5 Things To Consider When Renovating An Old House In Waikato

Refresh Renovations are Waikato experts when it comes to old home renovations. So whether you want to transform your villa, or renovate your state home, spruce up your bungalow or give your country cottage a new lease, here are our five top tips to get started.

1. Honour the Unique Features of your Older Home

There are multiple ways to create a contemporary look while still paying tribute to the heritage features of your home. Bring original floorboards back to life; work with exposed beams, not against them; or keep that turn of the century fireplace as a unique talking point in your living area. An original white window sash could complement a new white vanity. Or why not preserve the original front door of your old villa house as a welcoming nod to the past.

Whether you’re looking for villa renovation ideas or a bungalow transformation, your designer can help you strike the right balance between modern convenience and comfort and heritage style to make your renovation truly shine. This Te Awamutu home had a bespoke 1950s style staircase added while also embracing contemporary colour in the bathroom. Find a mix that’s right for you.

2. Check Old Home Wiring and Plumbing

New paint is great but what’s behind your walls is even more important – especially when doing up an old house. Before moving forward with any renovation, check the condition of your plumbing pipes and electrical lines. Even if there is not an immediate problem such as a leak, your pipes may be coming to the end of their lifespan, so it makes sense to replace these before investing in a snazzy new bathroom. And dodgy wiring is the last thing you need! Investing now in a thorough check (and replacement if necessary) of your old home’s wiring and plumbing can save you money down the track while ensuring your family is safe.

This 1940s Huntly brick property had a new bathroom and kitchen installed to create an exciting new look while also future-proofing the home.

3. Open up the Space

Many older homes have separate kitchen, dining, and living areas which can make your communal spaces feel small and disconnected. Consider removing walls to create open space living and improve flow and functionality, since older floor plans are often at odds with modern day living. An open concept or expanded kitchen might serve your family much better than an original compartmentalised floor plan, so talk with your designer to find a layout that works for you and your home.

This 1930s Maeroa home underwent an absolutely stunning design-led renovation to ensure it reflected the owners’ style - and we can do the same for you!

4. Expect the Unexpected

Expecting the unexpected is just part and parcel of fixing up an old house, which is why it’s so important to have an experienced and professional project manager on your side. Your old home renovation may be all smooth sailing, but there’s also a chance you might encounter wonky walls, a cracked foundation, shoddy repair work, or substandard wiring. It’s a great idea to have a contingency fund in your budget in case of such setbacks. Your Renovation Consultant will be there every step of the way to manage any unexpected issues and will work hard to find a solution that works for you.

This Hamilton East Villa renovation is an example of having to roll with the punches. After work started, the team discovered that, despite a relatively recent renovation, a significant portion of the bathroom’s timber framing was rotten. The Refresh team was able to provide solutions and manage this issue for the client.

5. Consider your Style

Just because your home is older doesn’t mean you have to live in the dark ages. If your style is modern, contemporary, rustic or chic, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing that style into your old home. Keeping the character of your home and combining with it an updated look inside the property can give it a real wow factor, which can be beneficial for the value of your house should you wish to sell it in the near or distant future.

Upgrade your Old Home in Hamilton today with Refresh!

Ready to refresh your colonial cottage or make your bungalow beautiful? Want to talk about old villa renovation ideas? We’re here to help! Get in touch with Waikato’s old home renovation specialists at Refresh today for a free, one hour consultation and take the first step toward transforming your home.