The Queenslander home is iconic in the greater Brisbane area but considering their age, many could use a revamp.
If you own a Queenslander, you should consider yourself lucky to have one of these incredible houses. With so much character, unforgettable features and plenty of veranda space, these houses are well-loved for a reason.
However, when it comes to renovating a Queenslander, there are a few challenges that might hinder your project.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of solutions to remedy these problem areas. We take you through what to watch out for and how to push forward:
1. Disconnect Between Indoor and Outdoor Areas
One essential feature of a Queenslander is its elevation. Almost all Queenslanders are built on stilts, protecting the occupants from flash floods and cooling the house down.
However, this elevated style also means that there is a significant disconnect between the main living areas and the backyard. To access the garden, you would need to go down the stairs to go outside, which poses a problem particularly for those with little ones.
To solve this, building underneath your Queenslander as a part of your renovation is an ideal solution. You can move your kitchen, dining or even bedrooms to the lower level of your house, creating ease of movement between your home and the backyard. This will also utilise the often redundant space under the house, creating more room for you and your family. You may need to raise your house slightly to ensure that you have adequate ceiling height depending on how low your stilts sit.
2. Lack of Natural Light
Queenslanders often have rooms stacked together and a wide layout. This is great for creating long verandas and the front and back of the house but can also darken some rooms towards the centre of the house. The covered verandas, while great for the Queensland climate, also contribute to this as they limit the natural light the windows receive.
While this is tricky, it can be solved. Strategically placed windows, skylights, glass doors or walls and creating a more open plan design can all contribute to ensuring light can enter, drastically improving the feel of your home.
3. Structural Issues
Given the age of Queenslander homes, it’s almost inevitable you will face structural issues during your renovation. Most Queenslanders are historical, and over the decades, exposure to the elements and natural wear and tear have taken a toll on their foundational integrity. Common structural problems include rotting timber, termite infestations, water damage, and uneven floors, all of which can compromise the safety and longevity of the home.
To address these foundational issues, it’s important to enlist the expertise of a reliable and experienced builder like JM Homes who understands Queenslander architecture and the common structural concerns associated with these homes. A skilled builder will inspect the property thoroughly, identifying any compromised timber or water-damaged areas, and take measures to repair or replace them.
4. Strict Regulations
Many Queenslanders are protected due to their age and cultural significance. Before you begin your renovation process, check to see if your home is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register or in a suburb where there is “Character Protection” or heritage overlay legislation.
If it is, you will need to get the proper permits from the council before you begin building. The team at JM Homes can help you obtain these and stay within regulations during your renovation, taking it off your plate!
5. Poor Layout
The layout of the rooms in Queenslanders don’t often optimise the potential of your home and may not suit your lifestyle.
For example, kitchens and living areas are usually toward the front of the house and the toilets and laundry are often located near the back garden as that is where the septic tanks were once located.
This doesn’t make sense with your modern lifestyle. Having your kitchen and living areas at the front of the house doesn’t get the most amount of sunlight throughout the day, especially at the times when you want it most. Additionally, the laundry and toilets take up valuable space and sunlight that could be better used for entertaining.
To solve this, you can use what you have but modify the layout to your advantage. A good idea is to put the kitchen toward the back where the plumbing facilities already are. This creates an entertainment area that links to the back veranda and utilises the day’s sunlight.
6. Lack of Insulation
Another challenge in renovating a Queenslander house is addressing the lack of insulation. While their open design allows for cooler interiors through cross-ventilation, it means that most Queenslanders lack the modern insulation needed for energy efficiency and temperature control. This can make the interiors uncomfortable during both hot summers and chilly winters, as well as increase energy consumption due to greater reliance on air conditioning and heating systems.
Although retrofitting insulation into a Queenslander home is often complex, it can be done. Underfloor insulation can be installed to keep the home warmer during cooler months, while also sealing any drafts that may enter through gaps in the floorboards. Double-glazed windows can also help to improve insulation.
7. Poor Orientation
Many Queenslanders were built without optimal orientation on the block, which can present significant challenges during renovations. In the past, placement considerations were less about sunlight and energy efficiency and more about access to breezes. As a result, some Queenslanders face the wrong direction to make the most of natural light or protection from extreme weather. For instance, living areas or bedrooms may not receive sufficient morning or afternoon sun, making certain parts of the home feel dark and unwelcoming.
Renovating to improve the home’s orientation can be a complex and costly process. Solutions such as repositioning rooms, enlarging windows, or even moving the entire structure on the block are sometimes considered. However, these solutions require significant planning and may not always be feasible. Homeowners need to balance the desire for improved orientation with practical limitations, working to maximise light and warmth while maintaining the historical charm of the property.
8. Pool Placement
Finally, if you’re considering adding a pool as part of your Queenslander renovation project, then it’s important to choose the right location. Finding an appropriate spot for a pool requires thoughtful planning to avoid disrupting the flow of the outdoor areas or detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the property.
To find an ideal pool location, assess the block for areas that provide both sunlight and privacy, such as a north-facing corner of the garden. Positioning the pool near existing outdoor living spaces, like verandas, can enhance the flow between indoor and outdoor areas and make it easier to monitor children. If a more substantial renovation is planned, consider reshaping or re-landscaping the yard to create a designated pool area that feels integrated with the rest of the home.
Final Thoughts
Renovating a Queenslander house presents unique challenges. Each of these aspects requires careful consideration to ensure that renovations enhance the comfort and functionality of the home without compromising its historical charm.
Successfully renovating a Queenslander means honouring the past while embracing the present, blending architectural preservation with modern living needs.
Ready to Transform your Queenslander Home?
Talk to us! At JM Homes, we’re Brisbane’s home renovation and building experts. We ensure we always take the time to listen, communicate and act with our clients interests at heart at every stage of the build. Whether it’s a Queenslander, new build, house raise, or extension, we can help you.
Take a look at some of our recent projects for some inspiration or get in touch with our team.
