Buying or refurbishing an older building usually starts with a renovation plan: new kitchens, bathrooms, layouts and finishes. But older buildings often hide problems that need fixing first. That is where building restoration comes in.
What is the difference?
Restoration repairs what has deteriorated: corroded steel beams and lintels, spalling concrete, fretting brickwork, failed waterproofing and structural damage. It brings the building back to sound condition.
Renovation changes how the building looks and works: new layouts, finishes and fixtures.
Most older buildings need both. The order matters.
Why restoration comes first
Finishing a room over corroded steel or a leaking facade means paying twice: once for the new finishes, and again to rip them out when the structure needs repair. Restoring the structure and making the building weathertight first protects the money you spend on the renovation.
What building restoration services include
- Structural investigation with an engineer.
- Propping and replacement of corroded beams and lintels.
- Concrete cancer and slab repairs.
- Brickwork repairs, repointing and infilling old openings.
- New openings with engineered steel for revised layouts.
- Roof, facade and window repairs to stop water getting in.
- Heritage fabric repairs using suitable methods and materials.
Planning a restoration
- Investigate early, ideally before you buy or set a budget.
- Get an engineer involved for structural issues.
- Price restoration and renovation separately so you can see where the money goes.
- Allow a contingency: older buildings always have surprises once walls and ceilings are opened up.
- Use one builder for structure and finishes where possible, so nothing falls between trades.
Heritage buildings
Heritage-listed buildings and those in conservation areas may need heritage advice and approval before work starts. See our heritage restoration service.
Restore it properly
See our building restoration services or tell us about your building.
Frequently asked questions
Is building restoration more expensive than renovation?
It depends entirely on the condition of the building. Restoration costs are driven by what has deteriorated, which is why early investigation matters.
Can restoration and renovation be done together?
Yes, and often they should be. The structural restoration is done first, then the renovation finishes follow in the same project.
Do I need an engineer for building restoration?
For structural work such as beam replacement, new openings and concrete repairs, yes. An engineer specifies the repair and signs it off.
