After entering houses since the competition’s inception 26 years ago, Phil Round of Avenue Construction was ecstatic to take out his first national award at the Registered Master Builders 2016 House of the Year.
His Palmerston North renovation was named the national category winner for the Master Build Services Renovation Award up to $250,000.
Mr Round says winning the award was a great feeling, and acknowledged the hard work of his team.
“We were absolutely rapt. It was fantastic to see our hard work pay off and for the team to be recognised by the industry and our peers,” he says.
Mr Round says the new master bedroom and bathroom were standout features of the home. However, he says a challenging aspect of any renovation is working in someone’s home, around the existing features.
“We built a new master bedroom and bathroom, but as it is an old house we wanted to ensure that the new additions blended in with the original details. This means we had to be extremely considered in this renovation,” he says.
“Although we replaced doors, skirtings, architraves and even the external weatherboards, there is almost no telling what’s old and what’s new. We are very proud of the result,” he says.
Judges described the renovation and addition as “small but perfect,” encompassing a seamless continuity with the existing facade.
“Innovative in detail and design, the additions establish a delightful visual link through to the private rear garden,” they said.
“The upgraded bathroom has all the modern indulgences whilst being tiled in keeping with the period of the house’s original construction. It is a perfect example of how the new merges effortlessly into the old.”
Mr Round says winning the award was a great milestone for the company’s reputation in the industry.
“We have been entering the competition since it first started so we are very happy to come away with a national win. It just proves to the public and our peers that the quality we have been working on for a long period of time is there.”
Mr Round, who has been a Registered Master Builder for more than 30 years, praises the Association for the quality they promote and the access to information available to members.
The Awards are made possible through the support of PlaceMakers, Master Build Services, GIB, Nulook, Future-Proof Building, Carters, Plumbing World, Resene and Bunnings Trade.
