Everybody loves the heritage charm of an old Queenslander home, but they do require special attention if you are considering a renovation. Their blend of breezy balconies, high ceilings, French doors, and corrugated iron roofs all form part of their rich heritage. However, these quintessential parts of their charm also need an expert eye for when they are involved in a renovation project.
If you aren’t sure where to start, that’s where we come in! We have put together some good starting points, quick tips, and commonly asked questions to make the process a little simpler for you.
The most important thing you need to do is hire a specialised Queenslander renovation architect and/or builder. Queenslander homes aren’t simple like many modern off the plan homes, therefore they require the expertise of a professional. There’s a real knack to working on these old homes, and one small mistake can turn into a big one if your team aren’t used to their style and limitations. Building a strong, expert, and trustworthy team is key. By using their creativity and expertise, they will help you restore your home while creating a space that works for you and your family.
It also pays to get permits sorted (or at least started) early to avoid delays. These can really hold back a process if they are left too late, and the longer your renovation takes, the more money out of your pocket! Heritage restrictions vary depending on your location and the age of your home, so we recommend starting this process as early as possible to attempt to sidestep any interruptions.
Given the usual characteristics of an old Queenslander home, there is a high change it will need to be raised. Some of these homes are built-in underneath, but more often than not, they are not legal height (2.4 metres). Having your downstairs area be legal height is particularly important if you plan to build in underneath, swapping the traditional Queenslander ground-level storage for bedrooms or a kitchen. There is an option to leave a home as not legal height downstairs, but this can mean you run into issues down the track. Rooms downstairs will be marked as a “utility” room, meaning your 5-bedroom home (3 upstairs, 2 downstairs) will only be allowed to be listed as a 3 bedroom in future resale. This will affect resale price, as the home will only be valued as a 3 bedroom not 5 bedroom. Insurance agencies will also generally not cover “utility” rooms, leaving you stuck if anything ever happens downstairs.
The key to a successful Queenslander renovation is to decide what to keep and what to change. An 1890s floorplan may not always fit contemporary lifestyles, so you may want to work on its layout first. You may consider reorienting the kitchen (perhaps even moving it downstairs), opening dark or underused formal spaces for an open-plan flow, and adding an ensuite. Many modern owners are extending the indoor/outdoor space by adding rear decks to the house. Traditionally, original inhabitants loved to parade on their front verandas. However, modern lifestyle tends to lean towards valuing privacy, so a rear deck may be more your style!
Bringing integrity to your finished project will be the result of restoring your home’s heritage features. For example, restoring a fireplace, reclaiming original floorboards, or rescuing a piece of fancy fretwork. Your designers can provide authentic replacements for any features that are unsalvageable.
Our last biggest tip for renovating an old Queenslander home is insulating! These homes are typically breezy and well ventilated, due to being built to withstand the scorching Queenslander summer. Thanks to this, they typically aren’t well insulated against the cold, and you might find those drafts through the windows and floorboards to be uncomfortable in the winter months. Adding insulation into your roof, floors, and walls can add an extra layer of protection against the cold. New insulation, combined with Queenslanders typical balconies and excess of windows, will mean that your home is comfortable and liveable, no matter the time of year or weather.
If you have any questions about renovating an old Queenslander home, or have plans to start a renovation, get in contact with our team today. With over 60 combined years of experience, we are the experts in Queenslander character home renovations, and can help you every step of the way.
