old home renovation

Old Home & Villa Renovations

Refresh delivers high-quality renovations for character homes, bungalows, heritage-houses and more, tailored to your needs and budget.

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Old Home and Villa Renovations

Architectural features and historic charm are often what draw homeowners to classic villas and older homes in New Zealand. But these same characteristics can be the most challenging aspects of renovating an old house; where to start, what to preserve, and what to change are common issues. 

What is needed for a 1930s home renovation will differ from a 1960s home renovation as the inspiration, materials, and popular styles during these periods differ considerably. To appreciate the character and history during a heritage home renovation, it’s vital to work with an expert who understands the distinctive features of each era. 

It may feel daunting to embark on a 100-year-old house renovation, but we’re here to guide you through the process and support you at every step. Whether you want to bring your home into the modern day or restore it to its former glory, Refresh will make your experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. 

How does Refresh help?

Renovations can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. Add in the unknown factors that come with an old home and that’s not exactly an experience you want to have on your own. But, before you spend hours searching online for “old home renovation contractors near me”, let’s dive into the world of Refresh so you can learn how we can bring your old home renovation ideas to life. 

Every Refresh project is led by an experienced Renovation Consultant who will assist with everything, from sourcing native timber for an authentic 1940s house renovation to coordinating specialist woodworkers for your art deco renovation. Whatever support you need, they’ll be by your side, but you’ll always remain in control of your renovation project. 

“Such a nice bunch of people. They were very flexible in how many of their 5 step process we were able to use. If you have no design experience and need a team to help you design, plan, and find you suppliers then this is the place to go!” —  Sophie Stevens, Refresh client

Each stage of our process - briefing, concept design, costing, building, and delivery - was purposefully designed to put homeowners first. With transparent communication and thorough planning at the heart of our approach, you’ll always be informed and can feel confident knowing we’re working hard to deliver your project on time and within budget. 

Does your old home need a new look?

Let’s talk! We want to hear your ideas and discuss how we can make them happen. To get started, get in touch with a local Renovation Consultant and arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

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A smoother renovation process

Your old or character home renovation will run smoothly thanks to our proven 5-step process, designed to keep your project on time and within budget.

Step 1

Briefing / Initial Consultation

Every renovation with Refresh begins with an in-depth consultation so we can get off on the right foot. Budget considerations, timeline, and design goals are the main targets but you can ask anything; no detail is too small nor idea too big!

Step 2

Concept and Feasibility

After moving through your consultation and refining your project, concept designs will be arranged by your Renovation Consultant who will illustrate your ideas and determine the feasibility. Being able to see realistic renderings of your home area presents a great opportunity to make design changes.

Step 3

Working Drawings and Costing

The final steps of the planning portion are working drawings and the cost estimate. Developing working drawings entails the technical and logistical factors required to make your old home area a reality. Your Renovation Consultant will provide you with an estimate for the scope of work discussed at this point. Once you accept the plans and quote, you’re still welcome to make alterations, but they may incur additional charges.

Step 4

Build / Construction Stage

Now your new space begins to take shape! Your Renovation Consultant will continue to provide you with excellent support during the construction phase, coordinating everything from big tasks to small details so you can enjoy minimal disruptions. If any issues arise, they’ll be dealt with swiftly and always communicated to you clearly.

Step 5

Your Finished Renovation

Before you can throw your first load in the washer, your Renovation Consultant will ensure they’ve provided you with the appropriate documentation such as Code of Compliance certificates.

Create an Old Home Renovation You'll Feel Proud Of

Recent Old Home Renovation Projects

Looking for renovation ideas for old homes? From traditional historic home renovations to bespoke bungalow renovations, we’ve done it all! Check out some of our recent projects for a behind-the-scenes look at the process and to see before-and-after photos.

Why choose Refresh for Your Old Home Renovation?

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We’re flexible

Our 5-step process was specifically designed to address the important components of a renovation while remaining flexible to your needs. We can spend as much or as little time as we need during each phase to ensure your vision is understood and delivered.

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We know the industry

Feel confident knowing that you’re backed by an experienced team. You’ll have access to an extensive team of industry experts, but your Renovation Consultant will always remain your single point of contact.

Old Home Renovation Inspiration & Advice

If you’re interested in learning more before diving in, check out our collection of inspiration and advice articles.

Our Renovation Builders Service The Following Locations

Ashburton & Timaru
Auckland
Auckland - Rodney
Auckland - Central
Auckland - Manukau & Eastern Bays
Auckland - North Shore
Auckland - West
Christchurch
Far North
Gisborne & Wairoa
Hawkes Bay
Invercargill
Manawatu
Marlborough
Nelson
Queenstown & Wanaka
Rotorua
Taupō
Tauranga
Waikato
Wellington
Whangārei

Pleasant polite tradies. Good quality work. Prompt rectifying of mistake. PM kept me informed.

Renovation Consultant: Refresh Renovations® Manawatu

⁠— 

Allen Mudford

, Refresh Customer

Andre is dedicated, creative, highly engaged and extremely positive to work with. He had some great ideas for our building project. He is also very reliable and has excellent contacts within the building profession.

⁠— 

Andrew Harrison

, Refresh Customer

It was a large project, as I was not only wanting to renovate my bathroom from the ground up, I also wanted to replace the plumbing for the whole house, all while we were in the middle of the pandemic. It took a while to get going, but once it started it felt like it flowed from start to finish. There were a few issues that popped up but Michael and the team were flexible in working around them so that they didn't become big problems, and throughout the job, they provided heaps of useful ideas. All in all it only came in a little over budget with the last minute additions, but the quality of the work was much higher than I expected and definitely worth it.

Renovation Consultant: Refresh Renovations® Manawatu

⁠— 

Ashley Taylor

, Refresh Customer

From Kick off to touch down the team of Mike, Sophia and Rachel delivered us two beautiful renovated bathrooms. Meeting Sophia and Rachel initially, getting our ideas and giving theirs, then taking it to the design team came up with designs we could visualise, then taking us to choose fittings etc made the job less onerous for ourselves, and we appreciated all their input during the reno. Mike is in a league of his own. His daily contact with us and his tradies, kept us in the loop as to what was happening. His subcontractors, being excellent tradespeople, respected him and ourselves so having them in the house, whilst a noisy, dusty experience, was made easier with them all cleaning up at the end of each day.We have no hesitation in recommending Refresh to anyone contemplating a renovation.

Renovation Consultants: Sophia Roydhouse-Ross and Mike Ross.

⁠— 

Anna and John

, Refresh Customer