What's old is new: Top tips for relevant restorations in Canberra

Buying a renovated or restored home offers one big homebuyer advantage – somebody else has done the hard work.

That said, there are still plenty of tips and tricks in finding the perfect home that’s been given a new lease of life.

Sandy Morris of One Agency Sandy Morris says this week’s feature property is a shining example of how a home from an earlier era has been made relevant again.

“It’s important to work with the bones of the home and focus the upgrade on maximising the effectiveness of the floor plan,” she says.

“If the home is going to be sold, ensure that it meets contemporary needs for light, an indoor-outdoor connection and a quality kitchen and deluxe bathrooms.”

Morris says restored or renovated homes could be found anywhere, from “Watson to Wanniassa”.

“They will usually be older properties, family homes, often on larger blocks,” she says.

Cory McPherson of Capital Residential says homebuyers looking at restored or renovated homes should closely examine the new floor plan.

“Quite often, compromises can be made to get everything to fit,” he says.

“I’m sure we’ve all had those experiences where we wonder why a room is in a particular place or why something else doesn’t seem to quite flow properly.”

McPherson says it’s also important to closely review the workmanship and the quality of fixtures and fittings.

“And make sure the renovation or restoration has been carried out by a registered builder and that all the necessary approvals have been received,” he says.

Top tips for relevant restorations:

• Approvals. Carry out due diligence on builder registration and the bona fides of any other key trades as well as relevant approvals if considering a home that has been renovated or restored.
• Design. The success of any renovation or restoration will depend on its design. How well does the floor plan work with its orientation, its use of light and space and its indoor-outdoor connection?
• Detail. Attention to detail should be evident in choices, big and small, that have been made throughout a restoration or renovation. Even the selection of something like light switches can be revealing

Allhomes’ top pick of homes currently for sale that are ripe for revival:

Deakin (also pictured above)

2 Carrington Street

Price guide: $1.25 million +

5 bed, 3 bath, 2 parking

Everything old is new again in this character Deakin home that has been in the same family for more than 60 years.

Their attachment has been made quite clear in the attention they have lavished on a meticulous interior upgrade that now presents the latest in contemporary living style.

Extensive use of north-facing glass is one of the features that sold it to the original owners and the home enjoys boundless natural light and winter sun throughout most rooms.

The new interior is highlighted by hardwood flooring throughout while the hub of the home is a custom-designed and spacious kitchen complete with Aga oven, island bench and an abundance of storage.

It flows into the open plan living area, warmed by a gas fireplace. An adjoining library features custom-built shelving. There are also two bedrooms on this level which share a generous bathroom, beautifully renovated in neutral tones.

A feature timber staircase connects the two levels and leads onto an open space between the two bedrooms and a nursery or study (or fifth bedroom). Bedroom two includes a study nook as does the generous master that’s highlighted by a deluxe en suite.

There’s a spacious rear garden with plenty of room for children and pets and a double garage with additional off-street parking options.

The home is a short walk to the Deakin shopping precinct, girls’ grammar school and an easy drive to the parliamentary triangle.

Auction: 10.30am, October 13

Agent: One Agency Sandy Morris, Sandy Morris 0420 380 895