Heritage Home Renovation Specialists: Blending Old and New

Date August 7, 2024 Category Renovating

Owning a heritage house is a privilege.

It’s not just any dwelling space – there’s interesting history behind it.

However, having this type of property does come with disadvantages. To maintain its historic charm, you’ve got to give it a bit of TLC, so it can adapt to the modern century.

Thankfully, there are heritage home renovation specialists like Northside Developments who can do the tasks for you.

Now let’s enter the world of heritage renovations in Perth and learn how to breathe new life into these architectural wonders.

Reviving Heritage Homes

I can clearly recall that moment when I got inside my friend Dave’s newly upgraded Federation home in Subiaco.

He hired Northside Development for this job, and I must say they have done an excellent job!

While the sleek modern kitchen and bathroom sung of modern luxury, the elaborate ceiling roses and jarrah floors murmured of days past.

Dave was so happy with the result. Looking into the restored original fireplace, he remarked, “It’s the best of both worlds!”

At that moment, I realized that heritage home renovations are not merely about preserving the property. It’s also about evolving into something new.

The suburbs of Perth are lined with several magnificent examples of heritage architecture. You’ll see Art Deco gems at Mount Lawley and some Victorian style mansions at Fremantle.

So, how then do we bring modern comfort and conveniences into these places while still maintaining that historic charm?

Below, let’s find out how some of the top renovation specialists in Perth can expertly blend old and new.

1. Hiring Experts on Heritage Homes

The first step is to look for a team you can rely on. But it’s not enough that they are skilled at renovation – they must also be experts in heritage preservation.

Follow these tips:

• Look for builders and architects that have specialised skills and with proven track record in renovating heritage properties.
• Find out about their credentials. If possible, choose those that are members of reputable organisations like the Heritage Council of Western Australia.
• Before you decide to hire, ask for references. Talk with previous clients. If you can, visit their place and see their work for yourself.
• Know how passionate they are with their job. Remember, it’s not enough that they are skilled.

Last year, during a home expo in Perth, I came across an amazing historic architect.

She presented some before and after images of a work they had done on an Inglewood bungalow, which dates back to 1920s.

I can see how her eyes are beaming with joy as she explained how they had found and fixed the original pressed tin ceiling. This is the kind of passion you need to look for.

2. Understanding the Rules of the Game

Remember, updating the look of a heritage property is no ordinary job. The following rules should come into play:

• Know the heritage status of your home. Find out if it was included in your local government’s heritage list.
• You should know which aspects must be kept protected. Some houses may only have a few features that are listed for protection.
• Familiarise yourself with the guidelines. Every local council has a set of rules when it comes to projects involving old properties.
• Allow for delays. Compared to permits of standard buildings, heritage approvals can take a while.

I recall speaking with a Claremont homeowner who felt let down by the protracted approval process for his heritage makeover.

Ultimately, he said, the extra time and attention are really worth it, since he ended up with a house that honoured its past while satisfying his family’s current needs.

3. Bringing Back the Glory through Restoration

Before you decide to install a new addition, you may want to consider restoring what you already have:

• Original features – examples are decorative ceilings, timber fretwork, and ornate fireplaces.
• Floorboards – if the flooring consists of old jarrah boards, you can simply bring it back to life with a little bit of TLC.
• Windows – try to restore those old windows instead of doing a total replacement.
• Colour – Use original colour schemes of paint to give it an authentic appearance.

I recently visited a house in Fremantle where the owners had painstakingly stripped away layers of paint to expose the original lime wash on their limestone walls. It was amazing, but it was indeed a labour of love!

4. Integrating Modern Comforts

Preserving the historic character and incorporating modern accessories is among the biggest challenges.

• Bathrooms and kitchens are often a major undertaking, but where you can make the most impact.
• Consider attacking underfloor heating or integrate discreet split systems.
• Install modern fittings that complement the look of the property’s historic charm.
• Insulate the property without disturbing the original structure.

Working on a project in Mount Lawley, we transformed a small, run-down 1930s kitchen into something suitable for modern chefs.

We kept the original jarrah flooring for seamless integration and disguised modern appliances using period-appropriate cabinets.

5. Respect the Old As you Embrace the New

Some of these classic homes may require more space. Here’s how to go about this:

• New additions should improve rather than replicate the original form.
• Keep a clear line separating historic from modern aspects.
• Make sure extensions could be taken out without compromising the original house.
• Choose items that fit very well with the current architecture.

I will never forget the ingenious expansion I chanced upon on a North Perth worker’s cottage.  At the rear, the architect had included a contemporary, light-filled living space linked to the historic house by a glass corridor.  It felt like traveling back in time!

6. Reviving Tradition with Energy-Saving Innovations

Heritage houses were not built to be energy efficient. Here are some ways to make them more eco-friendly:

• Carefully sealing the gaps around windows and doors, while making sure the original appearance will not be altered.
• Insulating the under floors and roof spaces.
• Installing solar panels where they are not as visible from outside.
• Include water tanks that can collect rainwater to feed the garden.

My clients were surprised at how proper insulation has significantly improved their overall comfort and lessen their energy bills.

They live in a Californian bungalow in Nedlands, and we decided to install solar panels on an area on the roof that’s hidden from the street.

7. When New Needs to Look Old

You may have to replace certain things during the makeover.

The key is to still maintain that old, historic charm despite having new additions.

• Visit salvage yards and suppliers that specialise in period-appropriate materials.
• Look for skilled builders who can recreate original features.
• When it comes to fittings, make sure you choose those that suits the period from where the house belongs to, such as in the doorknobs and light fixtures.

I once assisted a client in selecting original 1940s-bathroom tiles for their Maylands Art Deco house.  We used them as feature tiles and matched them with contemporary tiles.  The outcome was a bathroom that look authentically old but functions like brand-new.

8. Creating a Welcoming Landscape

Make sure not to miss the outdoors. If you plan to have a garden, it should complement the aesthetics of your home.

• Most old houses have formal gardens on the front yard.
• When it comes to the plants, choose those that were popular during the time when the house was first built.
• As for hardscaping, you can have crazy paving or brick that complements the original era of the property.
• Consider installing a period-appropriate fence, which can significantly improve the overall facade of your property.

On a job in Cottesloe, I collaborated with a landscape designer to replicate a classic 1920s garden replete with rose bushes to honour the original design.

Every time they returned home, the owners claimed it felt as though they were traveling through time.

9. Modern Comforts Behind the Scenes

Some updates may be best hidden:

• Rewriting – revamp the old electrical systems but don’t touch the original features.
• Plumbing – improve pressure and efficiency without visible changes.
• Smart home technology – subtly integrate modern features and fixtures.
• Structural reinforcement – strengthen the home’s structure without the need to change its look.

I recall a West Leederville assignment where we entirely rebuilt a 1910 Federation house.

To prevent ruining the original lath and plaster, we carefully threaded new cables through already-existing walls.

Though messy, the effort was worth it in maintaining the integrity of the house.

10. Challenges in Historic Renovations

As with any home construction project, expect the unexpected when it comes to giving your old property a new look:

• Rising damp – this is pretty common in older houses that require careful treatment.
• Asbestos – some heritage houses may have asbestos that require professional removal.
• Structural issues – from termite damage and other structural problems.
• Irregular sizes – those properties from the olden times tend to have non-standard dimensions. In this case, a custom solution is needed.

I will never forget the day we unearthed a secret well while repairing a Guildford cottage from the 19th century.  Instead of filling it in, we worked with the owners to make it a highlight, covering it with toughened glass to produce a conversation piece.

11. Preserving History for the Future

Part of preserving the property is documenting how it evolved:

• Take before and after photos to document its transformation.
• Have a diary, where you write interesting discoveries, and any decisions made.
• Try to keep samples of original paint colours, materials, etc.
• Collect information about the history of your home.

One of my customers in South Perth produced an exquisite coffee table book that documents the renovations in their house.  This is an amazing document and evidence of the care and consideration they gave to safeguard the legacy of the house.

12. Managing the Renovation Process

Remember – renovation can be a tedious process, especially involving old houses. Here are tips to manage:

• Anticipate delays – as with any project, it may take longer than the agreed timeline.
• There will be surprises along the way, so be prepared.
• Try to do the work in phases to make it more manageable.
• Enjoy the journey – it’s not like any ordinary renovation for you are trying to preserve history!

Working with a family in Claremont, I helped them to live in their house during a two-year remodelling project.  They made it like an adventure, camping out in separate rooms as the project went on and getting their kids involved in age-appropriate chores like peeling old wallpaper.  Their patience and optimism truly made a difference!

More Than Just a Building Project

Renovating a Perth heritage house is unlike any other remodelling job.  It really is like traveling down memory lane.  The method also calls for appreciating modern comforts while honouring traditional workmanship.

Every heritage house tells a story, and changing its appearance opens a fresh chapter. Success depends mainly on the professionals that you hire for the project. Therefore, choose those who know the intricacies and benefits of vintage home improvements.

Sure, it’s not easy, but the result makes the effort worthwhile.  Your house will be unique, combining old-word elegance with modern comfort.

So, welcome the adventure and honour the special beauty of your home.  Above all, appreciate the process of bringing your architectural legacy into the future.

Happy renovations!