Creating a Family-Friendly Backyard in Westmere, Auckland

Transformation Wanted!

Adam and Andrea had been in their home for over a decade but had yet to invest in their outdoor living space. They had dreams of an undercover entertaining area, indoor-outdoor flow, and maybe even a pool for their children to enjoy. But their existing backyard was small (and the most exciting feature was a trampoline!) so they found it hard to imagine a dramatic transformation. They reached out to their local Zones Consultant Thelma Meyer for help.

Thelma arranged a free consultation and met with the couple at their home to discuss ideas and explain more about the Zones process. Zones offer a total renovation service, which means every detail is taken care of by a dedicated consultant from the design and costing phases right through to installation and code of compliance sign-off. This expert project management removes all the stress associated with renovation and saves you countless hours. With Thelma on board, Adam and Andrea were finally ready to take the plunge and start their backyard transformation!

Creating a Vision

Adam and Andrea had several items on their wish list. A functional outdoor entertaining area was a top priority, along with a safe bike shed with charging capabilities for Adam’s electric bike. A small pool or spa along with an outdoor shower would be a fantastic addition for the family, and low maintenance planting was a must.

Thelma got to work transforming these goals into a custom concept that ticked all the boxes. To provide a seamless entertainment area, the existing doors from the house to the deck would be replaced with bi-folding doors to create easy indoor-outdoor flow. The deck would be extended, and a louvre roof installed to create an all-weather outdoor living space. 

Adam’s new bike shed would include lighting and power and would be tucked away near the carport to free up precious backyard space. With half the family wanting a spa and the other half keen on a pool, a fibreglass pool with jets and a heat pump was the perfect compromise to provide the best of both worlds. 

The pool would be fenced with stylish glass, and a decorative screen on the raised deck area was also planned to create privacy. Easy care planting and a general spruce up would complete the fabulous new look. Thelma arranged detailed designs and costings to ensure Adam and Andrea were completely happy with the renovation plans. 

Work Begins

Adam and Andrea’s backyard may have been small, but the renovation still required careful orchestration of the many tradespeople working on the exciting transformation. From excavation, demolition, and CCTV surveying (which revealed a public sewer pipe along the bottom boundary fence), to engineered deck design and build, pool fencing, and louvre installation, this project required expert project management of the many moving parts. Thankfully, Thelma was able to use her network of trusted suppliers, manufacturers, and tradespeople to deliver exceptional workmanship for Adam and Andrea. Thelma’s full project management service also included dealings with Auckland Council and Watercare.

During the renovation, Adam and Andrea decided to invest in further upgrades and changes which did increase the price of the project but they felt the outcome would be well worth it.