare cases, there are ways to circumvent these laws, where the primary house on the block of land isn’t actually registered as your principal place of residence. Still, we strongly suggest speaking with a reputable legal team that deals specifically in this area before you take the risk.

2) Land restrictions play a big part in your eligibility To put it plainly, there are a specific set of rules and regulations you must meet to gain initial approval for your new granny flat construction.

Some land rules are as follows:

• You must have at least 600m squared of adequate size and configuration in the area on which you wish to build on.
• Your plans cannot exceed 60m squared or 70 metres above floor area of the main home (whichever has less surface area).
• You need a minimum of 100m squared of outdoor space shared between all inhabitants of both the primary and secondary
  dwelling.
• You’re able to provide enough on-site parking space for all residents, including one parking space allocated exclusively for occupants that inhabit the secondary dwelling.
• You must ensure the design, exterior building materials and colours match and/or complement the primary dwelling.
• Your granny flat cannot be standalone and must be attached to the primary dwelling.

In some cases, your plans may meet the above land regulations; however, they may be knocked back due to zoning requirements in your local district.

3) Every local council charge different yearly rates Another vital thing to identify before even getting some drafts designed is that some councils charge annual rates for granny flats while others don’t. Do your homework and make sure that whatever rate your local council charges, you’ll be able to afford them in the long run! Understand where your council sits, before taking the leap in planning and building a granny flat on your land.

4) Put an application forward to your local council. So, you’re a homeowner who wants to build a granny flat in South
Australia and you’ve ticked “yes” to the above boxes. Congratulations! You can move on to the next step.

Use A Certified Builder

Granny flats are considered “Home Developments” in South Australia and each local council requires you to submit your plans to a private certifier like Mayfair Building Group, to ensure your plans meet all the above “Development Plan” rules and restrictions.

In recent years, where house prices have soared, and the phenomenon of secondary housing has increased, Mayfair Building Group has become leading suppliers of granny flat construction in South Australia.

Whether you’re thinking ahead as your children reach an age of approaching independence or you want to provide your ageing relatives with a more enticing alternative to dependant living, we have the answers. To find out how we can get your granny flat construction certified and built 100 per cent hassle-free, contact our head office today.

You also be interested in our bathroom renovation services and kitchen renovation services.

As each year passes so do the current trends and new trends come along.  Looking back on 2023 and forward into 2024 there are still some popular preferences that our clients are selecting when choosing to renovate their homes, bathrooms, kitchens and build a Granny flat.

What we are going to do in this article is now provide you with a few trends and design ideas we have recently used/using in our Adelaide building projects across the state:

• In a Granny flat you will only have one bathroom and typically it will not include a bath.  Majority of our clients are opting for floor to ceiling wall tiles and floor tiles with a mosaic/terrazzo style pattern on them.  The advantage of floor to ceiling wall tiles is that it creates a sense of more space, which is ideal in a Granny flat.
• Back to wall toilets are more compact than the older style toilet suites and if the customers budget allows, we are using in wall toilet cisterns to create even more space in a small bathroom.  Rimless toilet suites also provide a better standard of hygiene.  Dual flush toilet cisterns that deliver 3/4.5L of water to the toilet bowl allow for a more water conservative approach when water consumption is considered.
• Kitchens are still very important in a Granny flat.  We are still able to achieve the installation of dishwashers, double bowl sinks and water filtration set ups.  The ovens are limited to 60cm in size along with the cook tops also at 60cm.  If the property has natural gas or bottled propane connected to it, we can extend the gas line and utilise this for the customer to have hot water and cooking fixtures which use gas.  If, however this is not the case we will use induction cook tops partnered with electric fan forced ovens.
• External cladding trends are constantly changing.  Gone are the days of just using traditional brick walls as our customers have access to a wider range of choices.  What we are using a lot of today in Adelaide is light weight construction products such as Hebel blocks, foam panelling and other light weight products from the James Hardy range (as per images on page).  All these products can be either rendered or painted to suit the client’s choices.
• Colours in bathrooms and kitchens is another area where trends have changed significantly.  Looking back 10 years ago majority of kitchens and bathrooms were white/cream with chrome finishes.  Today we are seeing navy blue (as per image on page), forest green, brushed nickel and rose gold (as per image on page).  Sinks are a variety of these colours and rangehoods and fridges are made in orange, green and purple.
• Energy efficiency is still high on the list of customer’s requirements along with council requirements.  How we are achieving this is by using insulation with higher R values, double glazed windows, roof ventilation, LED lighting, solar electrical panels and quality brands of reverse cycle ducted heating and cooling such as Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Fujitsu.

As mentioned early in this section external cladding such as Hebel blocks and foam panel have extremely high R ratings in comparison to bricks.  These light weight building products do not take on the external weather temperatures as easily as bricks and nor do they retain the temperatures for long periods of time.

With discussions under way at the start at of October this year for the South Australian government to lift restrictions on the use of Granny Flats to ease the rental crisis our phones have been buzzing with enquiries.  The combination of continual increases in interest rates and the housing shortage across Adelaide this will create a small solution to the problem and allow home owners to make a small amount of additional income to help assist with rising costs of living pressures.

If this restriction on the use of Granny flats does lift, then 2024 will be a busy year for the Mayfair Building Group and building Granny flats across Adelaide.

Did you know that the Mayfair Building Group service the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and McLaren Vale as well as all metropolitan Adelaide suburbs?  Contact us today to discuss your exciting new project on 0429361819.

If you need a kitchen makeover and grey is your primary colour, you might be confused about what colour splashbacks to match. Apart from being excellent surface protectors, they improve your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Grey is an intense colour used in home and decor for almost a decade. Its popularity is increasing as interior designers and homeowners discover new accents to mix and match with grey.

This guide will show some of the best colours for your backsplash in a grey-themed kitchen.

But first…

How Do I Choose A Kitchen Splashback?

Kitchen splashbacks have various colours and materials, making it difficult to choose the best one. Here’s a quick guide on how to decide on the perfect splashback.

Material

Every homeowner has preferences regarding splashback materials. Glass splashbacks have a premium look, are easy to clean and come in plenty of colours.

Kitchen tile splashbacks are readily available but might be challenging to clean. Stone splashbacks are an absolute masterpiece, lasting longer, but you’ll pay a pretty penny for it!

Costs

Choosing the right splashback according to your kitchen’s layout is a huge cost-saver. The measurements alone are not enough as you need to know areas prone to water spillage, closer to heat, etc. Such factors may help you to decide whether to buy a tiled splashback or a plain glass one.

Colour

Colour selection is crucial in selecting your kitchen decor. Stone splashbacks may not come in a wide variety of colours but have a timeless appeal. Kitchen glass and tile splashbacks are readily available in different colours. You can play along with the contrast of the splashback and use a lighter tone for your kitchen appliances.

Overall Theme

Knowing the overall theme helps you figure out different colour combinations like this guide. For instance, a grey and white kitchen theme do well with teal, pink, red, and turquoise kitchen splashbacks. Glass splashbacks look fabulous on a shiny spacious kitchen theme with stainless steel appliances.

Supplier

Homeowners should not stop at the first recommendation when looking for the right supplier. Different manufacturers bring different perks, from discounts to limited warranties. You can also contact professional interior design companies as they have the network and premium deals as renovators.

Best Colours Splashback For Grey Kitchen Ideas

Warm Things Up

A bold-coloured splashback such as pink, red, green, or terracotta adds warmth to your home by providing eye-catching details. Pink has been considered a girly colour for a long time, but the recent decades broke this norm with exciting design options.

More homeowners are adding a touch of pink to their kitchen, which looks fantastic. Hues like rose and autumn provide a striking epicentre, especially on dark grey cabinets.

For a more contemporary look, mix grey with green! It will give your room a high contrast and an uplifting vibe. A soft sage brings the modern-country feel, particularly with a dark timber ceiling and grey cabinets overlaying a dark charcoal wall.

Metallic grey appliances would fit perfectly in this colour scheme and add to the room’s modern feel.

Most homeowners pick terracotta floor tiles but forget the beauty of adding terracotta in splashbacks. Give your kitchen an extra rustic feel by adding terracotta splashback for a sparkling look.

Maintain Your Cool

You can add cool colours to your kitchen without looking too bland or basic. Dark grey tones blend perfectly with lighter shades of blue, purple, and pink. Monochrome colours on select kitchen items give it a complete look.

Another no-brainer for an excellent effect is white porcelain tiles. They are the most popular and bring a gorgeous balance with pale grey. Ideally, white goes with any colour, and you can play around with the different shades of grey in your kitchen. Metallic grey accents with light touches of gold make your kitchen modern and a masterpiece!

Create a coastal summer feels with turquoise on your splashbacks and a few accents across the counter chairs. Then cool things down with mid-grey kitchen cabinets and silky white walls. You’ll have that coastal feeling whenever you open the windows and let natural light do wonders on the darker shades.

This technique also works for other bold tones such as vitalising green, and sunny yellow, for brilliant and beautiful schemes bursting with energy.

Let’s Go Grey

The best way to match grey is to choose different shades of grey and layer them artistically. A grey splashback is easier to envision as long as it has a slight texture to it.

Brighten up a small kitchen space with a metalline range of grey (grey veining) and add contrast with dark-grey appliances. Then grab attention with patterned charcoal grey splashbacks to break the monotony of monochrome colours in your cooking space.

 

Bold Patterns

If you’d like to be bolder, choose patterns instead of plain colours on your splashback- you’ll love it. You can choose a brown brick pattern with a solid grey kitchen design. A more expensive option would be using natural brick, but you can achieve the same concept with a brick tile.

The colour and texture of the brick make it stand out and look stunning without the need for sophisticated shades. Plus, it works well on matte grey cabinetry with little contrasting colours.

Terrazzo also sets the stage for a colourful kitchen scheme. You can choose dark grey cabinets and kitchen island, then accent with terrazzo-inspired tiles along the splashback.

For a bolder look, you can extend the terrazzo pattern to flooring such that it’s seamless from top to bottom. Although this removes the concept of a feature wall, it still provides an ideal accent colour balance.

Other bold patterns ideal for your splashback include hexagon tiles, kaleidoscopic colours, chevrons, and mini mosaics. A good thing with patterned splashbacks in a grey kitchen is that they are bold enough to be in any colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour goes best with grey in a kitchen?

Light grey colours do well with blush pink, mustard, teal, and other pastel shades. Suppose you want to add a little drama, red and green work. Dark grey typically goes with brighter shades like sunny yellow, deep blue, zesty orange, etc.

How do you make a grey kitchen feel warm?

Match grey with warm woods. The secret to warming up your grey kitchen is to add plenty of wood tones. You can give your cabinet a hardwood colour or add orangey tones to your kitchen island for a more rustic look.

Are grey kitchens still in style?

These days, more homeowners are breaking away from the traditional brown or white cabinets alternating with deep hues of grey in their kitchen. And it makes perfect sense because grey has a broader colour palette and can combine with plenty of colours.

Does grey and cream go together in kitchen?

Grey goes along with so many colours, including cream. For a perfect balance, use light tones of cream if the kitchen’s theme is dark grey. Lighter tones of grey mix perfect with cream and can be used generously up to a grey/cream ratio of 40/60.

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom, kitchen renovation or laundry is vital to rounding off the overall look and feel of the room. The perfect tile can transform an ordinary room into a luxurious highlight of the house. In kitchens, wall tiles protect work and cooking spaces from damage. In bathrooms and laundries, tiles give added security from water damage and leakages.

If your bathroom, kitchen or laundry needs a bit of a facelift, or you’re building a new home, here’s how you can ensure you choose the right tile for the space.

 

Proportion

You might opt to mix things up and choose various tiles of differing shapes and sizes, which can look great if chosen well. But, a standard error some homeowners make is choosing a few tiles that alone look pleasing, but disproportionate when combined in the one room.

The tiles you choose should look great together and alone. For instance, if you’re using a 20cm sized tile on the wall, the dimensions of all other tiles should be in multiples of 20 so that they marry up evenly along the grout lines.

Profile

It’s important to know that the size of the room in question plays a significant role when deciding the size and shape of the tile.

Larger tiles tend to work well in large rooms, while smaller rooms suit smaller profiles. If the tile you choose is too large for the room, it can make the space feel a lot smaller than it already is. On the other hand, small tiles in large rooms can create that “wow” factor when chosen well, but it comes down to the overall aesthetic design of the room.

When choosing tiles for your bathroom or kitchen, be mindful of how each tile interacts with other elements of the room – the basin, drains & floor grates, shower screens. By choosing a larger format, will you be required to perform more cuts? How will the tile you’re considering match up to the window frames? By asking yourself questions like this, you’ll be able to find the right shape and size of the tile that balances out the room.

Grout

Grout lines tend to get overlooked for the more obvious tile itself. How will the tile look when they’re laid with grout? It’s hard to tell when you’re browsing through catalogues or in the showroom.

Yes, a collage of tiny circular tiles might look cool on their own, but you need to try and imagine what these will look like in a room and bordered by grout lines. It could be that the tiles will clutter a room and make it feel smaller.

Before making a decision, ask the sales staff if there is an option to see the tile in a recent installation.

Colour

Your options for tiling are virtually endless, and innovations are seeing a range of adventurous and creative tiling options frequently popping up in supplier catalogues.

Make sure the colour of the tile you pick complements the design and colours of the new kitchen, bathroom or laundry. If you’re going for copper fittings, then try and keep colours in the room as neutral as possible. If you’re going for a more industrial design, you might opt for a darker colour with minimal patterns.

To make sure your new room will stand the test of time from a design perspective, choose tiles that are neutral in colour, or ones that even have a natural sandstone finish. For smaller galley kitchens and powder rooms, try to use a tile that’s the same colour and size on the floors and ceilings.

Sunlight

If your room is filled with natural sunlight, then you can afford to go for a darker tile. If the room has no windows and relies on artificial light to brighten it, your best bet is choosing a tile that’s a lighter shade, like a beige or off-white. Lighter colours will make an internal kitchen or bathroom feel brighter and more spacious.

If your bathroom or kitchen has a lot of natural sunlight pouring in, then you also need to be careful that the tiles you choose don’t have a high-gloss finish. Gloss finishes can create a glare which isn’t comfortable on the eye. Go for a semi-gloss or matte finish instead.

Are you renovating your existing kitchen, laundry or bathroom, or building a new home? Choosing the right tiles is crucial to the success of the project. Speak to someone from our team at Mayfair Building Group about how we can assist in choosing the perfect tiles for your project.

 

 

I can remember going back 25 years ago when I first started in the building industry and there were only two choices of floor grates for a bathroom and laundry.  You either went normal run of the mill plastic or high-end round chrome floor grates in the bathroom.  There were two options, and it wasn’t really thought of much more than one or the other

Fast forward 25 years and that landscape has changed significantly!  Today there are a handful of options to choose from and each with their pros and cons.  In this blog post I’m going to go through some of these options and what I have found to be positives and negatives through my experience from renovating hundreds of bathrooms in Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Adelaide Hills.

Selecting a floor grate for your bathroom renovation

• As I previously touched on earlier in this blog post there is still the easy and cheap option of selecting a plain chrome square or round floor grate to go into the shower and the middle of the bathroom. These grates are timeless, relatively cheap at around $15 each and offer easy maintenance when needing to un block a drain or clean out the riser shaft from built up soap scum etc.
• Moving up the price schedule is the smart grate. The smart grate is square stainless-steel grate that has a piece of the tile from the floor inserted into it to blend in with the floor and not to stand out.  These grates are becoming more common due to their discreet nature and ease of maintenance when the need arises.  As the per the previous grates noted above when the square version is selected it can be installed either horizontally or diagonally there are two options.
• Now to the most popular of them all is the channel grate. Many of our bathroom renovations today the customer opts to use the stainless-steel channel grate in the shower.  When using the channel grate many of our clients opt for hand basins and bath tubs with internal over flows eliminating the need for a floor grate in the middle of the bathroom.  We have recently renovated a house Toorak Gardens where the customer had a double shower and we used two of these channel grates (one at each end of the shower).  These grates are certainly at the higher end of the price scale starting at around $250 and heading upwards towards $500 this will vary depending on the colour of the finish and size of the channel grate being used.

From a maintenance point of view these channel grates do require a bit regular cleaning to reduce odors as the flat surface below the tiled lid does get a build-up of mould and soap scum, but with regular cleaning these grates will be a great addition to any bathroom renovation.

Scheduling the installation of a floor grate

It is important to let your plumber and tiler know which style of floor grate you are intending to use prior to the commencement of your bathroom or ensuite being renovated.  During the installation of the concrete slab the plumber will need to ensure there is enough space left around the floor trap riser and shower riser pipe for a puddle flange to be installed.  Another key point is also that the tiler will need to allow for the grate in there set out of the room ensuring that the correct number of tiles are installed to make the grates look even with the pattern on tiles used in the renovation.

Do all tile sizes suit every floor grate?

When we start select tiles for our bathroom floors it’s important to understand a couple of factors.  Is there going to be a grate in the middle of the bathroom? and where is the grate going to be in the shower?

If there is only one channel grate in the shower then a larger tile can be used as the grade on the floor will only be heading in one direction, but when the tiler needs to direct water in multiple directs across the floor a smaller tile is must more suitable as less cuts will need to be made in the tiles and it will give a better finish to the look of the floor.  Larger tiles are harder to manipulate and therefore require cutting and more grout lines which can deter from the initial concept of using the larger floor tiles.

In a huge bathroom we recently completed in Netherby the customer opted for 600mm x 600mm marble floor tiles.  These tiles looked amazing but very careful planning of the set out was required.  Between us, the plumber and tiler it took nearly a whole day to ensure the grain running through the tiles could be kept consistent and that the correct grade on the floor could be met enabling consistent run offs to the channel grate no matter where you were in the bathroom.

 

Making the right choices

At Mayfair Building Group we spend time with all our clients ensuring that they get the correct fittings and fixtures to suit their bathrooms.  The time spent at the start of a project carefully walking through the process and timeframes etc is what gives that extra special finish at the end.  Thinking of renovating a bathroom or ensuite?  Contact us today on info@mayfairbuildinggroup.com.au or 0429361819 and ask for Aaron.

A kitchen has always been a big part of any home and is typically a room which will show case a homes value. It’s not unusual to hear that someone has spent a minimum of $20,000 on a kitchen renovation and upwards to $85,000 or maybe even more depending on the appliances selected.

Kitchen Renovation Decisions

Mayfair Building Group have been helping clients for many years to renovate their kitchens across all of Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. The entire process is handled in house under the one umbrella allowing for fast and high-end finishes. A typical kitchen renovation can take as little as a few days through to a few weeks depending on door styles and bench top
selections.

In a recently completed project at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills a customer of ours had a huge kitchen renovation completed. The entire original kitchen was removed to allow for new internal building works to be performed prior to the new kitchen being installed. This was a huge renovation and went for a little over a month.

Amongst many of the decisions which were made one was very carefully looked into. What rangehood should we use? Its common feedback we get from our clients when choosing appliances that the rangehood never removes the smell from the room and they are very noisy. In the case of choosing a rangehood the more you pay the better product you will receive.

Rangehood Features

In the information below we will go through some key points to look at and what they affect:

• Brand: Does the name matter? What we have found that higher end known brands such as Smeg, Miele and Qasair will deliver a better product but at a much higher price. So, depending on your level of cooking intended these may not be worth the extra thousands of dollars unless you’re planning on cooking up a storm every night. The mid-level rangehoods are just as good for everyday domestic cooking from manufacturers such as Bosch, Robinhood and Euro Appliances. The budget for the project will most likely determine the brand.

 

• Ducting: Is it important to vent the rangehood to atmosphere? It is not critical but it’s a better job to vent to atmosphere. Rangehoods can be installed with carbon filters so no venting is required, but once again venting to atmosphere is the best solution. We have seen some rangehoods vented into large ceilings, but this a bit of a short and you will end up smelling the extracted fumes throughout other rooms in the house. At the top end of the scale, you will find Qasair using hard metal ducting which will need to be installed in the very early stages of a renovation and this will provide with the quietist possible removal of fumes from a kitchen.

 

• Location: Today with many of our clients opting for island bench cooktops the location of the rangehood is critical. It is because of these new choices for the cooking top that many manufacturers have started designed very architecturally designed rangehoods to create a nice centre piece for the kitchen. Manufacturers such as Beko, Westinghouse, Omega, Euromaid and Blanco have a wide range of options and have a good hold on the market for island rangehoods. Many of clients are also choosing to have the entire rangehood built into the joinery so it is not seen, typically when higher end doors are selected from the Shaker range. Regardless of the location careful planning is required to ensure the electrical supply is put in the right location and any supporting structural members are installed prior to gyprock lining of the walls.

 

• Size: Does the size of the rangehood matter? Once again, the question needs to be asked about how much cooking is planned and how big the appliance is? Many manufacturers offer different styles with the occasionally larger motor. In the Smeg, Miele and Qasair range they are catering for larger kitchens with big appliance such as 900mm freestanding ovens with wok burners etc. In these ranges you can select to have dual motors all on various speed options. As previously touched on these fancy variables will alter the price significantly.

Selecting The Rangehood

In our recently completed kitchen renovation in Stirling our client selected the Qasair NDCH120L2B120cm Undermount Executive Under Cupboard Rangehood. This unit has dual motors and variable light modes. The ducting was installed using hard metal ducts and vents to atmosphere via controlled air vent which stops back draft.

The total installation would be approximately 1 full day for 2 people. This particular model retails for $2,950 prior to installation. When you then take installation into account its likely to be a total of $6,000 for the rangehood part of the project, it is for this reason many people do not worry about going to such extremes and the funds to other parts of the project.

At Mayfair Building Group we tailor the project to suit your budget. If you want a high-end luxury kitchen renovation, we can help you and if you want a simple low cost make over, we can help you. No matter what you want done with your kitchen we can help make your project possible. Speak to us today about making your centre piece of your home wonderful again.

Plush hand towels, marble flooring and mood lighting; there’s something special about swanning about an opulent bathroom that feels ultra-luxe, especially after a tiresome day at work. But without the right help, creating a spa-like space in your own home can be challenging to achieve. Which is why we’ve put together some handy tips and tricks of turning a simple room of purpose into a 5-star hotel spa that will leave a lasting impression, right down to the bathroom floor grates.

1. Lighting

Sick of your clinical, fluorescent lights that flicker half a dozen times before finally making up their mind? It might be time to revive your bathroom lighting. Consider backlighting your vanity mirror for even dispersion of light and to eliminate unflattering shadows. Or, swap out those dreary fluorescents with low-glow LEDs that hide beneath bulkhead alcoves, behind mirrors or under cabinetry. You’ll be amazed at the difference indirect lighting can have to your bathroom’s atmosphere.

2. Chrome

Particularly in bathrooms, finishes are everything. For a timeless mix of luxury and class, go against the modernist grind and opt for traditional chrome fixtures and fittings. Chrome blends practicality with elegance and chic. Traditional-style faucets, handrails and towel racks, combined with marble finishes and fluffy Egyptian cotton hand towels ensure a timeless feel that screams Ritz Carlton.

This chrome faucet blends well with a sleek and modern vanity design and reflects LED light well to give it a striking sheen.

3. Double sinks

Despite what tradition tells us, double sinks don’t have to be reserved for master en-suites. Providing you have space, having two sinks in one bathroom is not only practical, but it’s reminiscent of luxe mansions and high-end hotel suites.

For couples and families, it also means you don’t have to wait in line to get ready in often frantic before-school and work mornings. This white double sink bathroom vanity is paired with two large storage drawers beneath to help
minimize clutter and add symmetry to the bathroom’s overall design.

 

 

Pair your double vanity sinks up with individual mirrors or install one large shared mirror to enhance the size of your room. Either way, a double sink bathroom can turn an ordinary space into one that’s refined, sophisticated and welcoming.

4. Mood sounds

Okay, this one might sound a little far-fetched but have you ever been welcomed by rain forest sounds in a five-star restaurant’s bathroom and felt immediately relaxed? Mood audio is a phenomenon yet to make its mark in the residential market, but it’s one that will surely set your bathroom apart from the rest. And, if you want to create a one-off, bespoke space, that’s unique and memorable, then mood sounds will give you just that.

Bathrooms are usually the last thing on a homeowners list when it comes to investing dollars into creating a mood-enhancing experience, but taking that extra step will help you achieve that spa-like atmosphere you’re going for.

Mayfair works with many suppliers who deliver state-of-the-art AV systems for bathrooms that have been designed to resist humidity and excess moisture. Just ask us about them!

5. Marble

Think about the most luxurious bathroom you’ve ever set foot in, and we’ll bet it had marble countertops or tiling. Once reserved for cash-plenty homeowners, marble is more accessible and affordable than ever before, with marble veneer products taking top place in the market over solid marbles alternatives. To make your bathroom feel bright, airy and large, we suggest going for a light coloured, less complicated marble finish. Team marble up with plush bath and hand towels for added extravagance.

This striking grey and white marble bathroom is contrasted nicely against bronze fixtures and crisp white countertops to make the room pop.

 

Want to go that one step further? Ask us about underfloor heating beneath your marble tiling for total decadence!

6. Dressing tables

Ever fantasized about sitting in front of a dimly lit dressing table in an opulent bathroom slapping on aftershave or applying your makeup before a night on the town? Your fantasies could soon become a reality by installing your very own luxurious seated dressing table in your bathroom.

A cozy, functional and bright space can turn obsolete corners of your bathroom into practical and luxurious areas. A tasteful vanity dressing table also gives you the storage you need to eliminate cosmetic and toiletry clutter from countertops.

7. Rainfall Shower Heads

Whether you live in a 40 square foot studio in the East End or a country estate in the Adelaide Hills, one aspect of a bathroom that doesn’t discriminate when it comes to space is shower heads.

Investing in a chrome rainfall shower that has a filter to activate different pressures can turn your mundane before-work shower into a resort-like sensory experience. Keep things simple with a combined rainfall and handheld shower head combination like in the image below so that you can alternate between the two, according to your desired pressure. Having the handheld shower device also makes cleaning the recess easier!

 

 

Have you got the floor space for a double shower? Why not indulge in “his and hers” rainfall shower for total indulgence. You’ll save the frustrating wait in the mornings and add an added level of symmetry and spaciousness.

Are you wanting to transform your tired bathroom into one of opulence and luxuriousness but don’t know how to get there? Regardless of budget, Mayfair Building Group are experts at transforming your dreams into tangible realities. Give us a call today!

In our most recent project in which we assisted a client with their renovation in Toorak Gardens we were contacted mid-way through the project where their builder has slowed down significantly due to apparent hold ups from the client (our new customer).

Cost

The projects total lump sum price had come in at $380,000 inc GST from the builder which is for the base build. The build was substantial, and majority of the house was getting renovated (what was left of it) and the huge extension with outdoor kitchen pool and kids retreat all forms part of this amazing plan in Toorak Gardens under the council of Burnside in South Australia.

Both of our customers are professionals and don’t have the time to be guessing what their builder wants from them and were hoping that for the money they are spending most of these complications that have now risen would have been delt with much better by the head contractor.

Anyways fast forward now and we have taken over as the bridge between the client and the builder. What we have been able to achieve is more comfort for the customer that the project will get completed and they will have a much clearer picture of just what is required from them in a much timelier manner.

Project Scope

Even though the project has commenced there is still so many important decisions to make such as:

• Kitchen design and layout
• Bench top materials
• Cupboard finishes
• Pool tile colours and material
• TV positionings on walls
• Colour schemes
• Lead times on products
• Soft furnishings
• Landscaping and plants including concrete driveways and paths
• Completion times and removalists
• Layout of wardrobe cupboards including drawers and hanging space
• Carpet selections
• Finish of polished concrete (high sheen or low sheen)
• Light switches and power points
• Light fitting and ceiling fans
• Fencing for boundaries and coordination with neighbour’s etc
• Negotiating rent with current property
• Connection of services such as Gas, Electricity and Solar Panels
• Locations of towel rails
• Shower glass types and sizes
• Door handles for all internal doors
• Garage door finishes including colours and styles

The change in the projects continuity since we have been involved is noticeably positive. There is still a long way to go in this project which we will help the customer see through. It is comforting for the client to know that major decisions are getting made with no pressure and with plenty of time to get the right result.

Do you need help understanding what’s involved with your building project? Drop us a line and see how we can help you with our consulting services throughout your building project.

Email info@mayfairbuildinggroup.com.au OR 0429 361 819

12 Kennaway Street Tusmore – Completed By Mayfair Building Group

This Circa 1935 Art Deco home in Tusmore has recently undergone a huge transformation bringing a luxury feel of modern Art Deco back into this home. You can see before and after image hereL

BEFORE: https://www.homely.com.au/homes/12-kennaway-street-tusmore-sa-5065/6197688

AFTER: https://www.realestate.com.au/property/12-kennaway-st-tusmore-sa-5065

 

Property Location

The property located in heritage street scape zoning of the Burnside council has kept with the styling of the area
while achieving a new luxury feel to house. Starting from the front of property the bricks removed from the freestanding garage where salvaged, dressed and repurposed to raise the heights of the front pillars. Metal in fill panels and electric gates where then manufactured to compliment the lead light glass in the front windows and doors of the home.

Front Entrance

The front entrance portico terrazzo flooring was grinded back 2mm and polished to bring this beautiful emerald coloured stone another lease on life. The ceiling lining was renewed and painted which included the addition of art deco light fittings.

Under the main roof of the home 3 generously sized bedrooms were created each with their own walk-through robes and bathrooms. Additional to this was the creation of a library. The original Rimu floorboards where sanded and polished giving a bespoke feel to all the rooms including the grand entrance. Terrazzo looking floor tiles were used in all wet areas to compliment the art deco style of the home.

To the rear of the home the two-storey addition was removed and new 120 square metre addition was created. Architecturally designed the building uses eco-friendly wall panelling along with tiles for the window hoods and alfresco roof repurposed from the two-storey addition which was removed. The concrete slab has been laid using a ghost-coloured concrete which has been grinded back to a medium exposed aggregate.

The Kitchen

The kitchen has high end shaker cupboards and all bench tops throughout the property have Caesar stone in either the cloud or washed concrete colour tones. A 900mm freestanding SMEG gas oven commands the attention of this grand rear addition. Behind the kitchen is a full butler’s pantry incorporating a Bosch dishwasher and Billi filtered/chilled water dispenser. As part of the new addition a fourth bathroom was built along with a generous study off to the side leading out to a modern wooden pergola.

View more information on our kitchen renovation service here.

 

The Alfresco Room

Leading out to the back yard is a huge 5 metre cedar bi-folding glass panelled door. The alfresco room has provision for both gas barbequing and gas heating along with a large 7 speed outdoor fan. Around the entire property are concrete pathways along with a huge driveway designed to accommodate up to 6 vehicles with a carport built to cover 2 large vehicles. New fencing around the building’s perimeter with rear gated access out to beautiful Tusmore park.

 

 

A finishing touch is the gun metal grey storage shed with electricity and water supplied to it. This beautiful art deco home in the heart of Tusmore will remain on trend with all periods of time due to its neutral colours and finishes leaving the home owners extremely happy.

Whether your family is growing, the grandparents are moving in, you want to add value to your Adelaide home before selling, or your existing space appears to be shrinking, home extensions can be the perfect solution for your increasing need for space. But, there’s more to a successful home extension than a handful of cash in the bank. To do the job properly, and to capitalise on the dollars you spend, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Home Extension Budget

Carefully consider how much you have to spend. An extension typically costs more per square metre than new homes in Adelaide, because there’s usually a need to demolish surrounding walls, reinforce foundations and restore the existing structure.

Set aside how much you’re willing to spend and start to gather quotes from reputable builders. Ask your builder if they’d be willing to agree on a fixed price for the extension. A fixed price will alleviate any anxiety as the project progresses and budgets are blown out.

You should also consider if you’ll need to hire an architect and electrician as well as a builder. Factor this in, in addition to your materials, decorations and furnishings.

Finally, think with your head, not with your heart! Budgets can get out of hand when you make decisions based on what you like, not what you can afford. While you love the idea of bulkheads and LED lighting, your budget might not allow for it.

Purpose

Ask yourself: What will my new space be used for? Knowing the purpose of the area is just as important as knowing how much you have to spend, whether it’s a spare bedroom, a studio, hobby room or home theatre. Have a clear idea of the purpose of the room so that you can select materials, decorations and furniture to suit.

You should also consider the floor space needed for the room. A home cinema, for instance, will need more floor space than a child’s nursery. A home office will require less space than a gym. Not getting the dimensions of the floor space correct means you could end up with a room that’s either too big or too small.

Lead time

This a tricky one. Are you planning to have your new entertaining area for Christmas? Or perhaps you want to finish building before the arrival of your new family member. Managing your own expectations on how long the construction will likely take can save some disappointment down the line.

An ongoing renovation can also be disruptive to everyday life, especially if like many others in Adelaide in recent months you work from home. If the addition is large enough it requires you to move out of your home, you might need to find a rental property to live in for the duration of the renovation, which could pose as a significant additional expense.

In addition to the above, you’ll likely have to pay more in labour time if your project takes longer than expected. Keep this in mind and factor in the likelihood of this in your budget.

Design

Many homeowners believe an extension must match the windows, door frames, facade and eaves of the existing house, which is certainly not the case.

Extensions are an excellent opportunity to show off your creative flair – there’s no rulebook for how and why you do that. Consider changing things up a bit. For instance, a period style house may look striking with a modern extension. A contemporary home might stand out with classic features. As long as the overall concept ties in nicely with the existing home, you’ll achieve a successful result.

Insurance

What does your home insurance cover, and what will it not include in the event of damage? Many policies will not cover the construction of your extension nor the finished product. If this is the case, you’ll need to upgrade your existing policy or shop around for a new one.

Ensure your selected builder has the relevant cover for damage and injury. A good builder will have set the right foundations in the unlikely event of an at-fault error. If they don’t, consider purchasing construction insurance to cover you for any loss or injury during the build. You’ll also be covered if a builder walks out on your unfinished home extension – an unlikely result but one that’s far from ideal!

To find out how Mayfair protects our clients with insurance, call us today.

Neighbours

We all want to get along with the people who we live close to. While they shouldn’t govern your home renovation plans, you should consider how your proposed designs will affect things such as their outlook and natural sunlight.

We recommend you involve your neighbours in the design process early on, so you can troubleshoot any issues well before it’s too late. The last thing you need is a formal complaint submitted against you before construction has even begun.

Ultimately, even if you don’t involve them in the process, they will have access to your plans before they’re submitted for approval and are legally allowed to object them if there are one or more aspects they don’t like.

Planning for a home extension for your Adelaide home is exciting, but if you don’t practice due diligence before embarking on the design process, you could run into complications when you need them the least. Always ensure you act lawfully and plan well in advance, and you’ll end up with a result you love.

Mayfair is a family-owned and operated construction company with over 15(?) years experience in high-quality home extensions, home improvements and kitchen renovations in South Australia. Contact us today for a free quote to find out how we can make your home extension dreams come true.