Some of the houses in Sydney’s inner suburbs were built over 100 years ago. They were practical for their time. But for modern families, they’re just not cutting it anymore. 

The beauty of these homes, however, is that they lend themselves perfectly to renovation. And when it’s done right, the result is magic. 

But what happens when you get it wrong?

Take What Happened to Christian and Sophia, for Example

Their home had all the charm and character they could ever want: high ceilings, a gorgeous brick facade, and the kind of craftsmanship you just don’t see anymore.

But with two kids and another on the way, it simply wasn’t big enough. So they hired a builder who promised they could handle an extension at a great price.

At first, everything seemed fine.

But it Didn’t Take long for the Cracks to Show

For one, the builder hadn’t realised just how narrow the side path to the backyard was. It was the only way in, and barely wide enough for a person to squeeze through, making it impossible for demolition machinery to reach the old “rabbit warren” (AKA kitchen/dining room/laundry area) at the back of the house.

“We’ll just do it by hand,” they said. But this meant that every brick, every bag of concrete, every timber plank had to be carried by shoulder or wheelbarrow, eating up money and time.

Then, during excavation, they hit sandstone. “It’s just one of those things,” the builder brushed off. But fixing this “thing” added thousands to the budget.

The couple found themselves constantly having to smooth things over with their neighbours, too, apologising every second day for the sound of the clattering tools and frustrated tradies.

Then Came the Call They’d Been Dreading

“We’re sorry, but we can’t continue with this job.” The builder had quit, leaving them with a half-finished house, a blown budget, and angry neighbours.

Unfortunately, their story is all too common.

It’s also proof that…

Renovating Old Sydney Homes Isn’t Just for Any Builder

While these houses have plenty of charm, they also have their quirks — so you need a team with a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved.

Here’s how a specialist gets it done:

Approach #1: Finding the point where old meets new. The first step with these houses is finding the “transition point” — where the old home stops working and the new design should begin. The back halves of these homes are often cramped and outdated, with narrow kitchens, tiny dining rooms, and poky laundries built for a different era. These spaces are usually removed and replaced with open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas that flow seamlessly. Big stacker doors leading to a courtyard are a popular choice, turning the back of the house into the perfect spot for entertaining.

Approach #2: Working with heritage rules instead of against them. With these homes, the facade is often off-limits due to council requirements. That’s why experienced builders start extensions two or three rooms back, preserving the original look at the front while transforming the rear into a modern masterpiece. It’s all about making the house functional without losing its historical charm.

Approach #3: Dealing with tight access. Access is one of the trickiest challenges in inner-suburb homes. It’s not like building out west, where you can bring in heavy machinery with ease. On these sites, demolition is often done by hand, and every single piece of material might need to be carried in and out by wheelbarrow. (In some properties, even wheelbarrow access isn’t an option — every single brick, timber, or bag of concrete has to come through the front door.) An experienced builder plans for these restrictions upfront, ensuring the project stays on track.

Approach #4: Making the most of good bones. Many of these homes are built on sandstone or British-style brick foundations, which remain rock-solid even after a century. A skilled team takes advantage of this instead of fighting it, incorporating the original structure into the new design. By reinforcing these solid foundations and tying them seamlessly into the new build, they maintain the home’s integrity and create a structure that will stand strong for a century more.

Approach #5: Designing for how families live today. Renovations aren’t just about adding space; they’re about creating a home that works for modern families. Those old, poky rooms might have made sense 100 years ago, but today’s families need areas that bring everyone together. Open-plan living areas are often hubs of modern homes, while upstairs retreats offer parents a much-needed break. Clever design can bring in natural light through skylights and well-placed windows, improving energy efficiency while creating brighter, more inviting spaces overall.

The Takeaway? Transforming These Homes Isn’t Easy

But with the right team, “challenge” becomes “opportunity” — and you’ll almost certainly find a way to balance the charm of the old with the practicality of the new.

With that said, there’s a lot more to a successful renovation than finding a builder who specialises in Sydney’s heritage homes.

That’s why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:

7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home

It’s packed with insights to help you sidestep the common construction pitfalls that catch far too many homeowners off guard.

*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.