The most common house design before the First World War, villas are popular renovation subjects today.
History
Villas were the most popular new home design in New Zealand from the 1880s through to World War 1.
Common problems and remedies
A wide range of problems and issues – affecting design and structure – will need to be considered as part of any villa renovation.
Insulation
Villas were constructed without insulation. Even with modifications, most villas will fall well below the current energy efficiency requirements in the Building Code.
Floors
Wooden villa floors will not be insulated unless this was retrofitted, and T&G timber flooring may be affected by borer.
Interior features and finishes
Villas were typically finished with timber lining or wallpaper, and a range of machined timber mouldings.
Services
The earliest villas had no electricity. Instead, candles, paraffin lamps and gas were used for lighting, open fires for heating, and coal ranges for cooking. Electricity became available early in the 20th century.