Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Queenslander Home Renovations
TJ Bowden is a family-run business with over 60 years of combined experience in renovating traditional Queenslander and character homes. Founded on a deep appreciation for Queensland's architectural heritage, we specialise in complex renovations, extensions, and structural modifications while maintaining the integrity of original designs. Our team of skilled tradespeople, many of whom have worked with us for decades, ensures meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict quality standards.We prioritise transparent communication, fixed-price contracts, and client collaboration throughout every project phase. With a proven track record of transforming aging properties into modern, functional spaces, we deliver results that balance historical authenticity with contemporary living requirements. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our long-standing industry reputation and the numerous testimonials from satisfied clients across Brisbane.
Services
Queenslander renovations
House extensions
Structural modifications
Heritage restoration
Build-under projects
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We combine over 60 years of experience in Queenslander home renovations
- Our fixed-price contracts guarantee no unexpected cost increases
- Family-run business with a proven track record since 1999
- Carefully selected tradespeople with specialist heritage renovation expertise
- Comprehensive project management from initial consultation to completion
Associations and certifications
- Queensland Building & Construction Commission (QBCC)
What people say
Professional and helpful
Exceeded expectations
Stress-free process
High-quality workmanship
Transparent communication
Services
Queenslander Home Renovations
Specialist renovation of traditional Queenslander homes preserving historical character while incorporating modern amenities. Our expertise includes structural modifications, weatherboard restoration, and period-appropriate finishing touches. We maintain original architectural elements while upgrading functionality through contemporary kitchen and bathroom installations, energy-efficient solutions, and improved spatial layouts that respect the home's heritage.
House Extensions
Custom-designed extensions that seamlessly integrate with existing structures. We create additional living spaces, bedrooms, and entertainment areas while maintaining architectural consistency. Our process includes structural engineering assessments, council approvals assistance, and coordinated implementation of plumbing, electrical, and finishing works to deliver functional, value-adding extensions that enhance property usability.
Build-Under Projects
Specialist construction beneath existing homes to create additional living spaces, garages, or storage solutions. Our team manages complex earthworks, foundation reinforcement, and waterproofing to transform underutilised space into functional areas. This includes excavation on challenging sites, retaining wall construction, and integration of new spaces with existing home infrastructure while maintaining structural integrity.
Character Home Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of Brisbane's character homes maintaining original features while modernising infrastructure. We specialise in cornice restoration, timber floor polishing, period-appropriate joinery, and heritage-compliant modifications. Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern building techniques to ensure structural longevity while preserving the home's historical essence through careful material selection and restoration methods.
House Raising
Professional house raising to meet legal height requirements or create additional underfloor space. Our process includes structural assessment, council compliance documentation, and safe elevation using hydraulic jacking systems. We manage complete restumping, subfloor reinforcement, and integration of new and existing structures to ensure stability while achieving clients' spatial requirements through precise engineering and experienced project execution.
People
Terry Bowden
Co-Founder & Director
With over 40 years in the building industry, Terry specialises in heritage renovations. He oversees project design and client consultation, ensuring quality standards are maintained across all projects while mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.
Justin Bowden
Co-Founder & Project Manager
Justin manages day-to-day operations and on-site execution. With 20+ years of experience, he ensures seamless project delivery, maintaining open communication with clients throughout the renovation process while upholding strict quality control measures.
Questions
What types of homes do you specialise in renovating?
We specialise in traditional Queenslander and character-style homes across Brisbane. Our expertise includes heritage restoration, structural modifications, and modernisation while maintaining architectural integrity through careful preservation of original features.
How long does a typical renovation project take?
Project duration varies based on scope, from 12 weeks for minor renovations to 12 months for major transformations. We provide realistic timelines during planning and maintain weekly progress updates to ensure timely completion.
Do you offer fixed-price contracts?
Yes, we provide fixed-price contracts that guarantee no cost increases provided the original scope remains unchanged. This includes all materials, labour, and council compliance costs with transparent breakdowns provided upfront.
How do you handle unexpected issues during renovations?
We maintain open communication channels and have contingency plans for unforeseen challenges. Our team provides immediate cost/benefit analysis for any required variations, ensuring informed client decisions while maintaining project timelines and quality standards.
What areas of Brisbane do you service?
We operate across Brisbane's inner-city and suburban areas including Ashgrove, Holland Park, Woolloongabba, and other heritage-listed suburbs. Our team handles projects on challenging blocks with slope gradients up to 45 degrees.
Can you help with council approvals and design assistance?
Yes, we provide full assistance with council compliance documentation and recommend specialist draftsmen. Our team coordinates all necessary approvals and works with accredited engineers to ensure projects meet all regulatory requirements.
Reviews (3)
Sam & Adrienna Robotham
Feb 25, 2021
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We chose TJ Bowden to complete our renovation because of their experience with large Queenslander renovations, and couldnt be more delighted with the result! They transformed our Queenslander which hadnt been maintained or improved for 40 years into a modern family home. Justins attention to detail is second-to-none. He didnt just execute our designs, but offered advice on improvements and considerations along the way to ensure we were truly happy with the finished product. Communication with Terry, Justin and Denise was clear and timely throughout the process.
Terry, Justin, and their
Terry, Justin, and their
Angie Browne
Feb 14, 2021
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We were renovation amateurs when embarking on a complete Queenslander renovation early 2019. From the outset, Terry provided us with invaluable knowledge and expertise to ensure we had the best design and a good understanding of the financials and everything else in between that needs to be addressed when renovating. Justin took over from the build stage, and again we were showered with time, patience, guidance, expertise and a few laughs throughout the 9 months of our build. No question remained unanswered, and timelines were clear and concerns addressed. The quality of our home is perhaps what
Raewyn Taylor
Oct 18, 2020
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We would like to thank the T&J Bowden team for the fantastic work on our house renovation. We couldn't be happier with the result and everything has been completed to an extremely high standard. The feedback from family and friends is amazing. Thank you for creating such a beautiful home for our family. It has been a pleasure working with you and we would have no hesitation in recommending T&J Bowden services to anyone considering a home renovation.
