Author(s): Alide Elkink

Home Improvement

The book Renovate bungalows is the second in a new series that will cover the renovation of houses from different eras. Bungalows are the archetypal house of 1920s New Zealand. Builders and architects took ideas from the United States, Canada, India and even Japan, and added their own features to create this popular and enduring style. The style is distinctive, with a deep porch, exposed rafter eaves, extended bargeboards and oriel windows. Many bungalows remain largely in their original form, and they are frequently subjects for renovation. Renovate bungalows is a unique technical resource, and looks at: * what defines a bungalow style * how they were constructed and with what materials * the typical modifications they have had in the years since they were built. Well illustrated, the book includes BRANZ's trademark 3D drawings for typical construction details. One chapter looks at problems such as floors not being level and walls out of plumb, a lack of insulation, moisture and weathertightness, rot, mould, or hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint. Various remedies for each problem is outlined. Renovate bungalows also works through how to get a consent for renovation work, looking at compliance paths and Alternative Solutions. Five short case studies show compliance paths that could be used for a range of bungalow renovations. Getting code compliance for partial renovations is also addressed.