Restoring the Past, Building for the Future: Your Guide to Period Restorations & Historic Home Renovations in Christchurch

4 June 2025

There’s something undeniably special about owning a historic home in Christchurch. From the intricate woodwork and high ceilings to the stories etched into every brick, period homes are a unique part of our city’s character. But maintaining or restoring these beautiful homes requires care, expertise, and a deep respect for their heritage.


At Shaun Bradley Builders, we understand the importance of preserving the past while ensuring your home meets the needs of modern living. Whether it’s a full-scale period restoration or a sensitive renovation of a heritage property, our team has the experience, craftsmanship, and passion to help Christchurch homeowners breathe new life into their historic homes.

In this blog, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities of restoring period homes, what you should consider before starting your project, and how our team can help you protect your investment while honouring your home’s history.


Why Period Restorations Matter in Christchurch

Christchurch is home to a wide range of architectural styles, from Edwardian villas and bungalows to character homes from the 1920s and 30s. These homes are more than just bricks and mortar—they’re a part of the fabric of our local communities.

But after years of wear and tear, earthquakes, and the demands of modern life, many period homes need thoughtful restoration to bring them up to today’s living standards while retaining their original charm.


That’s where we come in. Shaun Bradley Builders specialises in sensitive, high-quality renovations that respect a home’s history while making it fit for the future.


A hallway in a house with a wooden shelf in the middle of it.

The Challenges of Restoring Period Homes

Renovating a period home in Christchurch isn’t like a standard build. It takes a skilled team who understands the unique quirks of older properties. Some of the challenges we navigate include:


Structural Integrity

Many older homes weren’t built to today’s standards and may have issues with foundations, framing, or weatherproofing. Our team ensures your home is safe, secure, and meets modern building codes.


Matching Materials

Finding or recreating original materials—like native timbers, sash windows, or decorative mouldings—requires expertise. We work with trusted suppliers and craftspeople to match materials authentically.


Heritage Considerations

Some Christchurch homes are subject to heritage listings or specific council regulations. We help you navigate these requirements, ensuring compliance without compromising your vision.


Blending Old and New

Striking the right balance between preserving character and adding modern comforts is key. Whether it’s a seamless extension, an updated kitchen, or a restored fireplace, we ensure every detail feels cohesive and respectful of the original design.



Our Approach to Period Restorations

At Shaun Bradley Builders, we don’t just renovate—we restore with care. Our process is built on collaboration, transparency, and a deep respect for craftsmanship.


Here’s how we approach period restorations in Christchurch:


1. In-Depth Consultation

We start by understanding your home, your lifestyle, and your goals. Whether it’s restoring a grand villa to its former glory or updating a 1920s bungalow with modern comforts, we’ll tailor a plan that aligns with your vision.


2. Heritage-Led Design

We work closely with architects, designers, and heritage consultants to ensure every detail is considered. From original timber features to period-appropriate fixtures, we maintain the integrity of your home’s design.


3. Quality Craftsmanship

Our team takes pride in delivering exceptional workmanship. Whether it’s intricate joinery, stonework, or restoring timber flooring, we bring a meticulous eye for detail to every project.


4. Seamless Project Management

Restorations can be complex, but we make the process smooth and stress-free. You’ll have direct communication with Shaun and our team every step of the way.



Featured Case Study: Ohoka Homestead & Cottage

One of our recent projects involved the full restoration of a 1900s-character villa in the heart of Christchurch. The property had suffered major earthquake damage and required extensive structural work, including foundation strengthening, timber repairs, and re-roofing.


Our team sourced matching flooring, restored the original sash windows, and carefully replicated decorative mouldings that had been damaged over time. We worked with the homeowner to modernise the kitchen and bathrooms while preserving key heritage features, including the original fireplace and ceiling roses.


The result? A stunning family home that celebrates its history while offering all the comforts of modern living—proof that with the right team, period restorations can be both beautiful and practical.


Why Choose Shaun Bradley Builders for Your Historic Home Renovation?

When it comes to restoring period homes in Christchurch, experience matters. Shaun Bradley Builders has been operating as a company for over 20 years and the team at Shaun Bradley Builders is known for:


  • Local Expertise: We understand the unique challenges of building in Christchurch’s climate and landscape.
  • Craftsmanship: We’re passionate about detail and quality.
  • Personalised Service: You’ll deal directly with Shaun throughout the project.
  • Trust and Transparency: We value honest communication and clear timelines.
  • Proven Results: Our clients consistently praise our commitment to excellence.


Thinking About Restoring Your Period Home? Let’s Talk.

If you own a character home in Christchurch and want to restore it with care, we’d love to help.

Whether it’s a full-scale renovation or a smaller restoration project, Shaun Bradley Builders can guide you through every step of the process.


Contact us today to discuss your vision and learn how we can bring your historic home back to life.

Simple and functional: Designing a home for minimalist living

1 December 2023
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Rethink the space in your home: Renovations for modern living

23 October 2023
If you have the growing realisation your current home no longer fulfils your needs, yet you have no desire to relocate, it’s time to reconsider your property’s space and how you use it. The unprecedented circumstances brought about by the pandemic acted as a catalyst to highlight inadequacies in people's living environments which, coupled with the surge in housing costs, means there is an increased demand for builders Christchurch renovations . People typically think building up and out delivers the biggest transformation, yet high impact transfigurations are achieved by the clever reworking of existing areas within the property’s footprint. Renovating a property does not always mean extensive works and extravagant budgets. Repurposing a room, removing a wall, or reorientating a layout has the potential to deliver great gains, both in terms of practicalities and aesthetics. Space is no longer the lone prerequisite, modern living places fresh demands on house designs to create a greater sense of flow and altruistic cohesion in the home. Multifunctional spaces In our experience as high-end builders, Shaun Bradley Builders are used to challenging the traditional boundaries of space, but it is the emergence of dynamic multi-functional spaces that have a huge impact on the modern living experience. Think of a room that transitions from a quiet daytime workspace into to a vibrant social space for weekends or a dining room that transforms into a media room. Multifunctional spaces are not about cramming more into a confined area, rather they have the capacity and flexibility to adapt to the needs of the householders in a way that today’s fast-paced life demands. Sustainable renovation options A sustainable renovation embraces the use of locally sourced, eco-conscious materials to replace existing ones during the renovation process, while also implementing intentional modifications to enhance your home’s overall environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. Homeowners are now more tuned into the impact of their homes on the environment. Shaun Bradley Builders are leading passive house builders in Christchurch and help climate-conscious clients add the green to their renovations: Superior insulation Natural ventilation Strategic shading High performance materials 
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