Build a picture of the house before the design
Collect available drawings and records, then compare them with how the home is arranged now. Make a note of differences rather than assuming every earlier change appears on a plan. BRANZ’s renovation resources show why the building’s original construction and later alterations deserve attention alongside the new design.
An older-home preparation record
| Record | What to note | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Earlier work | Known additions, repairs and altered rooms. | Directs attention to how old and new parts connect. |
| Condition | Visible staining, movement, wear and past leaks. | Separates observed symptoms from an unconfirmed cause. |
| Features to retain | Doors, trims, flooring, windows or other valued details. | Makes protection and matching work part of the brief. |
| Services | Available records and known problems. | Identifies questions for the relevant trades. |
| Materials | Any existing surveys or concern about hazardous materials. | Allows assessment before disturbance is planned. |
Before a renovation site discussion
- Bring available property and previous-work records.
- Photograph visible issues without opening up surfaces yourself.
- List the features that must stay and those you are willing to change.
- Describe comfort, storage and layout problems separately.
- Ask what further assessment is needed before the scope is priced.
Preserving a feature needs a clear boundary
If you want to retain timber flooring, identify which rooms and transitions matter. Ask how new openings or removed walls may affect it and whether matching material is available. “Keep the floor” is a useful goal, but the finishing details still need to be agreed.
Should I strip out old linings to see what is behind them?
Discuss investigation with the project team first. If asbestos may be present, follow WorkSafe’s guidance and arrange appropriate assessment before disturbance. Old materials and concealed conditions need a planned approach; photographs and records are a safer starting point for the brief.
Further reading
Guidance checked 30 September 2026. Confirm the requirements and product information for your own project.