Why we renovate
Most of New Zealand’s existing housing stock tells a story of past eras – villas with central hallways and formal rooms, bungalows with compartmentalised layouts, even mid-century homes were designed for a very different lifestyle we aspire to today. Families cooked in separate kitchens and entertained in formal lounges, and these living spaces rarely enabled easy indoor–outdoor flow.
Fast-forward to today, and the way we live has changed dramatically.
Peter Wolfkamp shares how homeowners now crave less formal, more open-plan living and dining spaces, natural light and seamless connections to outdoor areas.
Using his own villa as an example, he says, ‘The back of my house faces north and I want to open it up to the garden. We want to have an open-plan living arrangement. Opening up living spaces to the garden, in terms of how we like to live today, is what we’re driving for.’
Modern living means rethinking spatial experiences within the home such as creating open-plan kitchens that double as social hubs and improving indoor–outdoor flow with wide bifold door openings to sophisticated and versatile decks and courtyards (effectively outdoor rooms). We now expect integrated flexible zones for living, relaxing and entertaining. These changes are not just aesthetic – they are also functional upgrades that align homes with contemporary lifestyles while also future-proofing them for later resale.
Where to invest
Renovation budgets are usually finite, so where should homeowners spend? According to Peter, kitchens and bathrooms remain the focal points.
‘These are the rooms where renovation spending has the biggest impact, both financially and functionally,’ says Peter.
With respect to future resale, the classic truism in real estate is these spaces influence buyer perception and value more than any other rooms. A well-designed kitchen (and adjacent spaces) can transform the heart of the home, while a modern bathroom can signal both quality and comfort. Pairing these upgrades with improved outdoor access – via generous openings to decks (and courtyards where possible) – creates a compelling package for future buyers.
Peter is a strong believer that, when budget is limited, homeowners should prioritise functionality over luxury finishes. ‘Be prepared to spend 10% more on energy efficiency … even if you then might not get the tile that you liked.’
An efficient layout and use of durable, classic materials will deliver better long-term value than high-end aesthetics alone.
Balancing heritage and modernity
For heritage homes, the challenge is twofold: respecting the past while meeting present living and lifestyle needs and expectations.
Peter advocates for at least some degree of authenticity in heritage renovations.
‘Retaining original features like skirting boards and architraves matters, and replicas diminish a home’s heritage value.’ Peter says maintaining the materiality – the authentic materials that show a home’s age and style – is really important.
Indeed, materiality is a subtle but powerful principle to help bind the original and new elements of a heritage project.
When extensions are necessary, there are two schools of thought regarding the architectural style of the proposed new work versus the style of the original existing building. Between the architect and the client, a consensus will be reached, but it can be a complicated process.
Some prefer continuity of the styles, but this approach is vulnerable to the criticism of adding faux architecture to a genuine heritage or period building. On the other hand, some prefer to maintain the character and detailing of the original period building and then make a clear distinction and change to a contemporary style for the new work. There are examples of each approach designed and built sublimely – but also examples of each poorly executed. Whichever school of thought the designer pursues, it is a complex exercise to combine the two separate elements successfully, and a deft hand is required to effectively achieve it well.
If the project involves a building that is listed (such as by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga), a third arbiter will probably become involved too.
Whatever the situation, Peter suggests that it is prudent to at least ‘seek advice from a heritage architect early in the piece’. They’ll help you navigate the fine line between preservation and progress, ensuring your renovation enhances rather than erases character. Peter suggests clear architectural honesty: let old and new coexist instead of resorting to mimicry. This approach can celebrate history while still embracing innovation. A crisp, contemporary addition can complement a villa’s ornate detailing – provided it’s thoughtfully designed.
Practical realities – budget and scope
Behind the optimism of home renovation lurks the reality of hidden costs and scope creep. Experienced design and construction professionals can anticipate structural surprises and guide clients through contingency planning.
For older homes, Peter recommends prudently allocating a realistic contingency for unforeseen issues like rotten framing, outdated wiring or seismic upgrades. ‘Especially when you’ve got an estimate at the start of the job … I think the key word is estimate.’
Careful evaluation and professional advice will usually mean that a reasonable contingency sum can be calculated and must be added to your budget – for example, expect contingency of 10–15% for many pre-1940s New Zealand homes. This is realism not pessimism.
Peter’s other piece of advice for staying under budget is wisdom accrued from years in the game.
Peter says, ‘Choosing the right contractor is really, really important. Home renovation is a specific skillset born from experience, helped with a calm personality and plenty of patience. If possible, early contractor engagement, where the project is a collaboration between client, architect/designer and contractor, is the best model.’
Sustainability and energy performance
Modern living isn’t just about style and aesthetics. Today, it is as much about warmth, dryness and energy efficiency. Peter urges home renovators to prioritise insulation and airtightness.
‘It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.’ He says even partial improvements in the zone of work can yield significant ongoing energy savings.
‘From seals on windows to high-performance retrofits, energy upgrades are increasingly seen as essential investments rather than optional extras. Double glazing, advanced building wraps and improved ventilation systems can dramatically save energy and improve comfort,’ says Peter.
Have a master plan
Adapting older homes for modern living is a balancing act – honouring heritage while delivering comfort, efficiency and style.
As Peter puts it, ‘Thoughtful design and informed choices make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or a series of incremental upgrades, have a master plan and focus on what matters most: functionality, authenticity and sustainability.
‘Done well, your renovation won’t just transform your home. It will create a modern comfortable environment that works for today and – importantly – well into the future too.’