Building Insider: Talking Landscape Design with Andrew Plant
If you’ve fallen in love with an Edwardian home in Armadale or a Federation beauty in Hawthorn, you’ve probably imagined what it could become – and wondered what it might really cost to get there. Renovating a heritage home is an extraordinary opportunity – and a serious undertaking. These houses are part of Melbourne’s cultural fabric, celebrated for their craftsmanship, character, and enduring charm. But they also come with unique challenges, many of which directly impact the cost of a renovation.
At Fortem Projects, we know homeowners are often surprised by where these costs come from. Unlike new builds, heritage homes require a careful balance of preservation and progress. Understanding the key cost drivers – and how to manage them – is essential to planning your renovation with confidence.
Heritage renovations are not always straightforward. Beneath the charm of period features often lie complexities that only surface once construction begins. These hidden costs are not about overspending – they are about addressing what’s necessary to protect the integrity of the home.
Structural complexities: Older buildings may have compromised foundations, outdated roof structures, or walls that no longer meet today’s standards. Addressing these issues safely is often the first and most significant investment.
Existing materials: Elements like original roof tiles, gutters, doors, windows, and wall linings are often overlooked in the design phase. Yet their restoration, replacement, or integration with modern systems requires specialist craftsmanship and adds to overall costs.
Compliance requirements: Heritage overlays impose strict guidelines on what can and cannot be altered. Meeting these requirements often involves additional planning, consultation, and approvals – all of which contribute to cost.
Period detail restoration: From iron lacework to ornate plaster mouldings, restoring period features is a labour-intensive process. The craftsmanship required can be significant, and the detailed work adds both time and expense.
These costs aren’t pitfalls – they’re part of the responsibility of working with a home of significance. By anticipating them early, you can set a realistic budget and avoid unwelcome surprises later in the build.
One of the most effective ways to manage cost in heritage renovations is to involve a builder from the outset. Too many homeowners fall in love with a design that later proves unbuildable within their budget. Early collaboration prevents that heartbreak.
Early collaboration between architect, builder, and client ensures that your design vision is achievable from both a practical and financial perspective. With a builder’s insight at the table from day one, potential challenges can be identified early, saving time, money, and stress down the track.
By engaging Fortem Projects early, we can:
This collaborative approach ensures the vision for the home is aligned with both budget and reality from day one. Our team has restored award-winning homes across Melbourne’s inner south-east – blending 19th-century detail with contemporary comfort and precision craftsmanship. It’s this balance of heritage respect and modern execution that allows us to deliver homes that are not only beautiful, but enduring.
Another key to cost clarity lies in detailed planning. Heritage projects, by their nature, present more variables than standard builds. Without careful preparation, these variables can lead to variations – changes to scope that add time and cost mid-project.
At Fortem Projects, we mitigate this risk by:
This attention to detail reduces the likelihood of last-minute changes and keeps projects moving forward smoothly. The result? Fewer delays, fewer surprises, and greater cost certainty.
At Fortem Projects, we understand that cost clarity is as important as craftsmanship. Our approach combines transparency, planning, and accountability to give our clients confidence throughout the renovation journey.
Renovating a heritage home will always require a greater level of consideration and care – but with the right team, it doesn’t have to mean losing control of your budget.
Heritage homes are treasures, and preserving them is a privilege. But cost surprises and budget blowouts can quickly turn what should be a rewarding journey into a stressful one. By addressing the hidden costs upfront, involving the builder early, and planning with precision, Fortem Projects ensures your renovation is both financially clear and beautifully executed.
With us, you’ll know not just what it costs to renovate a heritage home, but also why – and how every decision contributes to a home that will stand the test of time.
Our award-winning craftsmanship has been recognised across Melbourne, including 2024 Housing Industry Association (HIA) Victorian Renovation/Addition Project of the Year and Renovation/Addition Project over $2 million for our Quamby project. More recently, our Mathoura project has also been recognised as a finalist by both the Master Builders Association and the HIA for the best renovation in Victoria – a testament to the craftsmanship, collaboration, and care that define every Fortem build.
These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to detail, transparency, and quality – ensuring every restoration we complete honours the past while standing strong for the future.
If you’re exploring a heritage renovation, start the conversation early. We’ll help you understand what’s possible – before you commit to final plans.
