Heritage vs character — and why the council cares
Heritage-listed properties and Conservation Area homes (Paddington, Surry Hills, Newtown, Glebe, Balmain) have stricter rules on facade changes, roof pitch and rear additions. Your DA likely needs a heritage impact statement. We've delivered across every Inner West and Eastern Suburbs council — see scope examples on our renovations page.
What should always stay original
Original cornices, fireplaces, ceiling roses, tessellated tiles, leadlight and timber floors. These are the value drivers at resale and the soul of the home. We protect them during demo, document anything removed, and reinstate with matched profiles. Bricklaying repairs are handled in-house — read about our bricklaying approach.
Where the money should go
Kitchens, bathrooms, and the rear addition. A new rear opening up to a courtyard with proper glazing transforms a dark terrace more than any other single move. Budget $80–180k for a kitchen, $30–55k per bathroom, and $400–900k for a quality rear addition depending on scope.
Services and structure — the invisible budget
Old terraces almost always need a full electrical rewire, switchboard upgrade, plumbing renewal and re-roofing. Budget $50–90k for services alone before any visible finishes. We document this honestly in the tender so it doesn't surface as a variation.
Timeline and staging
A whole-of-home Sydney terrace renovation typically runs 7–11 months on site. We can stage works to keep you in part of the home if needed, but full vacant possession always finishes faster and cleaner. Book a walk-through on our contact page.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
- Do I need a DA to renovate a heritage terrace in Sydney?
- Most heritage and Conservation Area renovations need a DA with a heritage impact statement, especially for facade, roof or rear additions. Internal works can sometimes proceed as CDC or exempt development.
- How much should I budget for a full terrace renovation?
- A whole-of-home terrace renovation in Sydney typically runs $700k–$1.6m for a 3-bed terrace including kitchen, bathrooms, services upgrade and a quality rear addition.
