Fresh and Functional Ensuite Upgrade in Hurdon

Project Overview

Tina and Gary’s ensuite was still usable, but it had become tired and no longer suited the way they wanted to live in their home.

The existing space had been designed as a wet room, which they didn’t need. Because they plan to stay in the house long term, they wanted an ensuite that felt fresh, practical, and easy to live with for many years.

One of their biggest concerns was making the right design choices. They were unsure about colours, fixtures, and fittings and did not want to make decisions they might regret later.

Oncore Project Manager Michelle Bowater and her team worked closely with Tina and Gary to simplify the process and help them choose finishes that suited their taste and the home's existing style.

Design & Planning

The aim was not to change the layout. Instead, the team focused on improving the look, comfort, and function of the existing ensuite while keeping the plumbing in the same positions.

This also meant council consent was not required.

The design included a new shower, vanity, toilet, heated towel rail, mirror, lighting, extractor fan, vinyl flooring, and updated wall finishes.

A key part of the planning process was making sure the ensuite still felt connected to the rest of the house. The clients already had white subway tiles in the kitchen and main bathroom, so they wanted to continue that look in the ensuite.

A fully tiled shower would have required council consent, so the team chose a tiled-look shower liner instead. This gave the space a similar appearance while keeping the project simpler and more cost-effective.

The team also carefully restored and reused the original timber architraves. Matching them would have been difficult, so keeping them helped maintain the character and style of the existing home.

Project Execution

The build was carefully planned and completed within the original four-week timeframe.

Michelle Bowater and her team, including builder Marshall Bowater, managed all parts of the work and coordinated builders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters, tilers, and flooring specialists.

The work included:

• Full demolition of the existing ensuite
• New shower installation
• New vanity and toilet
• Heated towel rail and mirror
• New GIB and plastering
• Painting
• Plumbing work
• Improved bathroom lighting
• New extractor fan
• Vinyl flooring
• Restoring and reusing the original timber architraves
• Replacing the hot water cylinder

The vanity splashback also used a clever tile solution. It looks like it is made from many small tiles, but it was actually created using two 300mm x 600mm tiles. This reduced installation time and cost while still giving the detailed look the clients wanted.

Challenges Overcome

The project had been well planned, so there were very few unexpected issues during construction.

The main surprise came during demolition, when the team discovered a leak in the hot water cylinder.

The cylinder could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. Michelle and her team quickly ordered a new unit and had it installed within a few days, helping prevent the problem from delaying the rest of the renovation.

Because the issue was found early and dealt with quickly, the project still finished within the planned four-week build period.

Client Experience

Tina and Gary had some hesitation  when selecting a builder.  For them, good communication and guidance were just as important as the finished ensuite.

That became one of the strongest parts of their experience.

After the renovation, Tina shared:

“We recently had our ensuite renovated by Oncore and we couldn't be happier with the result.”

She also praised the project management provided by Oncore Project Manager Michelle Bowater:

“A special thank you to Michelle, who managed the project so well. Her communication was excellent throughout, she really listened to our ideas, and she went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly.”

Tina also highlighted how organised the process felt:

“Michelle was incredibly organised and always one step ahead. Her attention to detail and project management made the whole experience effortless.”

The clients were equally pleased with the workmanship and trades involved, describing the entire process as “seamless and completely stress-free.”

Their review finished with a strong recommendation:

“We highly recommend Oncore to anyone considering a bathroom renovation. Their professionalism, workmanship, and outstanding customer service made the entire process a pleasure.”

Final Thoughts

This ensuite renovation shows that a room does not need to be completely redesigned to make a major difference.

By keeping the existing plumbing layout, reusing original timber details, improving lighting and ventilation, and choosing finishes that worked with the rest of the home, Project Manager Michelle Bowater, builder Marshall Bowater, and their team created an ensuite that feels fresh, practical, and built for long-term use.

The result is a space that fits naturally into the home while giving Tina and Gary the modern update they wanted.

Sometimes the smartest bathroom upgrade is about improving what already works. If you're considering an update to your New Plymouth home, contact Michelle today to discuss a practical solution tailored to your space.