Heritage Restorations in Sydney – Renovations of Value

While Victorian terraces are charming and usually located in prime inner-city positions, their traditional layout often needs upgrading to suit modern lifestyles. As one of the leading construction companies in Sydney, several traits separate us from our competitors. We are experienced in terrace house renovations. Every project has comprehensive and transparent project and cost plans and is seen through to the end by our trusted team of professional builders. We carefully plan and manage every renovation to ensure success and our clients are 100% happy.

For state-of-the-art workmanship and complete terrace renovation services, look no further. Partner with us to turn your terrace into a stunning, high-value, and functional home to enjoy for years to come.

Rear Elevation of A Victorian Terrace Extension in Glebe, Sydney

Victorian Terrace House Licensed Qualified Builders

Sydney’s inner-city terrace houses were built with sophistication and opulence in mind. The inner-city workers of the 1800s and 1900s were looking to simulate the terraces of London and Paris(*1). Terraces can look a million dollars when they are renovated professionally. That is not to mention how a smart renovation can vastly increase the liveability and functionality of a terrace house.

Just like heritage homes, Victorian terraces call for qualified builders who can work with this period-style of building and increase its value. Whether a small, medium, large – or in the middle or at the end of the row, most terrace houses were originally built with one very thin wall between each house. Some of these walls were as thin as one brick apart(*1). This means soundproofing and adding insulation are two things that are going to dramatically increase comfort and privacy.

Heritage Listings in Glebe, Sydney

Glebe is home to some of the oldest heritage homes and terraces in Sydney with most of the area falling under either local, state or national listings(*2). What does this mean for your renovation?

Generally speaking, it means keeping all street-facing aspects of the building in original, heritage condition and style. There are also stipulations on what can be changed inside – including approval for extensions at the back of a terrace or house. A Heritage Consultant from the City of Sydney can provide information specific to your home or terrace. They will know what can and cannot be done, what colours can be changed and so on(*3).

Side Street Elevation of Victorian Terrace Extension in Glebe, Sydney

From Old to New

A style that many terraces and heritage listed homes have adopted is the ‘old to new’ approach. Out the front is the old, cultural significant architectural elements. As you move through the home towards the back of the property, the home transforms into a more modern style. This is the approach that most often is used because it upholds State Heritage regulations and provides you with an updated, modern home(*4).

If you want to find out if your home or a home you are looking to purchase is heritage listed, the NSW State Heritage Register is a good starting point. For specific information on the Glebe Point Road Heritage Conservation Area, go to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. More information on the style to be upheld in the Glebe area is below.

City of Sydney Glebe Locality Statement

In the City of Sydney’s Sydney Development Control Plan 2012: Section 2 Glebe is covered thoroughly. Locality statements and maps are provided for various streets in Glebe. They include the style (19^th century) to be maintained, types of developments, and styles for new builds(*2,5).

Streets and locality’s in Glebe include:

• Glebe Point Road.
• Ross Street.
• Wentworth Park.
• Bishopthorpe.
• Toxteth.
• Western Parklands.
• Hereford.
• Forest Lodge.
• St Phillips.
• Glebe Point.
• Mountain Street.

More maps of Glebe are available from the City of Sydney. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Sheet 001: Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe’.

We are here to help

4 Victorian Terrace Renovation Tips > Open up the Space!

Terraces are renowned for incredibly narrow hallways and tend to be quite closed in with very little light. When you meet your qualified builder on-site, they will be able to come up with ideas straight away on what walls could be moved or demolished. Having a trusted builder be a part of your design process allows you to skip to a design that is not only beautiful but is practical and worth your money.

Bring Light Inside

Skylights, roof facades, and huge glass rolling doors are just some of the ways to introduce natural light into your terrace. Not only can you save money from artificial lighting, but you are improving your wellbeing. Natural light has an incredible effect on sleeping patterns, metabolism and how happy we feel(*6). Once the sun sets though, artificial lighting is what we rely on. Rather than just one light in the space, combine lighting techniques such as interior up-lighting, wall, and floor lighting options to not only illuminate – but expand the space.

4 Victorian Terrace Renovation Tips > Open up the Space!

Terraces are renowned for incredibly narrow hallways and tend to be quite closed in with very little light. When you meet your qualified builder on-site, they will be able to come up with ideas straight away on what walls could be moved or demolished. Having a trusted builder be a part of your design process allows you to skip to a design that is not only beautiful but is practical and worth your money.

Bring Light Inside

Skylights, roof facades, and huge glass rolling doors are just some of the ways to introduce natural light into your terrace. Not only can you save money from artificial lighting, but you are improving your wellbeing. Natural light has an incredible effect on sleeping patterns, metabolism and how happy we feel(*6). Once the sun sets though, artificial lighting is what we rely on. Rather than just one light in the space, combine lighting techniques such as interior up-lighting, wall, and floor lighting options to not only illuminate – but expand the space.

Budget and Cost Plans

An experienced licensed builder will put together a complete cost plan that will allow you to achieve your renovation goals without blowing the budget. All heritage reports are strictly followed by Managed Build to give you peace of mind. Our keen eye for detail ensures the project is not delayed avoiding any blow out on extra costs.

Extend – Renovate Up and Out

Space permitting, you could consider adding an extension to your terrace. Look up! How much empty space is available above you that could be utilised? Split-levels can help you make use of more space and give the illusion of having more room than you do.

Roof decks and roof nooks

Roof decks (and their smaller counterparts – roof nooks) provide brilliant options for additional outside living and green areas(*7).

What to Expect From Managed Build

Our qualities as an organisation:

• At Managed Build, we provide our clients with impeccable customer service regardless of the magnitude of the project.
• From customised design solutions to high-quality materials and workmanship – we give every customer our 100%.
• Managed Build never compromises the quality of the delivered project (no cutting corners).
• Our clients can be sure of our team’s promise of delivering quality and achieving time and cost-efficiency.  
• Our services are exceptionally customisable. You tell us what you
• We deliver you the best solutions according to your requirements and personal aesthetics.
• Our aim is to ensure that your journey to your dream home is smooth from conception to completion.

Get in touch for all your terrace house renovation needs and let us handle your dream project.

Call: 0414 499 422 Email: info@managedbuild.com.au   Learn More: www.managedbuild.com.au

References

*1. McDonald, A. How Sydney Adapted a Classic British Terrace House for the Sunshine. Bloomberg. 2020.
*2. City of Sydney. Sydney Development Control Plan 2012: Section 2. 2012.
*3. City of Sydney. Heritage Conservation Areas: Repainting Guidelines. 2019.
*4. City of Sydney. Sydney Development Control Plan 2012: Section 4. 2012.
*5. The Glebe Society. Aspects of Heritage. 2021.
*6. Danpal Australia. How Translucent Danpalon Roofing Sheets Improves Health by Streaming in Natural Light. 2020.
*7. Norris, B. Dark and Dingy to Big and Bright: 7 Terrific Terrace Renovation Ideas. Lunchbox Architect. 2021.