Heritage & Character Updates, Canberra ACT
Modernise the house without losing what made you buy it.
Kitchens, bathrooms and services brought up to today's standard, while original joinery, facades and period details stay exactly where they belong — designed and built by one in-house team, on a fixed price that holds.
What's included
Every heritage or character renovation is scoped, designed and built by the same OMR team — here's what that covers.
Heritage-sensitive design
Concept drawings that work within any heritage overlay or character requirements, before anything is priced.
Council & heritage approvals
Applications and documentation prepared and managed for us, so the paperwork doesn't slow the build.
Period joinery & detail matching
Skirtings, architraves, cornices and cabinetry profiled to match what's already in the house.
Restoration of original features
Timber floors, fireplaces, sash windows and other original details repaired and retained where possible.
Services modernisation
Rewiring, replumbing and insulation upgrades fitted discreetly, without disturbing the parts you want to keep.
Final fit-out
Finishes, hardware and a full clean-down before a handover walkthrough that covers old and new work alike.
Working within a heritage overlay
A lot of Canberra's older suburbs sit under a heritage or character precinct overlay. Here's how we handle the extra layer of approvals.
Overlay check
We confirm what the property's heritage or character status actually restricts before we draw anything, so the design doesn't need reworking later.
Approvals & documentation
We prepare and lodge heritage and development applications alongside the standard building approvals, on one combined timeline.
Conservation-grade work
Where original fabric is being repaired rather than replaced, we use trades experienced in period materials and techniques.
Our process
Our 5 Step Process
We use our skills and expertise to give you a smooth renovation journey, from first chat to final handover.
In-Home Consultation
Project Proposal & Contract
Design & Selection
Build Stage
Project Completion & Handover
Recent heritage & character projects
A small selection of heritage and character home renovations completed across Canberra's inner north and inner south.
"Our house is in a heritage precinct, so we expected a fight with council. OMR handled the whole approval process and matched the new joinery to the old so well you can't tell where it changes."
Helen T. — Braddon, ACT
Heritage renovation FAQs
Common questions from Canberra homeowners renovating a heritage or character home.
How do I know if my home is under a heritage overlay?
We check this as part of our initial consultation using ACT Government heritage and planning records, before any design work starts.
Does a heritage overlay mean I can't renovate the interior?
Usually not. Overlays typically focus on street-facing facades and significant original features. Interior renovations, including kitchens and bathrooms, are generally far less restricted.
Do heritage approvals add much time to the project?
They add a step, not a stall — we run the heritage application alongside the standard building approvals and build the timeline into your proposal from the start.
Can you match new work to existing period details?
Yes. Matching skirtings, architraves, cornices and joinery profiles to the existing house is something we do regularly on character homes.
Can original features be restored rather than replaced?
Often, yes. Where original timber floors, fireplaces or windows are in reasonable condition, restoration is usually possible and we'll advise on the best approach for your home.
Related services
Starting with one room, or renovating the whole house? These often go together.
Get in touch
Let's talk about your heritage home
Tell us a little about your project — we'll be in touch within a day.