Renovating with confidence: Insights from The Block’s Julian Brenchley

Are you thinking about updating your family home with a house renovation? Maybe you want to transform an investment property with some simple home renovation ideas?

Whatever your latest project, one thing should be clear: every successful renovation starts with the right decisions upfront. That includes everything from choosing quality materials to building with compliance and performance in mind.

The bottom line? Renovating with confidence means planning for the long term – not just the reveal.

We sat down with Julian Brenchley, long-time architect for The Block, to speak about what makes a renovation truly successful and how James Hardie’s range of durable, design-led products are helping homeowners achieve lasting results.

Durable materials and thinking long-term

For any current renovation, Brenchley says durability should be non-negotiable.

“Biggest factors? Making sure that the building is durable and there are some socially responsible design benefits to the overall composition. That can come down to the actual design itself, orientation, but also the material choices – making sure that the materials will last more than five minutes on the facade and it’ll still be around in 50 years.”

That’s why James Hardie’s array of fibre cement products – like Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, Linea™ Weatherboard and Matrix™ Cladding – are trusted by architects and renovators alike. They’re designed to withstand Australia’s tough climate while complementing a huge range of architectural styles, from Box Modern to Modern Farmhouse and everything in between. And as Brenchley puts it, it pays to invest in products that are weather resistant and durable.

“You may feel like you’re paying over the top initially, but you won’t have to come back and redo it in a year’s time,” he says. “Just do it once, do it right and pick the best quality you can at that time.”

Plan for performance – and peace of mind

Renovating is a major undertaking, but the process itself doesn’t have to be overwhelming. According to Brenchley, preparation is key.

“Make sure that your brief is right, you’re well prepared and you understand what the materials are going to be from the outset,” he says. “And make sure the design is right. Don’t change it midstream – otherwise you’re going to be in a world of hurt. Most of all enjoy the process. It is meant to be enjoyable, after all.”

It’s not just about picking out the most beautiful materials – it’s about knowing exactly how they will perform in real-life settings. Exterior solutions by James Hardie are engineered for ease of installation, which makes them a smart choice for both new builds and renos.

Build smarter with tried-and-tested systems

When timelines are tight and budgets are under pressure, cutting corners with low-grade materials can be tempting. But as Brenchley points out, this often causes more trouble – and costs – down the track.

“Don’t waste time doing things cheaply, because you’ll only come back and do it again,” he says.

Hardie™ fibre cement exterior solutions are designed to stand up to the elements and are backed by a 25-year product warranty. “These products are well tested, and that’s kind of a backstop in all of these things,” Brenchley says.

Having such a level of assurance can empower renovators to design with total confidence – knowing that the materials they’re using meet modern building standards.

Design freedom without compromise

While performance is a must, aesthetic impact matters too. Fortunately, with Hardie™ cladding solutions you’re never forced to choose between the two.

“When using Matrix™ Cladding or Stria™ Cladding or Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, don’t try to use them for something they are not intended for,” Brenchley says.

“If you’re after the board and batten, don’t introduce articulation joints. And if you’re after the Box Modern look, just be cautious about how traditional you make it and choose the right products to suit.”

For example, Linea™ Weatherboard has a timeless appeal with its deep shadow and clean horizontal lines, and it’s suitable for a range of different styles – from Hamptons to Modern Coastal. Meanwhile, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding is great for achieving a sleek, minimalist look with its natural and warm sand texture, perfect for a Japandi or Modern Farmhouse palette.

Surround yourself with the right people

Renovating confidently also means picking the right team from the outset.

“Surround yourself with a good team and seek all the knowledge you can,” Brenchley advises. “Ask all the questions you can and move forward [with] eyes wide open.”