Restoring and Modernising a Water-Damaged Townhouse in Avondale

Project Overview

This project took place in a townhouse located on Blockhouse Bay Road in Avondale. The job was referred to by an insurance company after a water leak from the dishwasher caused damage to the kitchen floor. The engineered wood flooring had soaked up the water and was beyond repair.

Since the same flooring continued into the lounge, and an exact match was no longer available, the entire floor in both rooms had to be replaced. It included a complete removal and safe storage of the client’s kitchen and furniture before work could begin.

The job also involved repainting and tile replacement, as well as fixing damage to the ceiling below the kitchen, which affected the downstairs bedroom. The client chose new tiles for the splashback area, giving the room a fresh look in addition to the repair.

Design & Planning

Once the water damage was confirmed, the Oncore NZ team acted quickly. The first step was to dry out the floor, which took almost 10 days. Only after this step was complete could the main restoration work begin. The drying process was essential to prevent mold and further damage.

Because the leak had affected numerous parts of the home, the team had to plan for several types of trades to be involved, including plumbing, electrical, painting, tiling, and flooring. Careful scheduling ensured that each step occurred at the right time.

Mike Clayton, the project manager, also worked closely with the insurance company, keeping them informed and making sure every step was documented for claim approvals.

Project Execution

The job started with disconnection and removal:

• The dishwasher and oven were disconnected safely.
• The kitchen units were carefully taken out. Some panels had been damaged by the water, while others were saved, wrapped, and stored for reuse.
• Furniture from the lounge area was also moved and stored on-site to protect it during work.

Once the drying was complete, the full flooring in the kitchen and lounge was removed. New, matching flooring was then installed across both spaces. After that, the walls were repainted, and the damaged ceiling in the bedroom underneath was fixed and repainted.

Finally, at the client's request, the old splashback tiles were taken out and replaced with a new design of their choice. It gave the whole kitchen a fresh, modern feel.

Challenges Overcome

There were no major technical issues with the restoration itself, but access to the home posed a challenge. The townhouse was situated on a shared driveway with tight corners, making it challenging to position a waste bin near the site. The team addressed this issue by carefully coordinating deliveries and pickups.

Another challenge was time; what was meant to be a 3-week project stretched to 6 weeks, mainly due to the floor drying process taking longer than expected. However, by maintaining regular contact with the client and tradespeople, Mike ensured the rest of the project stayed on track once that step was completed.

Client Experience

The client was referred to Oncore by her son-in-law, who is one of the company’s trusted tradespeople. She trusted Oncore NZ to handle the work from start to finish. Throughout the job, Mike provided regular updates and ensured the client understood each step of the repair process. Due to the strong communication and care, the client was pleased with the result.

Final Thoughts

Water damage can cause significant stress and uncertainty. However, with the right help, it can be fixed well and even serve as an opportunity to improve the space. In this Avondale home, what started as a kitchen leak evolved into a full-floor and paint refresh.

Thanks to the Oncore NZ team’s coordination, planning, and care, the home is now not only restored but also more stylish and durable for the future.