The Queenslander home is one of Australia’s most recognisable housing styles. The unique architectural style was popularised in the 1940s, built to fit the lifestyle and withstand the unpredictable weather typical of tropical regions. It is characterised by stilts raising the home from the ground to protect from flooding, a sheltered verandah and a weatherboard exteriors.
Because of its period details and historical quirks, there are special considerations to make when renovating a Queenslander.
Due diligence
Before you even enter the planning stage, check if your home is in a Character Protection Area or listed on the Heritage Register. If it is, there will be restrictions in place intended to protect its heritage characteristics, and you will have to obtain a permit from the Council before you can undertake any significant renovations.
Your vision
The first step is to clearly picture the vision you have for your Queenslander. Are you seeking more modern, open plan living? How are you planning to utilise the lower floor? The elevated design could pose challenges if you want to create an extension.
Your goals
Are you planning to expand? Do you require an extra bedroom or perhaps an at-home office? If you have children or elderly at home, the elevated structure of Queenslanders may require some extra safety measures being put in place, such as rebuilding the stairs and shoring up the balustrades. If you’re planning to sell, refurbish and modernise the interiors while maintaining the exterior charm that makes Queenslanders so attractive.
Your team
From maintaining heritage features to obtaining permits, having experts on hand will determine how smoothly your renovation goes. The team at SE Building Solutions has experience with restorations, heritage-listed and character homes. We can help you from the very beginning of your concept stage right through to the council approval process, managing your entire renovation from design through to completion.
Floor plan
Queenslanders’ often don’t cater to the natural light and open plan living that is so popular today. You may opt to knock down interior walls to create practical and connected space. Meanwhile, you can decide to re-stump the lower level or transform it to fit your home’s needs. You can turn the lower level into an extra storage space, a dedicated wine cellar, or invest or a garage.
Want to book in a site visit, ask a question about our building process or talk through your project? Call SE Building Solutions today on 0415 772 983