Mangere, South Auckland

Renovating a 40 year
old Family Kitchen

Lua

Completed on December 2021

Design Case Study

Designed By

Cici Zuo
Designer/ Sales
cici@superiorrenovations.co.nz
0800 199 888

Renovating a 40 year old Family Kitchen

Project Finish Date

December 2021

Client

Lua

Scope of work

Kitchen renovation
Creating an open plan living
Dining room

Client stories are important to us as a company and each renovation that we undertake is a unique story of its own. For Lua and her family this kitchen renovation was emotional as she was renovating her childhood home that had been in the family for 40 years.

“my husband and I bought the house 3 years ago and our intension was to put some love into it and put it on the market. But I couldn’t do it, so my husband got on board, and we bought the house” explains Lua about why they ended up buying the house from her mother.

While the home held many memories for Lua and her extended family, some of the layout as well as design of the original house did not fit in with Lua’s lifestyle. While this was a family home Lua also wanted to put her own twist in it to make it feel like her husband and her home too.

When asked what the main reason was to renovate Lua said “Even though we bought it 3-4 years ago it still felt like the family home with all our memories but it wasn’t fair on my husband though because it is his home too and it was his idea to open it up so we can have all this place. We wanted to put some love into the house and our flavour and twist in it. This represents all of that”. This project brought together our Auckland home renovations and kitchen renovation work under one roof — see how we manage every trade from design to handover.

4 things Lua wanted from her renovation

Clear communication and Accountability: Lua had previously struggled with a company that was overpromising but was not delivering and there were communication issues. She wanted clear answers about what could be done on a realistic budget, what could not be done and transparency.
Project management: Lua and her partner were extremely busy in the November of 2021. Lua works for a major pharmaceutical company managing the distribution of all Covid 19 vaccines, PPT gears and all other medication throughout NZ.
An open plan design: family, friends and community are a big part of Lua’s life as their home was the hub for everyone to get together. They needs a good open plan living which could connect their kitchen, dining and lounge.
Local Mangere company: Lua really wanted to support a small business that was based purely in her community of Mangere. She did find a company like that previously but due to some issues she started looking for another company which is when she met Cici from Superior Renovations.

Floor Plan Design

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BEFORE

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DESIGN PHASE

AFTER

Lua’s first meeting with Cici and why she chose to renovate with us

When asked about why she chose to renovate with us, Lua said she first contacted us because of the video testimonials she had seen but most importantly it was her first meeting with Cici who is our in-house designer and sales consultant.

“So we gave Superior a call and they were just quick off the bat. Everything was so quick. With Cici it was great! like there was an instant connection there with her and I. We just vibed and from then on she would say I would send you this on this day and time and it would be there. And if I had a question about something and if I had a question about something and if I called her and she couldn’t pick her phone then she would call me back within 10-15 minutes after the call. So I didn’t have to worry about anything, I could just leave it with her” explains Lua about her initial

While Cici often helps our clients in designing and choosing materials, Lua however, had a very clear idea about the design she wanted and conveyed it to Cici. “ To be fair it hasn’t really changed, we pretty much did a sketch saying this is what I want. We gave her a few ideas of what we wanted, she came to us with a picture/design and we were like okay get rid of this, get rid of that. This is what I want and that’s what the kitchen looks like now” said Lua about the design process with Cici.

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BEFORE

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DESIGN PHASE

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DESIGN PHASE

AFTER

Challenges faced due to Covid-19

While we did not face any challenges of supply or material shortage, we did face the challenge of renovating during Level 4 lockdown in Auckland and had strict protocols in place for Lua’s home renovation. In Lua’s words “ Cici explained that there will be different contractors coming in at different times, she would always let us know who was going to be in, when they were coming in. The flooring guys, the plumbers, electrician or what not. They were never in our space, because of you know Covid, that’s a huge thing. She put all our fears to rest by making sure there were not all these people in our house at one time. She made sure that different trades came in at different times. They were very professional, they always had their masks on and it was good because they stayed in their area and we always were in another area”.

Kitchen renovation and Creating an open plan living

Lua and her family have a huge sense of community and entertain often which meant that the closed off kitchen did not fit into their lifestyle. They wanted create a cohesive flow between the kitchen, dining and living area. We extended the entry from the kitchen the to the living area and added steps which go on to the living area. The flooring of the kitchen and dining area was kept the same to promote continuity. The walls and ceilings of the dining area were also painted in the same colours for the walls as well as ceilings so it felt like the livbing area. Now when Lua has her friends over the whole whole party can easily mingle and interact over three spaces making entertaining easy. The kitchen was also renovated with materials that are easy to maintain and clean which is perfect for busy households.

Lua’s experience with our different trade teams

A renovation requires over 10 different specialist trades and we asked Lua what her typical day looked like during the renovation. ” They did what they had to do, we never had to come out and check on them. They all just worked so diligently and were just such professionals throughout the whole process. You know in some building sites where people would just take breaks. At 12:00pm they would be having lunch and then back into work and then just work through till they finish. I can’t praise the contractors enough. They would knock on our door before leaving and you know half the time I forgot they were here till you would hear a banging going on. They were just such professionals, down to the painting guys all the way through” shares Lua about her experience with our various trade teams.

DESIGN PHASE

AFTER

Cabinetry Details

MR particle boards for the carcass
Melteca board, 18mm MDF white colour
High water-resistant plywood sink carcass
Blum soft close door hinges
All cabinets and drawers have a recessed handle set up
Hafele soft close drawer runners – reduces excess sounds in the kitchen
Stefano no handle set up for a contemporary and sleek look

Benchtop, Splashback and Island

30mm stone engineered benchtop with a matte finish – White with darker white veining
The island extends out to cater for a breakfast nook with bar stools
2 contrasting tiles used for subway tiles for a dramatic impact
Black glossy tiles used for the splashback behind the stove – Bevel black glossy 100 by 300 3D tiles from Bath and Tile.
The glossy tiles reflect sunlight to make the small kitchen appear larger
The rest of the kitchen walls were tiled with 3D white matte tiles with slight black veining to complement the black tiles – Bevel Cararra white matte 100 by 300 from Bath and tile.

Kitchen Features and Floating shelves

Undermount stainless steel sink
Square kitchen mixer with a U-tap in matte finish from Bath and Tile – Ella square FD0055
Round pull out bin for easy disposal of rubbish
4 Floating shelves with Timber veneer to open up the top space
5 top gas hob from Midea, new ducting for the rangehood and rangehood
Re-wiring and downlight LED lights for the kitchen and dining area
PDL 600 switches

Flooring and Painting

The kitchen floor was levelled
New underlay was installed in the kitchen, dining and hallway
Laminate flooring with a light Oak look and finish was installed in the kitchen, dining and hallway
Skirting boards in the dining room were removed
New Skirting boards installed in the hallway
All areas were plastered and any damage was fixed
1 undercoat and 2 top coats were applied in a neutral colour for ceilings and walls from Dulux

What was Lua’s favourite thing about her renovation?

“I think for everyone that comes in here it is the black backsplash, it’s a real good contrast. Every single person who comes into the house and we have had so many and they have walked in and been like wow what made you guys think that because when we first came in to the office in North shore, we took our daughter in with us because we wanted them to pick a few things. We all had a hand in this you know even though we didn’t physically do anything we can tell that hey we had a hand in it and say we have designed this. And yes it would be the backsplash for sure and obviously the island. I also love my floating shelves” “I love the floating shelves as I want to display”

Veronica Gardonis

From the very first consultation, our experience with this team has been nothing short of stellar.

Working with Eunice, our sales consultant, set a high bar for the rest of the project.
Eunice is truly exceptional at what she does. When we first began our kitchen project, we went through several versions of our floor plan, and she was with us every step of the way—from the initial planning stages right through to the final concept. Her patience and dedication during the design process were remarkable.
Throughout the project, Eunice provided:
* **Invaluable Suggestions:** She has a keen eye for both aesthetics and functionality, pointing out details we never would have considered on our own.
* **Seamless Adjustments:** No matter how many tweaks we requested, she handled every change with professionalism and a "can-do" attitude.
* **Expert Guidance:** She transformed our vague ideas into a cohesive, stunning reality.

Once the planning was complete, Neil, our project manager, took the reins and truly blew us away. Neil is a consummate professional who balances technical expertise with fantastic communication.
He kept us informed at every stage, ensuring we knew exactly what to expect and when.
Whenever a minor pivot was needed, Neil handled it with grace and efficiency, keeping the timeline on track.
His standards for the renovation work were incredibly high, ensuring the final result was polished and beautiful.

The transition from Eunice’s initial planning to Neil’s execution was flawless. If you are looking for a team that combines design expertise with top-tier project management, look no further. We are absolutely thrilled with our new kitchen and new flooring !

Rob Ducker

Superior Renovations has just finished a complete remodel of my bathroom. I can see, why the company has such a high reputation. At every stage, from sales, design, project management, and execution, the company excelled at every point. I am just so happy with the work that they have done and they have exceeded my expectations at every point.

Mark Whelan

Used Superior for a kitchen and bathroom renovation last year. They did an excellent job updating both rooms, communication was excellent ongoing tjrough the project, they coordinated all the tradies, synchronized so there was little downtime, and it all worked exactly as planned and on budget. Was really glad we chose Superior Renovations and plan to use again for our entrance way at some stage.

Libby Campion

As I said to my work colleagues ‘I have just had the most pleasant experience’. When they realised it was with renovations at home they were shocked - ‘unheard of’ I was told.
Everything went to plan - timing, project management, costs, etc, etc. Neil communicated with me daily and made my whole bathroom renovation a pleasure.
The best decision I made was choosing Superior Renovations.
Thank you Kevin for our initial connection and for passing me on to Neil to manage the whole process.

Jason Cho

We just finished a bathroom renovation and couldn’t be happier with the results. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the attention to detail in the tiling and finishing is impressive. The team was professional, kept the workspace clean, and delivered exactly what we envisioned. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for a high-quality transformation.

Sue B

Superior did an excellent job of renovating our ensuite. Project manager Jacob was easy to work with and communications were good.

davidee wang

This is our second review for Superior Renovations. They have done two projects earlier this year and we were so impressed by the work they have finished. After discussing and very careful consideration, we decided to go with more projects with them. So far, they have now completed stage 1 renovation of our house. We still amazed for their knowledge and services; they really listen to us and discuss anything with us if they feel/think could be better…
From the first day we work with them, we have no issue with them at all, from communication, discussing, designing to the teams working on the site.
Especially we are highly recommended to those who are considering doing the house renovation, please contact them and you will know why we are so pleased to have them to do our house renovation.
We are thanking Cici, Neil and the teams so much….
We are looking forward to seeing what the outcome will be.

David and Emily

Spencer Aung

We recently had our bathroom renovated by Superior Renovations and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Dorothy and Neil were an absolute pleasure to work with. They guided us through every step of the process, making what can be a stressful experience feel smooth and straightforward.
The quoting process was transparent and detailed, with no hidden fees or surprises. Neil was incredibly responsive and always available whenever we had questions or requests, which gave us real peace of mind throughout the project. We really love the end result and enjoy our new bathroom!
We’ll definitely be returning to the Superior Reno team for our next project. Highly recommended!

LCB

Our bathroom reno has just been completed & I am so happy. The whole process was easy & hassle free. Alison designed our bathroom & was very patient with our changes/then changes back again. Jacob our project manager was a delight to deal with. He always kept us informed of the scheduling & any other information we may have needed. All the tradies worked hard & the job was completed & signed off within 3 weeks. That's demo, full tiling, installation of new everything & delivery & pick up of the skip down a very tricky driveway. We absolutely love the new bathroom & would recommend Superior Renovations everyday. Future jobs I will definitely be contacting them again. Thank so much for your excellent work

Wendy McLaughlin

Having explored our reno options, it was an easy decision to select Superior Renovations for our work. As first timers at anything like this we had to trust the system with grand old 100year old bungalow. We were so pleased to have Cici, Sonny and Kai working with us the whole way through. Be shout out to all the team, builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers and painters. A superb job delivered on budget and ahead of time. The communication from Cici and Sonny was first class. Would highly recommend working with Superior Renovations in fact, we already have more worked booked in. Thanks Superior you made Millie and Monty's parents very happy. 🐾

Irene Yap

I am very happy with the recent renovation for my new kitchen.
The team worked really hard to get it done within the time frame.
The manager, Jacob, was very helpful and communicated well and always sorts out any issue immediately.
Thank you Irene

Jesse_G

We couldn’t be happier with our new pergola! From start to finish, the team was professional, punctual, and easy to work with. They took the time to listen to what we wanted and offered great suggestions to make the design even better. The quality of the materials and workmanship is outstanding — everything feels solid, well-built, and beautifully finished. Kudos to Sinan Sun as she has been an amazing contact with the company.

Alex Scott

We are very pleased with our bathroom reno by Superior Renovations! Jacob, Cici and the team always kept us up to date, were always friendly to deal with and finished ahead of schedule. Most importantly we are very happy with the quality of the work.

Simon Redpath

We have been working with Superior Renovations as a supplier now for over three years. In that time we have found the team to be very professional and well organised. Which is a welcome relief in this industry! Just recently we have become their sole supplier for portaloos, which recognises the collaboration we have forged over these three years.

In particular, Leanne and Elaine set a very high standard of communication and flexibility. This is of vital importance when scheduling deliveries and pickups with us, however, they understand not everything can be done at once and are willing to work with us for the best (supplier/contractor/client) outcome.

I would imagine this ethos would flow directly through to all their contracted renovation work. A pleasure to work with!

Hammer “AAAAA”

A very reliable supplier – we’ve been working with them for three years now, and they have never let us down. Well done to the team.

Sam McCool

We have been working with these guys for the past 4 years and find them an awesome company to work with, very efficient and organised. I highly recommend!

Word True

Finding someone reliable for renovations has always been the most stressful thing for us. In the past, we had several painful renovation experiences—money was spent but the problems were never truly solved, and things often ended up worse than before. We really didn’t know where to find a trustworthy renovation company.

For more than ten years, our wish had been to renovate our bathroom, laundry, and toilet, so that we could finally enjoy a comfortable and functional living environment. Just when we were about to give up, we came across Superior Renovations online. We quickly made an appointment with Cici, who designed and provided us with a quote.

Throughout the whole process, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism of Superior Renovations. What stood out most was that they always delivered on their promises—everything agreed upon was completed on time. This built a relationship of trust and reliability. Up until completion, I was completely satisfied with their dedication and the quality of their workmanship.

During the renovation, we encountered some of the challenges that often come with older houses, but Cici and her team helped us resolve the discomforts we had been living with for years. We are truly grateful to the construction team.

Some say renovations are easy if you just have money, but I believe the most important thing is finding a trustworthy team that keeps their word, values quality, and cares about the customer’s experience.

Because of this renovation experience, we can now confidently plan our next project—the kitchen—and Superior Renovations will definitely be our first choice. We strongly recommend them.

Finally, I want to thank Cici and the team for helping us fulfill our dream.

Mark ＆ Kate

Jane Wright

Sinan is a very good consultant. She helps a lot during renovation. Very satisfied with their job.

Clara Ng

It was great to have Alison's recommendations and input on how & what would look best for our kitchen and bathroom reno. Jacob, our project manager, has been a star too; ensuring that the project was delivered as planned, AND giving us great ideas & suggestions along the way.

We will definitely be calling on you guys again for our next home reno. Thanks team!

Frank

Very impressed with Superior Renovations.Building our pergola with blinds for a fair price .First thank you Sinan for quoting the job and your flexabilty and knowledge..Secondly the job was done well within the time frame, thanks to Jeff for supervising the job ( eventhough he wasn't too well) and keeping us up to date throughout the process. Payment was fair and easy as well .
Thoroughly recommend Superior Renovations for your reno job 👍

Raj Dhana

Very efficient team of workers and high quality finish.
Very happy with our renovated bathroom.
We will use this company again.

neko rider

We’re very happy with the renovation work done by the team. It’s rare for renovation projects to finish on time, but they committed to completing ours before the Easter holiday—and they delivered! Our project manager, Jacob, worked incredibly hard (even physically! 😄) to make it happen.

I admit I might not have been the easiest client—I was particular about details like colours, tile placement, and exactly where the hand basin bowl should sit on the bench. But they listened, took it all on board, and got it done. Thank you, Jacob!
I’ll definitely bring you another challenge in the future. 😉

Vilma Arcos

Thanks Superior Renovations for doing our house, it definitely looks a lot better now! Special thanks goes to Alison and Jacob for their excellent effort and good manners in handling the construction process, it wasn't easy but with them around it definitely became easier to handle. Cheers🥂

F J Bandukwala

Absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our renovation of two bathrooms and kitchen in a double level home. Kevin and his entire team were an absolute pleasure to work with from the get-go. Every minor detail was attended to, and all our requests were accommodated. Cyrus deserves a special mention as under his watchful eye and expertise, nothing could go wrong.

Jacquie

I have recently finished a renovation in our 1930’s bungalow, updating the original (and I do mean original) kitchen and bathroom. Plus creating a new laundry and removing three fireplaces which created two new spaces including an office. From the initial appointment with Alison who came over and then provided drawings and a quotation, to the work with Frank, our project manager and the team, this has been a wonderful renovation experience. I would have described myself as a nervous-renovator prior to doing this, as I had never done a renovation before, but Frank, Alison, Sunny and all the team have worked so tirelessly and generously to create spaces that we love. Superior’s care in managing the project has meant that we have come away with much more than we originally sought to achieve and without the stress I hear others lament about when they renovate. I would recommend Frank, Alison, Sunny and the team at Superior Renovations wholeheartedly.

Renovating a 40 year
old Family Kitchen

Designed By