Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about renovating with Pohjola Constructions.
Experience & qualifications
How much experience does Adam have?
Over 17 years in carpentry and construction. Adam served his apprenticeship in country NSW, ran his own renovation company in Helsinki for a decade, and held senior site roles on high-end Sydney builds before starting Pohjola Constructions.
What licences and qualifications do you hold?
Pohjola Constructions holds NSW Building Licence 496908C and is fully insured. Adam is a qualified carpenter with over 17 years in the trade.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Pohjola Constructions holds NSW Building Licence 496908C and is fully insured on every job.
Who actually does the work on my renovation?
Adam. He is on site doing the carpentry himself and coordinating trusted plumbing, electrical and waterproofing trades around it. You deal with one builder from start to finish.
Working with us
Do you handle the whole renovation, or just the carpentry?
The whole renovation. Adam manages the entire project, planning the work, bringing in the right trades (plumbing, electrical, waterproofing), and staying across every detail through to the final finish. You deal with one builder, start to finish.
What areas do you cover?
Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and Inner West, Bondi, Coogee, Randwick, Maroubra, Clovelly, Surry Hills and Redfern, plus Glebe, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Newtown. We're based in South Coogee.
Do you work on apartments and heritage terraces?
Absolutely, full apartment renovations are our specialty, and we work on houses and terraces including heritage-listed properties and homes in heritage conservation areas.
Can I stay living in the property while you renovate?
Sometimes, depending on which rooms are affected and in what order. We talk through the sequencing with you upfront so you know what to expect.
How long does a renovation take?
Most projects run around four to five weeks, though it depends on the scope. We'll give you a realistic timeframe as part of your quote.
Do you handle body corporate approvals for apartment renovations?
We manage the practical side of working within a strata building, including liaising on access and any required sign-off, as part of the renovation project.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm, with Saturdays by appointment. Call Adam on 0423 152 854 or send an enquiry any time.
Bathrooms, ensuites & wet areas
How do you waterproof bathrooms?
All our waterproofing exceeds the NCC (National Construction Code). We go higher than the minimum height up the walls and apply a third waterproofing coat. Where possible we also use the Wedi board system, a premium waterproof board that seals the whole wet area. It gives you peace of mind against expensive leaks down the track, with a barrier that safeguards your home beyond the legal minimum.
How do you quote a bathroom renovation?
We quote the job up front. We look at the existing layout, the finishes you want and any structural changes, then give you a clear quote before work starts.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most bathrooms take approximately two to three weeks depending on scope. We give you a realistic timeframe as part of your quote.
What tapware brands do you use?
We work with Mira, Nero and Yabby, sourced through Tile Cloud and Colour Tile. We are also happy to work in with tapware you have already chosen.
Can you fit an ensuite into a small space?
Yes. Space-efficient ensuites are a specialty. We plan the layout carefully so a tight footprint still feels considered and functional.
Can the laundry be done with the bathroom?
Yes, and it often makes sense to. Doing the laundry alongside a bathroom or kitchen saves disruption and keeps the finish consistent.
Kitchens & built-in joinery
Do you coordinate the plumbing and electrical for a kitchen?
Yes. A kitchen touches several trades, and we coordinate the plumbing, electrical and joinery so it all comes together cleanly.
Can you work with my chosen cabinetry supplier?
We can. A lot of kitchen choices come down to the client, and we work in with your selections and suppliers where you have them.
How disruptive is a kitchen renovation?
You will be without a working kitchen for part of the job. We plan the sequence to keep that period as short as possible and talk you through it before work starts.
Are the wardrobes custom made?
Yes. Built-ins and walk-in wardrobes are made to measure for your space, so the storage suits the room rather than the other way around.
Do you design the joinery or work from my own plans?
Both. We can design the layout from scratch based on how you use the space, or work from plans or ideas you already have.
Decks, pergolas & smaller jobs
Timber or composite decking?
Both work well and we build in either. We will talk through the look, budget and maintenance so you choose what suits your place.
Do you handle council approval for a deck?
Deck requirements depend on size, height and location. We talk through what is needed for your project as part of the planning stage.
Is any job too small?
No. We are happy to take on smaller carpentry repairs and maintenance, and we do them to the same standard as a full renovation.
What kind of repairs do you take on?
General carpentry repairs, timber and joinery fixes, and smaller internal works. If you are not sure whether your job fits, just ask.
Do you charge a call-out fee for small jobs?
We quote each job individually based on scope, so get in touch with the details and we will give you a straightforward price.
