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Property Renovation in Turriff

Property Renovation in Turriff

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Turning a tired 1970s bungalow into a bright, modern family home

This detached bungalow in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, was built in the 1970s and had definitely seen better days. With no insulation in the floors or walls, an old gas boiler, and a dark, boxy layout, it just wasn’t working for modern family life. The owners wanted something fresh, efficient and future-proof, so we took it right back to basics and reimagined the whole house.

The Challenge

The house started with an EPC of D (62), meaning high running costs and poor energy performance. The layout was made up of dark, disconnected rooms and the integral garage and sun lounge weren’t really usable. On top of that, outdated finishes and old services meant a full strip-out was the best long-term option.

The Renovation

We stripped the property back to the blockwork and rebuilt it with energy performance, comfort and flow in mind. Both pitched and flat roofs were replaced, with clips added so solar PV can be installed later. The loft was insulated with hemp, which we love to use because it’s a sustainable material, safe to handle in tight spaces like lofts, and won’t create any disposal issues further down the line the way some chemical-based products can. It’s also breathable, which helps the whole building fabric perform better. The suspended timber floor was fully insulated, too.

New windows went in throughout, along with a bespoke insulated front door, while the dated stone cladding was replaced with smooth K-rend and Cedral soffits and fascias, adding a smart, modern front exterior.

We installed an air source heat pump with underfloor heating throughout, and carried out a full rewire and re-plumbing. External power and water supplies were added front and back, and durable Luxury Vinyl Tiles flooring was fitted across all rooms.

The layout was also completely rethought and redesigned. The kitchen, dining and lounge were opened up into one sociable space with black glazed doors letting in plenty of light. The master suite was redesigned with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, a practical pantry was added off the kitchen, and the family bathroom was reworked to reinstate a bath. The old garage was converted into a plant room and utility, complete with a WC and a new side entrance. We also widened the main corridor, removed the vestibule, relocated the loft hatch, and used pocket doors in bathrooms and storage areas to save space.

The Results

The transformation has been significant, not just in terms of appearance and layout, but also in performance. The EPC rating jumped from D (62) to C (80), the CO₂ rating improved from D (56) to B (82), and primary energy use dropped from 309 to 122 kWh/m²/year. Annual carbon emissions have been cut in half, going from 5.6 tonnes to 2.6 tonnes. The result is a home that’s lighter, warmer, and far more comfortable to live in –  with much lower running costs and a smaller carbon footprint. 

The refurbishment has also reduced the property’s primary energy demand from 309 kWh/m²/year to just 122 kWh/m²/year, more than halving the energy required to heat, light and service the home.

Before:                                                                                                       After:

                                           

And we’re not stopping there. Once solar panels and potentially battery storage are added, performance will improve even further. Our in-house EPC calculations show that this property will achieve an A rating, which puts it well ahead of most homes in the UK for energy efficiency.

The result is a home that’s lighter, warmer, and far more comfortable to live in — with much lower running costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

What’s Next?

The next stage has already started! We are going to add even more…

Plans are in place for a rear extension, landscaping, and renewable upgrades, including solar PV and battery storage, making this property even more efficient and future-ready. Watch this space and our Socials for more updates on this fantastic family home.

This Turriff property renovation shows just how much potential older homes can have when you rethink them from the ground up. The owners now have a bright, stylish, and energy-efficient home that works for modern family life and is prepared for the future.

As with all our projects, we managed the full process — from the design and cost control through to local authority approvals, suppliers, and subcontractors. That means everything ran smoothly, with the client having one dedicated team to handle it all.

Exterior of modern bungalo with K-rend and Cedral soffits and fascias adding a smart, modern front exterior.

picture showing a long, modern kitchen. Cream leather sofa in middle with wooden herringbone flooring, TV mounted wall space and a modern kitchen in background. wooden herringbone flooring in kitche, grey with white counter kitchen island, kitchen take and chairs behind then sofa at the back of the room. Moderm black door leading to the rest of the house is off to the left. Image of otherside of kitchen island showing the kitchen. Window with patterned blind, then black hob to the left with blue geometric Patterned tiles. Wooden bar stools sit under the kitchen island with a vase of flowers sit on top. slight angle of same kitchen. Image of otherside of kitchen island showing the kitchen. Window with patterned blind, then black hob to the left with blue geometric Patterned tiles. Wooden bar stools sit under the kitchen island with a vase of flowers sit on top.

Image of hallway with a small WC on left, featuring a wooden pocket door, grey panelling and bright green wallpaper. Black modern door to the right of the hallway leading to the kitchen. Utility room is at the end of the hallway with a washing machine visible, large window and bright patterned blind. air source heat pump with boiler and pipes

Image shows a bright baby room with grey curtains, a crib and wooden door A modern, bright bathroom with walk in shower, toilet and sink. Large mirror spans across the back wall whilst black accents on the tap and shower add a modern feature. Same modern bathroom showing a beige towelrail which matches the floor.

Master bedroom with door into the ensuite and wooden door into the wardrobe at the other side of a large bed. Behind the bed features a green floral wallpaper. picture facing straight on to bed. Master bedroom with door into the ensuite and wooden door into the wardrobe at the other side of a large bed. Behind the bed features a green floral wallpaper. ont he right of the bed are double doors leading outside into the garden,

Planning a Renovation?

Whether you’re updating one room or rethinking your entire layout, we’re here to help.
 Contact Property Partners to discuss your project and discover how we can manage your build or renovation from start to finish.

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