5 Things to Consider When Renovating an Older Home

Keep in Character with the Neighborhood

It really jars the eye when you see a starkly modern house plonked down in a street brimming with beautiful old villas. There's a certain charm and character that draws people to established areas like Ponsonby in Auckland, and that often centers around the traditional architecture. It feels like those buyers are specifically seeking out that heritage aesthetic and the sense of history it brings. A contemporary building can really disrupt that visual harmony and feel quite out of place.

Retain the Features that Tell Your Homes Story

Every older home, whether it be a villa, bungalow or even an early state home, has its own unique story. When embarking on a home renovation, it's wonderful to approach it with a sense of respect for its past. Every house carries echoes of the lives lived within its walls, and uncovering those stories can add a rich layer to the project. Perhaps you'll discover original features hidden beneath layers of time or hear tales from previous owners. By thoughtfully integrating these elements into your design, you're not just updating a space, but also honoring the unique narrative of your home.

Focus on the Structure First

The most common difference between renovating an old home and a more modern one is that before you start slapping on a coat of paint, you’re going to have to get your local Pzazz Builder in to check the underlying structure. And often it’s more practical and economical during the renovation to replace rather than repair archaic piping and electrical wiring—after all, a flood or fire once you’ve finished could be a massively expensive and heart-breaking exercise.

Look for Hidden Potential

Many older homes contain hidden treasures—features such as beautiful moulded plaster ceilings or match-lined walls (see above) covered up in the “modernise at all costs” era of the sixties and seventies. Part of the fun of renovating an old property is uncovering these treasures and restoring them to their former glory. But sometimes in cases of severe neglect you need to weigh up whether it’s more cost-effective and aesthetic to repair or replace them.

Open Up to a Whole New World

Just because a home has heritage doesn’t mean it was ever a great place to live. Many older homes had small, dark rooms because back in the day, they were easier to heat. The home you see above was like that—until the new owners told the renovators to take a sledgehammer to the walls. The result is a lighter, more open living space that still retains the home’s original character and charm.