Top Renovation Mistakes to Avoid in Older Illawarra Homes

TL;DR

• Older Illawarra homes often hide issues that don't appear until renovation begins.

• Coastal conditions accelerate wear on roofs, wiring, plumbing and structural elements.

• Cosmetic upgrades without addressing core maintenance issues can destroy renovation ROI.

• Understanding local construction eras and materials is critical before renovating.

• Innovative renovations focus on durability, compliance and long-term liveability — not just appearance.

Who this article is for:

• Buyers considering renovation opportunities

• Homeowners planning upgrades

• Investors assessing value-add properties

• Anyone renovating pre-1990 Illawarra homes

Older homes account for a significant share of the Illawarra housing stock.

From weatherboard cottages and fibro homes to early brick builds, these properties often attract buyers seeking character, land value, or renovation upside.

While older homes can offer excellent potential, they also carry risks—particularly in a coastal environment. Renovation mistakes are rarely dramatic at first.

More often, they appear quietly, months late, asleaks, corrosion, compliance issues, or unexpected costs.

Understanding the most common mistakes — and why they happen — is the best way to protect both your budget and your long-term property value.

1. Treating Renovation as Cosmetic Instead of Structural

One of the biggest mistakes renovators make is focusing on what's visible rather than what actually matters.

Ignoring the Bones of the House

Older Illawarra homes often have underlying issues such as:

• ageing roofs and gutters

• outdated electrical wiring

• deteriorating plumbing

• timber pest damage

• uneven foundations or movement

New kitchens, bathrooms, and paint can hide these problems, but they don't fix them.

Local reality: In coastal suburbs such as Woonona, Corrimal, Port Kembla, and Thirroul, salt air accelerates corrosion.

Roofs and fixings that look serviceable can fail far earlier than expected.

Skipping Proper Pre-Renovation Inspections

Many buyers rely on a standard building and pest report, then proceed straight to renovation.

That report is a starting point — not a renovation plan.

Before committing, it's critical to assess:

• roof condition and remaining lifespan

• wiring compliance with current standards

• plumbing materials (galvanised vs copper/PVC)

• Subfloor ventilation and moisture

• asbestos presence

Failing to do this often leads to budget blowouts mid-renovation.

Why This Hurts ROI

Buyers may pay a premium for a renovated home — but only if they trust it.

When major issues surface after cosmetic work, confidence drops and resale value suffers.

Substantial renovations improve durability first, appearance second.

2. Underestimating Coastal Wear and Ongoing Maintenance

Illawarra homes age differently from inland properties. Renovation strategies that work elsewhere don't always translate well here.

Using Materials Unsuitable for Coastal Conditions

A common mistake is selecting finishes based solely on appearance.

Problematic choices include:

• untreated steel fixings

• low-grade external paint

• Timber is not suited to salt exposure

• cheap roofing or flashing materials

In coastal pockets, these materials degrade quickly—increasing maintenance costs and shortening the renovation lifespan.

Poor Drainage and Water Management

Older homes often predate modern drainage standards.

Renovations that ignore water movement can create long-term damage.

Key risks include:

• poor site drainage

• inadequate stormwater connections

• water pooling near foundations

• subfloor moisture

These issues are prevalent around Lake Illawarra, escarpment foothills and low-lying coastal streets.

Ventilation Is Often Overlooked

Older homeweren't’t designed for modern living patterns.

Whether they're sealed up without improving ventilation, moisture problems follow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and subfloors require careful planning to prevent mould, condensation, and timber decay—especially near the coast.

3. Overcapitalising or Renovating Without a Local Strategy

Not all renovations add value — and some actively reduce it.

Renovating Beyond the Suburb Ceiling

A common mistake when renovating is to go beyond buyers' expectations for the suburb.

This often happens when:

• Sydney buyers apply the metro expectation. Renovations are emotionally driven

• Resale value isn't considered early

In many Illawarra suburbs, buyers value functionality, space and low maintenance over luxury finishes.

Ignoring Local Buyer Preferences

Older homes are often renovated for the current owner — not the next buyer.

In the Illawarra, buyers generally prefer:

• neutral finishes

• simple, coastal-friendly design

• practical layouts

• manageable outdoor spaces

Highly personalised design choices can narrow buyer appeal and limit resale competition.

Failing to Account for Compliance and Council Requirements

Older homes often fall short of modern compliance standards.

Renovations may trigger requirements related to:

• electrical upgrades

• balustrade heights

• fire safety

• stormwater compliance

• energy efficiency

Failing to budget for compliance can stall projects or force expensive changes late in the process.

Local Insight: Why Older Illawarra Homes Need a Different Approach

Illawarra homes — particularly those built before the 1980s — require a renovation mindset focused on longevity, not just presentation.

The most successful renovations locally prioritise structural integrity

• Use materials suited to coastal conditions

• respect the suburb price ceilings

• balance lifestyle with durability

• reduce future maintenance risk

Renovations that do this consistently outperform trend-driven upgrades.

Should You Renovate — or Buy Renovated?

For many buyers, this is the key question.

Renovating can be worthwhile when:

• The purchase price reflects the condition

• issues are identified early

• Costs are realistic

• Renovation scope is controlled

Buying renovated suits those prioritising certainty — but often comes at a premium.

Understanding this trade-off before buying saves time, money and stress.

Renovation Mistakes Are Expensive — Planning Is Cheaper

Most renovation mistakes aren't dramatic. They're small decisions that compound over time—eroding value, increasing maintenance, and limiting resale appeal.

The best way to avoid them is to understand how older Illawarra homes behave, age and perform in a coastal environment.

Thinking About Renovating or Buying an Older Illawarra Home?

Whether you're assessing a renovation opportunity or planning upgrades, local insight matters—especially in older housing stock.

At The Shoreline Agency, we help buyers and homeowners:

• Assess renovation potential before purchase

• Identify hidden maintenance risks

• understand suburb-specific expectations

• avoid overcapitalising

• make calm, informed decisions

📞 Contact The Shoreline Agency to discuss renovation strategy or buying advice.📧 joel@theshorelineagency.com.au

See you on the Shoreline.