Renovating a 1970s or 1980s Home: What to Consider

Renovating a 1970s or 1980s home in New Zealand can be a great move. These homes often have solid structures, good section sizes, and plenty of potential, but they can also come with dated layouts, tired materials, and a few “hidden surprises” behind the walls.

Let’s go through the main things to consider when planning a 1970s home renovation in NZ (and 1980s homes too). 

What to think about when renovating a 1970s or 1980s home in NZ?

Homes from the 1970s and 1980s in New Zealand can be amazing to renovate. They often have good section sizes and strong “bones”. 

But there are a few common issues from that era you should plan for early, especially around layout, materials, and compliance.

1. Layout: what usually feels old-fashioned

Rooms are often closed off.

Many homes from the 70s and 80s were built with separate kitchen, dining, and lounge areas. You may also find long hallways and rooms that feel dark or disconnected. Renovation is your chance to improve flow and light, sometimes by opening up spaces or creating wider openings (but only after checking if walls are structural).

Storage is usually not enough.

A lot of these homes have small wardrobes, fewer cupboards, and awkward corners that don’t get used properly. It’s smart to plan better storage during the renovation, like larger wardrobes, a linen cupboard, improved pantry space, and built-in storage, because it’s easier to do while you’re already changing walls and layouts.

2. Materials: what to watch for before you start demo

Insulation is often missing or weak.

Many older homes lack sufficient insulation, especially in the ceiling and under the floor. That’s one reason they can feel cold and expensive to heat. Renovation is the best time to add or upgrade insulation and improve comfort.

Asbestos can be present in older materials.

If your home is from the 70s or early 80s, there’s a higher chance that asbestos could be in some building materials. It can include things like old textured ceilings, older wall linings, or older flooring. The safe approach is simple: don’t rip things out unthinkingly. If you’re unsure, test first, then demolish.

Old plumbing can be a hidden problem (like Dux Quest).

Some late 70s and 80s homes used polybutylene plumbing, often known as Dux Quest/Quest. Over time, it can become brittle and leak. Many homeowners choose to replace this during renovation, especially if walls and floors are already being opened up for bathroom or kitchen upgrades.

3. Compliance: what might need consent or checks

Big changes usually need building consent.

If you are removing load-bearing walls, changing the structure, adding rooms, or making major changes to plumbing and drainage, you will likely need building consent.

Some smaller work may be exempt, but don’t guess.

New Zealand has a list of work that may not require consent (Schedule 1). But there are still conditions, and the work must meet the Building Code. The safest move is to check early so you don’t get caught out later, especially if you plan to sell or insure the home. In simple terms: when renovating a 1970s or 1980s home, plan for layout improvements, check for older materials and plumbing risks, and confirm consent requirements early.

Doing these three things will save you time, money, and stress, and help you get a modern, comfortable home without nasty surprises.

Renovate your 70s/80s home the smart way with Refresh

A 1970s or 1980s home can become an amazing modern home, but the best results come when you plan for the “era issues” early. Updating the layout can improve light and flow, upgrading insulation can make the home warmer and cheaper to run, and checking old materials and plumbing can help you avoid nasty surprises during demolition. And when you understand consent needs from the start, your renovation stays smoother and safer.

At Refresh Renovations NZ, we help you handle all of this step by step. We look at your home’s layout, identify common risks like outdated services, and guide you through design, budgeting, and any building consent requirements. We manage the whole renovation process so you get a result that feels fresh, comfortable, and built for modern living, without losing control along the way.

If you’re planning a 1970s home renovation in NZ (or an 80s home), get in touch with Refresh. We’ll help you turn an older house into a home that works beautifully for the way you live today.

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