Project Overview
When a past client approached us about transforming a dilapidated 100-year-old building, they knew the project would require a team experienced in complex renovation work. With the building in serious disrepair and strict council requirements surrounding the future use of the site, this was never going to be a straightforward renovation.
The property sat on land that had since been rezoned residential. Demolishing the existing building would have meant the site could only be rebuilt as housing, so in order for the building to continue being used for its intended purpose as a commercial office, the existing structure needed to be retained and extensively renovated to meet modern building and compliance requirements.
Having worked with us previously, the client trusted our team to manage the challenges involved and bring the building back to life.
The Challenge
At first glance, it was clear the building needed significant work. Years of deterioration had taken their toll, with rotten framing, cladding and flooring throughout the property as well as failing roofing. But as with many older renovations, once we began investigating further, the true extent of the issues quickly became apparent. What initially appeared to be a major renovation soon became an extensive structural rebuild.
The project required not only restoring the building itself, but also carefully navigating the constraints around retaining the existing structure while bringing the property back up to current code requirements.
What We Found
As we assessed the building, extensive rot and deterioration of a lot of the structure were uncovered.. The damage was significant enough that a full internal gut of the building was required.
Over half of the floor structure needed to be repiled, with a new ring beam foundation installed to part of the building as well as sections of roof framing being replaced.
One of the more technically challenging parts of the project involved carefully propping and supporting sections of the roof framing while repiling and subfloor works were carried out beneath. This required careful planning and sequencing to safely stabilise the building while major structural work was undertaken.
Structural Works and Building Transformation
Once demolition and structural assessments were complete, the focus shifted to rebuilding and strengthening the property from the ground up.
Works included:
- Full internal gutting of the building
- Extensive repiling works
- Installation of new ring beam foundation
- Roof framing strengthening
- Structural repair work throughout
- Commercial-grade firewall installation
- New windows throughout
- Replacement weatherboard cladding
- Axon panel cladding installation
This stage of the project was a massive undertaking and required close coordination across all trades to carefully bring the building back together.
Structural repairs, repiling, and hidden damage are some of the biggest factors that can influence renovation costs in older homes. You can read more about this in our Christchurch renovation cost guide .”
With the structural work complete, the building began to take on a completely new life.
New windows and weatherboard and Axon panel cladding dramatically improved both the appearance and performance of the property, while still respecting the character of the original building. What was once tired and neglected was transformed into a clean, modern, functional space ready for many more years of use.
The Result
This project was a true transformation from ruined to restored.
What began as a severely deteriorated 100-year-old building became a warm, compliant, and functional space once again through extensive renovation and structural rebuilding works.
Projects like this are a good reminder that renovations like these involve a lot more than just updating how a building looks. Older homes often uncover hidden challenges once work begins, so having a team that can problem-solve, adapt, and carefully manage the structural side of the project is a huge part of achieving a successful outcome.
At Gareth Davis Builders, this is the type of renovation work we enjoy the most – taking on challenging projects, solving problems, and helping breathe new life into older properties across Canterbury.
Considering A Complex Renovation In Christchurch or North Canterbury?
Thinking about renovating an older home? Complex renovations are what we do best. From structural repairs and repiling through to full-home transformations, we help Christchurch and North Canterbury homeowners bring new life into older properties with careful planning, quality workmanship, and clear communication throughout the process.
