Simon Fenwick: Developer and Director, Nest Residential
What are the key things you look out for when undertaking a Reno job?
It usually doesn't matter what the age of the Reno is, it's aways the same thing – WHAT IS THE ENVELOPE LIKE? This includes insulation, windows, leaks and ventilation.
Most common problems?
Poor, or no insulation. I have even come across places where insulation was ripped in half so that it ‘looked’ like it was inserted, but not to the required thickness. Windows are usually poor and leaky and able to be broken with a tablespoon.
Any particular work/projects or any aspect of a Reno that you can share that may be of interest?
(Below) is an old ‘clip together’ type of house with just solid timber for the walls. We battened it out, added insulation and reclad and replaced the windows with recessed UPVC. The framing was so rickety underneath that we added blocking. We transformed the house from being a batch to a stunning main home.
SIMON SENDING IN PIX...
Anything to avoid?
I would usually avoid leaving the exterior cladding in place, removing it gives us better access to apply better insulation and wrapping as well as other structural issues.
Any misconceptions out there?
Some builders are against air-tight homes thinking they will rot. That's why we run continuous ventilation.
Any cost-effective solutions to any problems that you can share with us.?
Windows are a great first step, but redoing the cladding, when it's close to the end of its life, is also a good start.
We look to restore the existing building wherever possible, as having an insulated, super efficient Reno that has character and grace is hard to achieve with a new home.
