How to renovate a period home

[Isobel]

It's always fantastic to see a period home lovingly restored, and devastating to see one that has had all its lovely period charm removed. This article from Darren Palmer doesn't have heaps of detail, but at least makes the strong case for doing your homework and making sure that you keep the original building's charm intact. See https://www.domain.com.au/advice/darren-palmer-how-to-renovate-your-period-home-the-right-way-201707...

Have any Workshop community members renovated a period home?

[Jason]

Our previous home was a freestanding Edwardian weatherboard that had been renovated by the previous owners. Fortunately they took care to leave all the period features intact and the paintwork was in keeping with the era. It was a lovely home (although a little cold in winter!) 

We renovated our current property - a 50s brick veneer. Not as many period features but we kept as much as possible, including our retro bathroom. For the rear of the house (including the kitchen) which had been the result of a 70s renovation, we guttered it and went for a modern contrast. So we have a formal lounge in the front of our house which is barely touched from the 50s, and a modern kitchen and family room out the back. It's the best of both worlds for us. 

Jason

[RenoQueen]

It is sad to see period homes knocked down or stripped of their original beauty. But it can be an expensive exercise so buyers should know what they are getting into. Step one is to make sure you get a pre-purchase building inspection report from a reliable source...

[Jason]

@KingStreetReno might be also able to add to this discussion.

Jason

[Kermit]

Any thoughts on this house? 

https://www.domain.com.au/advice/the-brand-new-home-in-ascot-vale-with-an-oldfashioned-footprint-201...

[Isobel]

Sorry I missed your reply @Kermit. I think the original house was beautiful so its a bit sad to see it demolished. At least the new property is in keeping with the area. 

There's some lovely extensions of period homes in this article - 

https://www.domain.com.au/advice/extend-home-four-properties-made-marvellous-extensions/