Best renovations to improve a character home

Owning a character home is an exciting venture as it comes with a history, a vintage feel, and charm that is not found in more modern homes. However, there will come a time when you need to renovate your character home. When renovating, you want to update the space but preserve as much of the original character details as possible. The best way to do this is to make sure your renovations are subtle but impactful.

Here are some renovation ideas bought to you by experienced Auckland builders, DEC Construction.

Refreshing or replacing old windows

Old houses tend to have windows that add to their historical charm. If the material of your windows is in good nick, you won't need to replace them but you could refresh them, such as adding double glazing. However, if the windows are draughty, inoperable or beyond repair, you will need to fully replace them. If this is the case, choose a style that matches the original windows as closely as possible. Another option is to consider keeping the most visible windows, such as the street-facing ones, and then replacing the other windows throughout the rest of your house.

Adding an extension

An extension is a good way to add value to your character home. Just remember to consider the join of old and new. Ways you can extend your home could be to add a glass box extension to create a new sunroom or even a kitchen. This can give your home an indoor/outdoor feel and seamless access to the garden.

Removing walls to open up living spaces

Old homes tend to have walls between the lounge, dining room and kitchen to separate each room. A simple way to refresh a character home is by removing walls and making the living spaces more open. This can give your home a more modern feel and make it look like there is a lot more space. It also increases lighting opportunities and gives it a more communal feel.

Updating your plumbing and bathrooms

Some original plumbing in your property might be okay, but sometimes the plumbing and fixtures may need to be replaced. Old pipes and outdated water heaters tend to run out of hot water fast, and no one likes a chilly shower on a cold, winter morning. You may want to consider replacing your fixtures with modern ones that have a traditional look to them.

While you’re updating the plumbing, you can use the opportunity to remodel the bathroom. This could be updating the shower, sink, toilet and bath with a modern design while retaining the original walls or floor of the bathroom. This is a great way to add an air of modernity to your home without changing its original character.

Modernising your kitchen

From making small, subtle changes to renovating the entire kitchen, this is a great way to improve your character home without affecting its character and charm. You could look at updating the flooring to a more timeless material such as wood, tile or stone, or even modernising your countertop surface. If you’re on a tight budget, you could look to paint your existing cabinets a vibrant colour, a clean white or even a dark, modern black. This will instantly change the look and feel of your kitchen from the outdated cabinets.

Adding a skylight

If you’re looking for a simple way to add more natural light into your home, why not consider adding a skylight. There are plenty of benefits to having a skylight in your home. It can add solar heat, which is an economical way of heating during the colder seasons and it’s also another way of letting fresh air in and ventilating your home. It also adds a modern aesthetic and can make a space feel a lot larger.

Keeping your home warm

Chances are your character home could do with an update to its heating system. Look at opting for newer, efficient options such as an electric heat pump or radiators. These options will keep your home warm as well as be more cost-effective and budget-friendly in the long term.

There’s no right or wrong way to restore a character home. Each home is different and everyone's tastes are different. However you decide to do it, renovations are a great way to increase the value of your home and keep it up-to-date with modern requirements which make for a more comfortable living.

Acts Blinds are an Auckland curtains and blinds company who specialize in providing New Zealand based clients with window coverings and shade solutions.