Transforming a Neglected 100-Year-Old Home
Carlton is well known for its beautiful heritage homes, but owning one of these charming properties often means dealing with years of wear and tear. This was exactly the case with a recent project we completed on Drummond Street, Carlton. The interior of this 100-year-old terrace home had suffered years of neglect from previous owners and required a complete refresh before being leased to new tenants.
At Melbourne City Maintenance, we specialize in interior painting for heritage homes, and we knew this project would need extra care and attention. The owner had undertaken extensive renovations, including replacing the floorboards, which unfortunately caused additional damage to the already worn-out walls. Our job was to prepare and paint every surface to breathe new life into the home while preserving its original character.
Why Interior Painting Matters for Rental Properties
For homeowners and property investors, interior painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a home before leasing it out. A fresh coat of paint not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a clean, well-maintained look that attracts high-quality tenants.
For this project, the goal was to brighten up the space while maintaining a timeless and elegant look. We chose Dulux Natural White, a warm and inviting shade that works perfectly in heritage homes without looking too stark or clinical.
Step-by-Step Interior Painting Process
Every painting project requires a thorough process to ensure the best results. Here’s how we tackled this Carlton terrace home:
1. Exterior & Entryway Before Painting
Before: This 100-year-old Carlton terrace needed a fresh coat of paint to restore its charm.
1. Surface Preparation
- Addressing cracks, dents, and imperfections in the walls caused by years of neglect and recent renovations.
- Filling holes from old picture hooks and fixing plaster where needed.
- Sanding skirting boards, doors, architraves, and ceilings to create a smooth surface for painting.
- Cleaning surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and residue before applying paint.
2. Priming with Undercoat
- Applying a high-quality undercoat to bare plaster surfaces for better paint adhesion.
- Using a stain-blocking primer to cover any discoloration or marks.
3. Topcoat Application in Dulux Natural White
- Two coats of Dulux Natural White on walls, ceilings, doors, and trims.
- Using a different sheen level for trims and doors to create subtle contrast and depth.
- Ensuring even coverage by allowing proper drying time between coats.
2. Interior Walls with Damage (Before)
The walls had suffered years of neglect and damage from recent floorboard replacements.
Special Attention to Heritage Home Features
Older homes come with unique challenges that require expert attention. Here’s how we tackled the trickier parts of this project:
Upstairs Bedrooms & Wardrobes
The upstairs bedrooms were in relatively good condition, but they still needed minor repairs and a fresh coat of paint. One of the most noticeable changes was inside the wardrobes. The original paint color was pink, likely from an older paint job many years ago. To create a fresh and modern feel, we repainted the inside of the wardrobes to match the rest of the house. Now, tenants can store their belongings in a clean, neutral space.
3. Stairwell and Handrail Restoration
The stairwell now looks sleek and polished, with two coats of gloss enamel on the handrail.
Stairwell and Handrail Restoration
Stairwells are often high-traffic areas that develop cracks over time. We:
- Repaired cracks in the stairwell that had been left by the plasterer.
- Painted the handrail with two coats of gloss enamel for durability and a sleek finish.
- Used an extension ladder for hard-to-reach areas, ensuring complete coverage.
Timing the Paint Job: Before or After Carpet Installation?
A common question homeowners ask is whether painting should be done before or after carpet installation. Our recommendation is always to paint first, as it prevents the risk of accidental spills on new carpet.
For this project, the old carpet had been removed, allowing us to work freely without concern. The owner planned to install new flooring after the painting was completed, ensuring a flawless final look.
The Final Touches & Results
After seven days of work with a dedicated three-person team, this Carlton terrace home was completely transformed. The result?
- Bright, fresh walls that enhance the home’s natural light.
- Seamless repairs, with cracks and imperfections no longer visible.
- Crisp, clean trim work with subtle contrast for added elegance.
- A professional finish that increases the home’s value and rental appeal.
The owner was thrilled with the outcome, giving us a five-star review and planning to work with us again for future maintenance needs.
Returning for a Final Touch-Up
One small section in the kitchen had rising damp issues, meaning the plasterer was unable to complete repairs before we started painting. Once the rising damp is resolved, our team will return to finish the job, ensuring a perfectly consistent look throughout the home.
Why Choose Melbourne City Maintenance for Interior Painting in Carlton?
At Melbourne City Maintenance, we bring over 20 years of experience in professional painting, specializing in heritage and period homes.
What Sets Us Apart?
✔ Attention to Detail – We don’t just paint over issues; we fix them. ✔ High-Quality Materials – We use premium Dulux paints for long-lasting results. ✔ Local Expertise – We understand the needs of Melbourne homeowners. ✔ Customer Satisfaction – Our clients consistently leave 5-star reviews.
If you’re looking for an interior painter in Carlton or surrounding suburbs, we’d love to help! Whether you’re refreshing your own home or preparing a rental property for new tenants, our expert team can deliver exceptional results.
📞 Contact Raph at 0413 315 160 today for a free quote and let’s discuss your next painting project!
By The Way….
“Read our GOOGLE reviews HERE and see what other people had to say about our painting and building maintenance services and the way we conduct ourselves. We use and recommend Australian-owned and made paints from Haymes Paints.
Melbourne City Maintenance has been Painting Melbourne and protecting property from Melbourne’s harsh weather since 2005. While providing painting services in Melbourne’s central business district and all suburbs of the greater Melbourne area we have completed more than our fair share of painting in Northcote, painting in Thornbury, painting in Preston, painting in Clifton Hill, and painting in Fairfield.
We offer all aspects of Interior Painting, single-story to highrise Exterior Painting, Private Apartment painting to common area and Body Corporate Painting, rotten Weatherboard.
