Property and renovation potential - what to look for

With 11 renovations under their belts, property gurus Caleb and Alice Pearson know exactly what to look for when it comes to buying a do-up.

“It’s all about potential,” says Caleb. “We look and think, ‘can we wallpaper and paint, and do a cosmetic makeover inside?’ First impressions are important, too. We think about the layout and flow - is there a way that we can make it open plan or create better connections through the house? Then there’s the outdoor living spaces and landscaping potential.”

While many people say ‘never again!’ after a renovation, Alice and Caleb fell in love with the process from the word go. For interiors star Alice, it’s the creative process she enjoys the most. For Caleb, it’s the hands-on problem solving that keeps him coming back for more.

“When you find those houses that actually just need a bit of love and attention, a bit of maintenance, you've hit the jackpot there,” he says. “I like problem solving, and I like the DIY element. It’s about building and creating something.”

Not only have they made a career out of property, the couple, who found fame on The Block NZ in 2013, are now back where it all began in the first Auckland home they ever renovated 12 years ago. With its excellent bones and north-facing outlook, they’ve decided the former 1960s state house is ready for a “reno re-do” and are excited to put all they’ve learnt into practice.

“The first time around, we were absolute rookies,” says Alice. “We had no idea what we were doing, but we were so enthusiastic and we learned so much through that first renovation.”

Caleb describes this second round of work as a “renovation redemption”, with all the experience and knowledge they’ve gained along the way coming into play. “It’s us doing it the way we originally dreamed.”

With a pink kitchen and fabulous tiling, lighting and wallpaper features, Alice has been able to show her design flair. She urges people to have fun with their do-ups, and embrace their personal style.

“Think about the colours that you normally wear because those are the kind of colours you'd actually really love in your house. Find ways to tell stories through the design touches that you add. There's so much opportunity to really explore your own personal style within the design of your home. Make it personal, make it fun, and you'll discover that you can make your house as styley as you are.”

But for a successful renovation, the couple urge against rushing. Take your time, make a strong plan, set a budget, and the whole process will be made a lot simpler.

“We would encourage people to live in the house, see how you live in it, how you want to live, and then make plans according to that.”

It’s vital to find out exactly what renovation will be required, says Caleb. “You need to know if there are leaks, issues with the piling or the wiring, because all those things can have big financial consequences.”