A Queenslander house usually holds a great affection from those who looks at its distinctive elevated construction, its airy veranda and its decorative fretwork. It is no wonder that a Queenslander house renovations Moorooka is always a worthwhile investment that is almost guaranteed to increase in real estate value.
Part of its charm is that Queenslander house can be updated fast and easy without losing its colonial charm and character.Older Queenslander homes built in the 1920s or even earlier often appear in economic auction listings which are ideal when renovating a property for profit
A Queenslander house
Built around the 840s and 1940s, Queenslander houses were designed to suit the warm, humid, subtropical climate of Queensland and New South Wales. It actually is a native residential architecture style.
Today, it is considered one of Australia’s most important heritage home designs. the first houses by then were simple timber houses with tin or corrugated iron roofs built high up on stumps.
Through the years passed, Queenslander houses evolved and became more grand and more eccentric but some of its key characteristics stayed the same.
Warm and humid as well as winter chill
Queenslander houses were designed to suit the warm, humid, subtropical climate of Queensland and New South Wales. It is a native residential architecture style and is one of Australia’s most important heritage home designs.
The Queenslander home is also a popular style in non-tropical regions of Australia where increased insulation is a priority to combat the winter chill and keep energy costs to a minimum.
The design
These houses have been built on stilts and fits the tropical climate allowing cooler air to flow beneath. it also prevents flash floods damaging the main living room.
Beingbuilt on stilts is perfect for the tropical climate as it allows cooler air to flow beneath the property and prevents flash floods damaging the main living space.
However, to create a streamlined area between the house and backyard many renovations include extra rooms on the ground floor. The ceiling heights have to reach at least 2.4 meters to comply with regulations.
The sunlight
in order to capture sunlight needs to correct the older poor orientation. Re-organizing the interior will maximizing sunlight, can create cozier rooms, increasing itsproperty’s real estate value
This includes having the main living room and dining area face north-east to avoid the colder southern atmosphere. Installing skylights and extra casement windows will help improve natural daylight and provide additional ventilation.
Exterior
Again, it is a given that every Queenslander house renovation has a spacious veranda. it gives the house its distinctive character. At the same time, it provides shade in the extreme heat, plus a ventilated area that’s perfect for entertaining.
It is also an ideal way of increasing living space for a young family. The addition of a wrap-around veranda is versatile. It protects the core of the property from adverse weather.S
When painting the exterior, a Queenslander property will be more marketable if it matches the traditional image. stay away from contemporary hues and opt for softer steely blues and greys highlighted with crisp white or cream.
Interiors
Custom home builders always recommend preserving the original Queenslander features (VJ paneling and fretwork). They have practical functions as well as adding harm of the style.
The decorative fretwork over windows and doors helps to improve airflow by dispersing refreshing breezes during the heat of the summer.
The VJ (vertical joint) boards are traditionally colonial. However, they are perfect for modern streamlined interiors. They also add an insulating layer to the walls.
Color schemes of light pastel shades (cream, blue or grey) increase the image of a cool airy interior. Accessories like cushions or throw pillows in bright vivid shades keep the interior décor up-to-date.
If you could include are planning to renovate a Queenslander, consider preserving the house’s classic attributes.
Local timber / metal roofing
Timber is a lightweight building material that’s easy to use. Source sustainable timber species that’s easily available in your area.
Corrugated metal roofing – Metal roofs are lightweight, making them the perfect roof for timber homes. Restore or replace the roof to give your Queenslander a better-looking prominent roof.
Covered verandah / butterfly staircase
Restore your Queenslander’s spacious verandah (British Colonial style wrap around covered verandah). Gain additional space on the front, back, and sides of the house. Use this space to create multiple indoor-outdoor lounge areas that are always protected from sun and rain.
Likewise, restore the prominent design feature (butterfly staircase) in front of the house to make the entrance more attractive and dramatic.
Cottage charm / exterior frills
Today, there are many renovated Queenslanders tha. have modern and contemporary interior designs. Naturally, the laid back country or beachfront cottage designs is best.
Queenslanders have highly-embellished porticos, gables, brackets, columns, railings, balustrades, battens, screens, louvres, and fretwork. You can easily restore them with the help of local design and build professionals.
However, not everything is as rosy as some would like to think. there are present problems to watch out for.
Your home zone
If you are not sure the things that can be changed or not, a town planner or architect can help you get across relevant heritage restrictions (suburb, site, and building) and what council approvals are needed to get your project off the ground.
Older blocks also have the unexpected, including shared easements or carriageways (once used to accommodate a horse and cart!), council utility lines and unclear boundaries.
Always ask a conveyancer to providea complete picture of which space is exclusively yours.
Termites
These age-old house destroyers, termites, also love Queenslanders. It’s one of the reasons these homes were built high off the ground in the first place. Your pest inspector will check for white ant damage and unwanted guests.
Toxic / outdated materials
if your target house was built between the 1940s and 1980s, there’s a chance it still holds asbestos. This building material is fine in its complete state but dangerous when fibers are airborne.
Fortunately, asbestos can be safely removed by specialists. With regards to wiring, a building inspector will advise on whether you’ll need new wiring to comply with modern building codes.
They will also be looking for rotten foundations, uncompliant roofing structures, and plumbing problems.
Every Queenslander renovation project is different with every home having its own issues to address. With proper planning and guidance,the entire house can still be fixed and still keep the heritage feel of a Queenslander house.