1980s Home Revival: Steve’s Home Overhaul
(Part 1 — Joinery, Street Appeal & Structural Entry)
When you run a Hire A Hubby franchise, your own home is the ultimate proving ground! Join us as Steve Barker (Hire A Hubby Mt Wellington & Onehunga) takes us through stages of f an incredible, multi-phase transformation of his outdated 1980s home in Te Atatū South, starting with a total revival of its street appeal and structural entry.
From replacing dangerous, end-of-life timber and drafty joinery to mastering modern material choices and smart lighting, Steve proves how trade expertise and clever design can completely redefine a classic Kiwi property.
(Stay tuned for Part 2 – The ultimate backyard pool oasis! Coming up: the pool overhaul, circular timber deck, pergola walkway, and total garden transformation.)
Project Overview & The "Why" 🛠️
The main goal was to eliminate hazardous, end-of-life structural timber while transforming a dated 1980s entrance into a modern, high-value entryway. Decades of weathering had rusted the galvanised fasteners and rotted the stair treads to the point that a visiting contractor actually fell through a step! A complete, code-compliant rebuild, alongside a full window restoration and smart security lighting setup, was critical.
Strategic Materials & Design Choices 🪵
- Vitex Timber Decking: Steve swapped decaying 34mm pine for 19mm Vitex hardwood, a dense, weather-resistant Solomon Island Teak that feels smooth underfoot and ages gracefully into a silver-grey patina.
- Window & Joinery Restoration: Before painting, Steve serviced every window frame, sourcing specialised hardware from Exceed to replace outdated latches, fit brand-new rubber seals throughout, and swap out the blown window glass panes to stop drafts and moisture ingress.
- Smart Motion-Sensor Lighting: Around the exterior and front entry, Steve installed a smart lighting system combining Philips Hue deck lights and solar fixtures, paired with integrated motion sensors. This adds automated night-time safety, energy efficiency, and modern curb appeal at the touch of an app.
- Pre-Finished Aluminium Balustrades: Replaced rotting timber lattice with powder-coated black Boundaryline balustrades. The black finishes stand up to coastal weather and visually recede into the background, opening up garden views.
- Palm Springs Colour Palette: Weatherboards painted in Resene Quarter Black White, roof and garage doors in Resene Black, and a restored original front door in vibrant orange for a welcoming mid-century pop.
- Original Front Door Restored: Steve kept the original door, giving it a second life with a vibrant Palm Springs orange paint job and upgrading it with a modern keyless digital lock for seamless entry.
- Custom Security Gate: A bespoke Dora Doors steel gate custom-engineered to replicate the property's original ironwork, adding safety without losing classic style, allowing breezes to flow through the open front door while keeping his two small dogs safely inside.
- Personal Touch: Steve and his son handcrafted two massive custom planter pots, one vibrant orange to match the front door, and one blue to tie in with the pool deck out back! Check out Entrance_NZ.
Challenges & Solutions – Solving Substructure Issues
A high-end finish relies on precise trade execution underneath the surface:
- Extra Subfloor Support: Switching to thinner, premium Vitex timber meant the original frame couldn't safely support the new boards. Steve added extra joists beneath the deck to ensure it fully meets NZ Building Code safety standards.
- Straightening Bowed Posts: Decades of weathering caused heavy support posts to bow outward. Steve winched the main beams back into alignment and locked them permanently into place with stainless steel brackets.
- Rot-Resistant Stair Design: Old-style stairs trap water in joint cutouts, causing wood to rot. Steve built custom supports hidden underneath the steps, creating a floating look that sheds rainwater easily.
- Weather-Proof Window Servicing: Before painting, all 40-year-old windows were fully overhauled,, replacing old latches, seals, and broken glass panes so the home stays completely draft- and water-tight.
Maintenance Tip: Managing Hardwood Tannins 🛠️
Planning a Vitex or Kwila deck installation?
Dense hardwoods naturally release water-soluble tannins during their first few rainfalls. If installed above light-coloured concrete or paint, protect surrounding surfaces and regularly hose them down with fresh water during the first 2–3 weeks until the tannin wash stops naturally.
Love This Transformation?
Whether you need smart exterior lighting, custom outdoor privacy screens, window repairs, or a complete exterior refresh, your local Hubby handles everything from underground prep to final polish.
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