12 Essential Tips for Renovating a Heritage Home

Renovating a villa or bungalow is an exciting opportunity to blend classic charm with modern living. Whether you own a Victorian villa, an Edwardian bungalow, or an Art Deco beauty, the key is finding the right balance – keeping the character you love while making it functional, comfortable, and future-proof.

Here are 12 essential dos and don’ts to guide you through a tasteful and successful renovation.

✅ 1. Do Your Research

Before you get stuck in with a hammer, learn as much as you can about your home. Visit local archives or historical societies to find old plans, details of previous owners, and even old photos. Understanding your home’s original construction style will help you make informed decisions about what to keep, what to restore, and what can be reimagined for modern living.

❌ 2. Don’t Ignore Council or Heritage Guidelines

Even if your home isn’t formally heritage-listed, many villas and bungalows fall under specific council rules. Check with your local council before starting work and, if necessary, get advice from a heritage consultant. Non-compliance can mean costly delays or forced changes later.

✅ 3. Do Hire Specialists Who Understand Older Homes

Renovating villas and bungalows isn’t the same as a standard new build. Look for:

• Architects and designers experienced in modernising character homes.

• Tradespeople skilled in traditional building methods, so repairs and extensions blend seamlessly.

• Builders who are Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) and have a proven track record with villas.

  
  

❌ 4. Don’t Modernise Just for the Sake of It

Modern comfort is important, but overdoing it can strip away your home’s soul. Keep defining features – like original timber floors, sash windows, ceiling roses, or fireplaces – and choose updates that complement rather than clash with the home’s character. Think clean, modern functionality wrapped in timeless style.

If you’re considering more extensive changes, remember that the street-facing aspects of a villa or bungalow are often best left close to their original look. Instead, many homeowners choose to extend or modernise at the back, where you can create bright, open-plan living spaces without losing that iconic villa charm from the road.

This approach isn’t right for every site, so it’s worth getting professional advice early. We can introduce you to top architects we work with regularly – specialists in villa and bungalow renovations – so you can explore smart, tasteful design options that balance old and new beautifully.

✅ 5. Do Use Authentic or Complementary Materials

When repairing or replacing, use materials that either match or complement the original. Reclaimed timber, timber weatherboards, or period-appropriate trims can make a huge difference to the final look. Even modern materials can work if chosen carefully – the goal is cohesion, not contrast.

❌ 6. Don’t Neglect Structural Issues

Villas and bungalows often hide structural surprises, and skipping this step is one of the most common – and costly – mistakes. Before focusing on aesthetics, have a qualified builder or structural engineer check for:

• Rotten framing or piles

• Damp issues

• Roofing or foundation problems

Tackle these first – cosmetic upgrades won’t matter if the bones aren’t sound. Many homeowners try to avoid this stage to save money, but it always catches up. When it’s time to install flooring, cabinetry, or other precision finishes, walls and floors often need to be straightened anyway, so the cost arrives eventually. In short, kicking the can down the road only makes it more expensive and disruptive later.

✅ 7. Do Restore Original Features Wherever Possible

Restoring original features is one of the best ways to keep character intact. Repair sash windows instead of replacing them (adding discreet draught-proofing for comfort). Refinish original doors and trims, and replicate decorative mouldings where needed. These small details are what give villas and bungalows their timeless appeal.

❌ 8. Don’t Overlook Energy Efficiency

Older homes can be draughty and cold, but you can improve efficiency without ruining their character. Consider:

• Insulating walls, floors, and ceilings where possible.

• Secondary glazing or retrofitting double glazing into existing frames.

• Upgrading to efficient heating like underfloor or a high-quality heat pump.

• or the better yet aiming for an air tightness layer to help drastically improve the performance of your home.

✅ 9. Do Plan for Ongoing Maintenance

Villas and bungalows need regular care to stay in top condition. Create a maintenance schedule:

• Gutter cleaning & roof checks yearly.

• Repainting every 7–10 years.

• Timber treatments & moisture checks every few years.

A little upkeep now saves major repairs later.

❌ 10. Don’t Forget the Outdoor Spaces

Your outdoor spaces aren’t just for show – they’re an extension of your living area and can completely change how your home feels and functions. Think about how to increase the usability of your villa or bungalow year-round by creating a natural flow between inside and out.

Covered decks, outdoor dining areas, and thoughtfully placed sliding or bifold doors can turn what was once a separate garden into a true living space. Consider how the sun moves across your property and design for all seasons – shade and airflow in summer, shelter and warmth in winter.

While keeping some original features like fences, gates, or pathways can add charm, don’t be afraid to mix in modern landscaping or entertaining spaces if it means you’ll get more use and enjoyment from your home. Done right, the outdoor area becomes another room – one you’ll use every day.

✅ 11. Do Think About the Future

Plan layouts and finishes with long-term living in mind. Multi-functional spaces, discreet smart-home wiring, and sustainable solutions like solar panels can all be integrated without looking out of place.

❌ 12. Don’t Rush the Process

The best villa and bungalow renovations take time. Plan thoroughly, work with the right team, and don’t cut corners. If your budget allows, doing everything at once can be cost-effective – otherwise, take a staged approach with a clear end-to-end plan so the whole house feels cohesive when finished.

The Substrait Difference

At Substrait Construction, we specialise in tastefully modernising villas and bungalows, blending history with comfort and quality. Our team takes the time to get the details right – from structural integrity to seamless finishes – so you’ll have a home that feels modern, functional, and beautifully true to its character.

Ready to modernise your villa or bungalow?

Contact us today – let’s bring it into the modern era, the right way.