Character home renovations
Keep the Character. Fix Everything Else.
Villas, bungalows, 1950s state houses and the odd 1920s oddity. We renovate older homes all around Auckland so they look like they belong and work like they were built last year.
- 30 years in the industryBryson Rangi, director
- Site Safe accredited
- Licensed Building Practitioners
- Free site visits and quotes
Know your house
Not all old houses are the same
A 1910 villa, a 1925 bungalow and a 1955 state house each have different framing, different problems and different strengths. We've worked on all three.
Villas (pre 1920) have tall studs, rimu and kauri, and sash windows: great bones, tired services. Bungalows (1920s to 1930s) have lower rooflines, character joinery and often an enclosed sleepout or lean-to that wants sorting. State houses and 1950s homes are solidly built, with small rooms and poor insulation, and are a good fit for a fit-out and extension.
Scope
What we do on a character home
- Interior fit-outs and re-linings
- Extensions that match the existing roofline and cladding
- Putting right the framing and floors we find behind the linings
- Replacing or restoring windows and joinery
- Matching mouldings and native timber details
- Insulation and energy upgrades alongside the build
- Deck and entertaining area additions
Proof
Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead
The renovated and extended state house
Setting out beside the house for the extension
New roof trusses going up
Under scaffolding during the build
Timber flooring going down in the living area
The finished living area
Deck with glass balustrade and timber screening
The finished house from the street
A 1950s state house, fully renovated. We completed an internal fit-out and added an extension on the eastern side of the house.
Right from the get go Bryson understood our vision. Along with his team he was able to make that vision a reality. We absolutely love our new deck/outdoor area.
Process
How a character home renovation runs with us
Step 01
Site visit
Bryson walks the house with you and looks at what you have.
Step 02
Concept plan
Drafted plans with you and your designer or architect.
Step 03
Costing
A detailed quote and scope of works, with options.
Step 04
Contract
A written contract with stages, milestones and timelines.
Step 05
Consents
We prepare and manage your building consent with Auckland Council.
Step 06
Build
Regular checks, regular updates.
Step 07
Completion
Final walk-through and code of compliance.
Step 08
After-care
We come back after you move in to check everything is working as it should.
Why Straightline
Why owners of old houses choose us
Bryson Rangi has 30 years in the industry. He knows NZ native hardwood timbers and how to finish them, and he gives every job a fresh approach because no two old houses are alike. That is the right attitude for a house that has been altered, patched and added to over the decades.
Budget and time
What it costs and how long it takes
What it costs
How long it takes
FAQ
Character home questions
Got a character home that needs a plan?
Call Bryson. He'll visit, listen and tell you what to do first. Site visits and quotes are free.
0800 752 000- 176 Kepa Road, Orakei, Auckland
- info@straightlinebuilders.co.nz