Renovate or Build New? How to Decide What’s Right for You
When you’ve fallen in love with the idea of a Queenslander or character home, you’re often faced with a big question: Do I renovate an existing home or build new from scratch? The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, timeline, and your long-term vision for the property.
1. Renovating – Breathing New Life into the Old
Renovating an existing Queenslander or character home lets you keep the charm and history while improving functionality.
Pros:
Retains the unique heritage features you can’t easily recreate
Often located in established, sought-after suburbs
Can be staged in phases to suit budget and time
Cons:
Surprises behind walls (termites, rot, asbestos) can increase costs
Heritage restrictions may limit design flexibility
Structural work can add time and complexity
2. Building New – A Fresh Start
Building new gives you complete control over layout, style, and finishes.
Pros:
Designed exactly to your needs and lifestyle
Easier to incorporate energy efficiency and modern building standards
Lower ongoing maintenance costs in the early years
Cons:
Finding the right block in your ideal location can be tricky
Costs can still rise if design changes happen after plans are finalised
Lacks the instant character of an older home (unless you opt for a traditional-style design)
3. The “New Queenslander” Option
If you love the look of a Queenslander but want the convenience of a brand-new build, you can have both. By working with a builder experienced in heritage-style design, you can create a new home with traditional features — wide verandahs, VJ walls, decorative fretwork — paired with modern layouts and technology.
4. How Hill House Design & Construct Can Help
Whether you choose to renovate or build new, our Design & Construct approach keeps your budget, vision, and lifestyle front of mind:
We collaborate with designers to ensure your plans suit your budget from the start
We provide fixed-price contracts to avoid unnecessary surprises
We specialise in both heritage renovations and new builds with traditional charm
Still deciding?
We’d love to sit down with you to explore your options and help you make a confident, informed choice.
