There’s something special about a character home. Whether it’s original wood flooring, unique architectural details, or the cozy charm of a bygone era, these homes have stories to tell. But what happens when that story needs a new chapter—one that includes energy efficiency, modern function, and a better layout?
For many homeowners, the solution isn’t to move—it’s to renovate.
Here are five compelling reasons to renovate your character home instead of starting fresh somewhere new:
- You Love Where You Live
Character homes are often found in established, walkable neighbourhoods full of personality and community connection. Renovating means you get to stay rooted in the place you already call home.
- You Can Preserve Irreplaceable Features
Stained glass, vintage millwork, original hardwoods—these details are increasingly rare. A thoughtful renovation allows you to retain what makes your home unique while improving its performance and flow.
- You’ll Create a Home That Works for Today
Many older homes were built for a different era. Renovating allows you to rework layouts, expand key spaces, and improve natural light without losing the home’s essential charm.
- It’s a Sustainable Choice
Keeping what you can and upgrading what you must is often a more environmentally responsible choice. Combine that with modern insulation, windows, and mechanical systems, and your home becomes both greener and more comfortable.
- You Add Value—Both Financial and Emotional
Character renovations can significantly increase resale value, especially when they blend heritage aesthetics with modern conveniences. Plus, the emotional value of keeping your memories in place is priceless.
Looking for inspiration? The 2025 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence celebrated some of the region’s most impressive character home transformations. Let’s take a look at this year’s Best Character Home Renovation winner and finalists—each offering a masterclass in what’s possible when past and present come together beautifully.
Winner: A Modern Classic
Designer: VictorEric Design Build | Builder: Revision Renovations
Photo Credit: ALP Studio – Allan Liang
This HAVAN award-winning renovation captures the soul of the original home while completely reimagining it for 21st-century living. From the street, the character-rich exterior remains largely intact, but step inside and you’re met with a bright, airy interior designed for connection and flow.
BEFORE
AFTER
Traditional walls were replaced with custom millwork, allowing natural light to flood the main floor. A relocated staircase with open treads and glass railings contributes to the spacious feel, while new skylights illuminate the heart of the home. The kitchen was expanded, the dining area flows into a cozy family room, and upstairs now features a spa-like primary ensuite, a versatile second bedroom/home office, and rooftop patio access.
Mass Image Compressor Compressed this image. https://sourceforge.net/projects/icompress/ with Quality:80
Energy-efficient upgrades—from new windows to insulation—ensure this timeless home is also future-ready.
Mass Image Compressor Compressed this image. https://sourceforge.net/projects/icompress/ with Quality:80
Finalist: Étoile Residence
Builder: View Point Construction Ltd. | Designer: JHA Architecture + Interior
Photo Credit: Latreille Architectural Photography
Built in 1925, the Étoile Residence is a standout example of how to increase livable space and performance without compromising character. The home was moved on-site to correct zoning setbacks, making room for a modern rear addition and an infill structure that respectfully adds density.
Architectural details like the arched portico and pebble dash stucco were preserved, while the new extension contrasts with a modern flat roof. The interior blends soft neutrals and natural textures with bold design elements in the cellar.
Triple-glazed windows, exterior insulation, and a high-efficiency HRV system contributed to a remarkably airtight building envelope—achieving a blower door test score of 0.45 ACH. This is heritage design, but high performance in this renewed character home renovation.
Finalist: Steeling the Show
Builder: NRT Development | Photo Credit: SilentSama.com
Once a rooming house and later a hospital, this 115-year-old home was reborn as a dramatic, light-filled family residence. Though fully gutted, it retains its original footprint and key historic features.
BEFORE
AFTER
Standout details include exposed fir joists, a nine-foot ceiling, and dramatic bent-steel stairs supported by precision-engineered steel beams. The home balances industrial materials—like concrete floors and structural steel—with traditional touches, such as cedar shingles and restored bay windows.
The attic now serves as an office with rooftop views, while energy upgrades including triple-pane windows, heat pump, and new insulation make this character home as efficient as it is stylish.
Finalist: Cotton Character Revival
Builder: LaneFab Design Build
This early 1900s gabled vernacular home in East Vancouver was transformed into a duplex that celebrates both heritage and innovation. The original structure was lifted and repositioned on a new foundation, allowing for a striking black contemporary addition—dubbed a “shadow” of the original—set back from the street to reduce visual impact.
Exterior details were carefully preserved and refreshed with a complementary cream and dark grey colour palette, while inside, two modern homes now feature over-17-inch thick super-insulated walls, heat pumps, and sound separation. The result is a thoughtful pairing of old and new that respects history while providing energy-efficient, contemporary living in this character home renovation.
Thinking About Renovating Your Character Home?
These HAVAN Award-winning projects prove that a well-executed renovation can honour the past while building a more functional, beautiful, and efficient future. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible in your own home, HAVAN members include experienced builders, designers, and renovators who specialize in character home transformations.
Check out more Award-winning projects at havan.ca/awards. Explore our Member Directory to get started at havan.ca/directory.
