Renovating an older home without losing its character

by | Apr 27, 2021 | South East Auckland

We had the opportunity to renovate the full interior of this home. The owners wanted to update their property to meet the new rental requirements and decided to get everything done at once. The idea is that the space would be more comfortable, attractive to tenants, and have low ongoing maintenance needs after.

Removing internal walls

We could see how a few changes to the internal layout would optimize the space and make the home more comfortable. We were able to open up the living area by taking out two walls, the walls were not load-bearing so we were able to make the choices without applying for consent.

Preserving the home’s original character

We fully removed the wallpaper from the interior of the house and plastered and painted the walls throughout. The house had some lovely character features with the molded coving in the living area and some rounded feature corners. We were able to maintain the character by leaving these in place and working around them.

Double glazed windows keep winter outside

We removed the flooring throughout the home and supplied new carpets and vinyl. The owners opted to remove the fireplace and replace it with a heat pump. Throughout the home, the glazing was replaced with Aluminum double glazing windows and doors for added insulation and a clean and modern look.

Full bathroom renovation

We completely renovated the bathroom installing a new bath with a shower over it with a bath screen and replaced the toilet with a new back-to-wall toilet, we installed a single floor mount vanity and mirror with an extractor fan ducted out through the soffit.

The kitchen suited for family life

We completely replaced the kitchen with standard melamine cabinets, installed with German-made hardware. The kitchen was fitted with soft close hinges and drawers and stainless steel handles. We supplied an engineered stone benchtop and a glass splashback and the overall look is new and fresh and suited to family life for this rental property. We moved the existing hot water cabinet to the outside and installed a gas infinity creating extra kitchen space.

The owners are now able to increase their rental income and with such a lovely home to rent they can take their pick of tenants.

Project Summary – Cost and Returns

Scope of work:
Kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, interior wall removal, fireplace removal, flooring replacement in all the rooms, full interior paint, laundry upgrade, switchboard upgrade.

Completion time: 4 weeks

Renovation cost: $80,000, Aluminium joinery cost: $26,000*

Rent increase: from $420/week to $600/week = $9,360/year

Loan interest (based on 3%): $3,180

*The Aluminium joinery was supplied by Lance Tarrant from Winworks Ltd: 021 122 1377

Please email us or give us a call on 022 071 9540
to request a FREE,
no-obligation quote for your renovation
or maintenance project.