Future Proofing a Nelson Home for a 90 Year Old Family Member

The Challenge: A 1993 Home That Needed More Than a Facelift

For many New Zealand families, the decision to renovate isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about keeping loved ones safe, independent, and close to home. That was exactly the situation for Sarah Matheson in Nelson.

At the start of 2025, Sarah and her family realised their 1993 family home was overdue for a major bathroom upgrade. But there was an extra layer of urgency: her 90‑year‑old mother was living in the upstairs apartment, and the family wanted to move her downstairs. That meant the large downstairs bathroom had to be future‑proofed for aging in place.

“We wanted to do two bathrooms up at the same time and an additional consideration was the fact that my 90 year old mother was living in the upstairs ‘apartment’ and we wanted to move her downstairs. This meant the large downstairs bathroom also needed to be future‑proofed for my mum’s needs.”

On top of that, the layout of both bathrooms was awkward. Downstairs, a toilet space that was too small for a handbasin. Upstairs, walls and doors that interrupted the flow. And for 15 years, water pressure that ranged from “adequate” downstairs to “positively pathetic” upstairs.

Finding the Right Builder

Sarah started her renovation journey with a visit to Oakley’s Plumbing. That’s where Nathan Wells of Welldesignz came highly recommended – described as efficient, reliable, experienced, and a strong project manager.

“From the start, Nathan returned our calls, came to our site with the relevant subtradies, listened to what we wanted and made us feel as if he was genuinely interested and invested in our job.” 

The Welldesignz Solution: Accessibility Through Smart Design

Nathan worked closely with Sarah to rethink the layout. The key accessibility goals were:

• Downstairs: Add a handbasin in an awkwardly sized toilet room, making it safe and functional for an elderly person.
• Upstairs: Move walls and doors to improve the landing flow, creating a more logical and accessible path.
• Whole home: Fix the water pressure issues once and for all.

Nathan presented options and suggested alternatives Sarah hadn’t considered. His problem‑solving and attention to detail stood out immediately.

“He talked through layouts and ideas, giving us options and suggesting alternatives that we would never have considered. His ability to problem solve and his attention to detail was exceptional.”

Seamless Execution, Minimal Disruption

Once the renovation began, Nathan kept his promise: he stayed on the job, co-ordinated tradies seamlessly, and communicated any potential delays immediately.

“From the outset, he was clear that once he started our job, he would be on our job. There was very little downtime and any potential delays were communicated immediately. Nathan’s estimated timeline and costings were remarkably accurate.”

For Sarah, who was still living in the house during the renovation, the respect shown by Nathan’s team made all the difference.

“Without exception, the team of professional tradespeople Nathan had working with him were lovely to have on site. They were considerate of us continuing to live in the house, cleaned up as they went and we simply could not fault them.”

The Result: A Home Ready for the Next Chapter

The downstairs bathroom is now safe, accessible, and practical for a 90‑year‑old. The awkward toilet space has a well‑placed handbasin. Upstairs flows better than it has in decades. And the water pressure? Finally fixed.

More importantly, Sarah’s mother can move downstairs with confidence, and the family has peace of mind.

“It is without hesitation that we would recommend Nathan and Welldesignz.”

Why This Matters for Your Family

If you are caring for an elderly parent or planning your own “aging in place” future, accessibility upgrades don’t have to mean a cold, clinical bathroom. With the right builder, you can have a space that is safe, beautiful, and functional – without living through a nightmare renovation.

Nathan brings the same care, precision, and project management to every job, whether it’s a fold‑down bed for a rumpus room or a full bathroom retrofit for a beloved family member.

Ready to future‑proof your home?

Contact Welldesignz today for a consultation. Tell us about your accessibility needs, and we’ll help you create a home that works for every age.