Boxy Brisbane Workers Cottages Prime for Renovation and Flipping
Whether you're in the market to renovate your first home or looking to flip your way into an investment portfolio, the boxy workers' cottages in Brisbane are a prime opportunity for both.
It's a win-win. With a bit of work and creativity, you can transform one of these post war cottages into a faux Queenslander. You can retain the functional charm of the old workers' cottage and add a modern, stylish twist as you renovate to settle or flip a faux Queenslander.
While the conditions of the time weren't great and builders used whatever they could get their hands on to build, workers' cottages feature solid hardwood floors just waiting for you to uncover their original shine.
The Queenslander Versus the Workers' Cottage
Whether a workers' cottage is your favourite of the Queenslander Homes styles or you're dedicated to creating a faux Queenslander, a building and pest inspection is a must. A building inspection can uncover serious issues and prevent you from making the worst purchase of your life. If you have a healthy renovation budget, an inspection can highlight the points of focus and aid in setting a realistic budget for the work.
What's the Difference Between the Two Styles?
They are incredibly similar, which is why you can make the workers' cottage look like a Queenslander. However, there are some key points of difference between the two.
Queenslanders are more spacious and often feature multi-stories. While they were originally built to appeal to a range of incomes, they did become more associated with affluent residents. With decorative fretwork, wrap-around verandas, and high-set construction, Queenslanders were built to stand out even though they are commonplace.
By contrast, the workers' cottage was designed for working-class families and are much smaller and boxier than the Queenslander. However, with so many similarities, the workers' cottage is a prime candidate for Queenslander renovations.
The Renovation Options
Whether you're renovating on a tight budget to establish your first home or planning to flip, the key to any successful renovation is planning. Get multiple quotes to get a good sense of the costs and set your renovation budget. You'll want to focus on the key Queenslander elements to enhance, whether it's the veranda or the fretwork.
As with any renovation, you'll control costs more by working within the existing features and structures to achieve the look you want. Winder hooks and lattice work are a cheap and effective way to enhance the exterior's decorative elements, and an exterior paint job can breathe new life into an old home. Just don't forget to plant some tropical plants out the front for curb appeal.