Tackling a home renovation with one’s nearest and dearest is a daunting idea for many married couples, but for Tony and Katie Buchanan it’s a challenge they like to take on together.

“People say to me they don’t know if they could handle arguing with their wife that much, and I just laugh,” Tony says.

Though not one to play down the enormity of such a task, the builder admits there were many “sleepless nights” when the couple were pulling apart the property at 18b East Avenue, Manly, on the Whangaparoa Peninsula.

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The pair saw plenty of potential in the old plaster home, built in the 1950s and last renovated in the 1990s, when purchasing it three and a half years ago.

Despite the home’s beautiful beach location and panoramic views of Rangitoto, the couple were faced with non-complaint issues due to changes to the building code and an interior eye-sore with too many colour clashes.

Builder Tony and interior design enthusiast Katie and their three sons lived in the property while they were worked on the renovation with Tony taking six months off last year to finish the job.

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The couple decided to keep the original layout of the six bedrooms, two kitchens and two living rooms, and its unique 45 degree, triangle shaped roof.

But serious work went into upgrading most of the house and resealing the property to make sure it was safe and weatherproof.

Tony and Katie decided to “clean up” the design with a simple colour palette of concrete black and timber for a sleek and sophisticated style.

A new deck has been built off the master bedroom, as well as a large walk-through wardrobe. The property now has three decks with stunning views.

The ground floor is a one and a half bedroom flat, which Bayleys sales agent Jock Kooger says is ideal for buyers looking for room for extended family or tenants to help with income.

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“The flat downstairs means it suits a range of buyers,” Mr Kooger says.

With many older plaster-styled homes lining the suburb’s streets, this modern abode looks like it could feature on Grand Designs.

“You take notice of this house when you drive past, it’s absolutely beautiful,” Mr Kooger says.

The site spans over 936sqm and is just a few hundred metres from the seafront and shops.

With no sign of the renovation stresses waning on their relationship, Tony affectionately credits Katie on her attention to detail when working with textures and colours.

“I might be able to make it water tight, but she picks all the carpets, titles – she really gives it the edge.”

The couple have applied for the Block every year and intend on doing so until they get selected.

One thing for sure, they’ll be tough competition.