Renovating a classic Queenslander home is a delicate art. Get it right, and you can blend that timeless charm with the comforts of modern living. But get it wrong, and you could end up with an ugly duckling, where the new additions clash rather than flow.
Suddenly, your house becomes the one your neighbours shake their heads at, muttering, “What were they thinking?”
Take What Happened to Jack and Ella, for Example
They fell in love with their Queenslander’s high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and the gentle creak of the old hardwood floors. But they also wanted a modern extension, creating more space without sacrificing the house’s charm. So, they hired a builder and pushed ahead, assuming any reputable professional could handle it.
Throughout the build, they watched with cautious optimism, figuring the rough look was just part of the process and that it would all come together in the end.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
When it was done, the extension stood out like a sore thumb, and the interior felt cold and out of place. The sleek, modern surfaces seemed to erase the warmth of their beloved home, and the open-plan space they’d dreamed of felt clinical, with harsh lighting that clashed against the rich, aged timber of the original rooms.
Rather than feeling proud of their home, they felt embarrassed. (They were $115,000 out of pocket, too.)
So What’s The Right Way to Renovate a Queenslander?
Avoiding the “ugly duckling” outcome begins with a solid plan and respect for your house’s character. Local builders who know how to handle these homes often use one of two approaches:
Approach #1: Keeping it classic. Some homeowners choose to keep the heritage feel front and centre, preserving features like VJ walls, belt rails, and colonial architraves. Modern updates are added subtly. For example, ducted air conditioning can be hidden in ceiling spaces or behind decorative moulding, and you could seamlessly integrate smart home technologies by disguising them as classic fixtures, like pendant lights.
Approach #2: Adding a bold modern extension. This is for homeowners who want to create a striking contrast between old and new. Sleek metal or timber cladding on the new exterior can distinguish it from the original weatherboard, for example, while the interior could have an open-plan layout with expansive glass doors that flood the space with natural light. A glass corridor or courtyard could bridge the two sections, creating a smooth yet defined transition.
It doesn’t matter which approach you go with; if it’s done right…
The Benefits Can Be Huge
Benefit #1: A home with character. A renovation that respects your Queenslander’s original design will keep that warm, lived-in character intact. In the existing home, restoring original stained-glass windows or refurbishing traditional French doors can preserve the heritage feel. Meanwhile, in a new extension, thoughtful touches like exposed beams or carved wood archways create a natural flow, bridging old and new.
Benefit #2: Improved comfort and livability. Thoughtful design gives you access to modern comforts, like insulation or climate control, without compromising your home’s aesthetic. For instance, you could improve energy efficiency while maintaining the original look by installing modern yet period-styled window frames.
Benefit #3: Long-term cost savings. A builder who specialises in Queenslanders knows how to handle their quirks, saving you from unexpected costs down the track. for example, in older Queenslanders, floors can sometimes slope over time due to settling. An experienced builder might carefully reinforce these floors rather than tearing them up, avoiding major rework costs while maintaining your house’s charm.
Benefit #4: Increased property value. A well-executed Queenslander reno can boost your property value significantly. For example, upgrading your kitchens and bathrooms with period-style fixtures — like vintage tapware and porcelain sinks — will create a harmonious blend of old and new, making the home more attractive to buyers who value both character and modern convenience.
The Bottom Line? You Need A Specialist Touch
Even the smallest renovation mistakes can tarnish the charm of a classic Queenslander, turning it into your suburb’s eyesore. That’s why it’s so important to work with a builder who knows these types of houses inside and out.
But that’s just one piece of the renovation puzzle — which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you to download:
5 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Major Home Renovation
It’s completely free and will help you avoid the common pitfalls that catch far too many homeowners off guard.
*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.
Admor Constructions is proudly partnered with APB and Master Builders Queensland.
