There’s something special about older homes – the craftsmanship, the charm, the sense of history. For many homeowners, the goal isn’t to replace these features but to modernise the home so it’s more comfortable, efficient, and functional for today’s lifestyle.
Modernising can mean different things depending on your needs: from simple upgrades like insulation, double glazing, and a refreshed kitchen or bathroom, to more extensive transformations such as creating open plan living with seamless indoor/outdoor flow. Whatever the scale, it’s all about striking the right balance, keeping the unique character of your home while improving how it works for modern life.
Why Renovating Older Homes is Different
Character homes come with quirks, and sometimes hidden surprises, once building work begins. In Christchurch especially, it’s important to consider earthquake strengthening and preventative measures. Beyond that, there are several key areas that often need attention:
- Foundations – Many villas and bungalows sit on piles, which can sink or shift over time, affecting the home’s structural integrity.
- Wiring & Plumbing – These were often retrofitted during earlier renovations. Even if they’re working, they may not meet today’s safety standards. An electrician and plumber can identify hazards before work starts.
- General Structure – Rot, damp, or poorly executed past repairs can add complexity.
While these checks can add time and cost, they’re crucial for your family’s safety and help prevent unexpected problems down the track.
Areas Worth Preserving
One of the joys of renovating an older home is uncovering and restoring the details that make it unique. Some of the most valuable features to preserve include:
- Timber flooring
- Stained glass windows
- Original joinery and trims
These elements give a home warmth and individuality that new builds often lack. Discuss with your builder what’s possible to restore and be realistic. Sometimes original features may be too damaged, unsafe, or costly to save. Deciding early what matters most will help you balance character with budget.
Smart Modern Upgrades
Alongside preserving heritage details, there are modern upgrades that can greatly improve comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term value:
- Insulation & heating systems
- Double glazing for windows
- Up-to-standard rewiring
- Bathroom and kitchen upgrades
These improvements not only make daily living more enjoyable but can reduce utility bills and increase your home’s market appeal. In New Zealand, building regulations also require insulation and double glazing for new external walls and windows, so it’s often worth upgrading the whole home while you’re at it.
Conclusion
Renovating an older home is about breathing new life into a space while keeping its unique character intact. With the right approach, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the charm of history combined with the comfort and functionality of modern living.
At Rise Residential, we specialise in renovations and have more than 20 years’ experience transforming older Christchurch homes. Our team knows how to preserve the details that make a house special while modernising it for the next generation.
If you’re considering renovating your character home, get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation quote.