Old Bones. New Life.

Heritage Home Renovations

VANCOUVER CHARACTER HOME SPECIALISTS

Vancouver’s older character homes are worth preserving — but living in them shouldn’t mean compromising on comfort, function, or efficiency. Kerr Design Build specializes in heritage home renovations that honour the original craftsmanship while bringing the home fully into the present.

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HERITAGE RENOVATIONS REQUIRE A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Older Homes Demand More Than Standard Renovation Expertise

Vancouver’s heritage and character homes — Craftsman bungalows, Victorian foursquares, early 20th century character houses — carry stories worth keeping. But they also come with challenges that standard renovations don’t: aging structural systems, knob-and-tube wiring, outdated plumbing, single-pane windows, and strict City heritage guidelines that govern what can and cannot change.

Kerr Design Build has been working with Vancouver’s older housing stock for over 35 years. We understand the nuances of heritage permitting, the techniques required to restore original millwork and facades, and how to integrate modern systems invisibly — so the finished home feels like it always looked this way.

OUR HERITAGE HOME RENOVATION PROCESS IN VANCOUVER

One Team. From Heritage Assessment to Final Walkthrough

Heritage renovations require more planning upfront than standard projects — because the cost of surprises inside an older home is higher. Our process is built to uncover everything early, plan precisely, and build without shortcuts.

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1 — Consultation & Assessment

We walk the property with you, assess its heritage designation, structural condition, and systems — identifying what needs to change and what’s worth preserving before any design work begins.

2 — Design & Heritage Planning

Our designers develop full renovation drawings that balance modern function with heritage character. We prepare heritage impact assessments and identify all permit requirements before anything is submitted.

3 — Permits & Heritage Approvals

We manage the Heritage Alteration Permit, Building Permit, and any additional City approvals — handling communication with the City of Vancouver throughout the process.

4 — Construction

A dedicated project manager oversees your renovation from start to finish. Our trades work carefully inside older structures — respecting original materials while executing modern upgrades with precision.

5 — Final Review & Handover

We walk the finished home with you, address any final items, and hand over a home that’s been restored, modernized, and built to last another hundred years.

  • Bespoke walnut kitchen cabinetry with stone countertops and integrated lighting — The Point Grey Home, full home renovation West Point Grey Vancouver, Kerr Design Build
Full Home Renovation & Laneway House · West Point Grey, Vancouver

The Point Grey Home

A 1920s character home in West Point Grey — renovated with rare completeness. A 600 sq ft rear addition, a new upper-floor bedroom, a laneway house, and an interior reimagined around light, warmth, and a lifelong love of books. The street still reads as a 1920s character home. Step inside and a confident contemporary home reveals itself.

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  • Indoor lap pool with a long, narrow design. The pool is flanked by smooth concrete walls with an array of lights reflecting off the water. A modern staircase with rocks underneath leads down to this sleek basement oasis, enhancing the sophisticated ambiance.
Shaughnessy, VANCOUVER, BC

The Shaughnessy Pool

A basement crawlspace transformed into a 45-foot saltwater indoor/outdoor lap pool beneath a Shaughnessy heritage home — open to the elements, usable year-round, and unlike anything else in the neighbourhood. A project that required arborists, mechanical engineers, and months of city approvals before a single thing was built.

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HERITAGE HOME RENOVATION FAQS IN VANCOUVER

Vancouver Heritage Homes — Answered

A heritage home in Vancouver is one that has been formally designated or registered under the Vancouver Heritage Register. Many older character homes — particularly pre-1940s Craftsman, Victorian, and early 20th century houses — fall under heritage guidelines that govern exterior changes and demolition.

Absolutely. Heritage guidelines in Vancouver primarily govern the exterior character of the building. Interiors can typically be fully renovated — new kitchens, bathrooms, open floor plans, and modern systems — without heritage restrictions.

Heritage renovations typically involve more complexity than standard projects — older structures, specialty materials, and permitting requirements all affect cost. We provide a detailed fixed budget during the feasibility phase so you have full clarity before committing to construction.

For most Vancouver homeowners, yes. Heritage homes in strong neighbourhoods command significant premiums on the market. A well-executed renovation preserves that premium, avoids demolition costs, and produces a home that a new build simply cannot replicate.

READY TO RESTORE YOUR VANCOUVER CHARACTER HOME?

Let’s Talk About Your Heritage Renovation

HERITAGE HOME RENOVATIONS ACROSS VANCOUVER

Complete the form and tell us about your home. Whether you have a full renovation in mind or you’re just starting to explore what’s possible — Kerr Design Build has the experience to guide you.

For over 35 years, we’ve been restoring and renovating Vancouver’s most valued character homes. A member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Or call us at  604-263-0343 

READY TO RESTORE YOUR VANCOUVER CHARACTER HOME?

Let’s Talk About Your Heritage Renovation

HERITAGE HOME RENOVATIONS ACROSS VANCOUVER

Complete the form and tell us about your home. Whether you have a full renovation in mind or you’re just starting to explore what’s possible — Kerr Design Build has the experience to guide you.

For over 35 years, we’ve been restoring and renovating Vancouver’s most valued character homes. A member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Or call us at  604-263-0343