Heritage Expertise

Century Home Renovations

Preserving the character that makes your home irreplaceable while delivering the modern function, comfort, and efficiency you deserve. Caliber Contracting has been renovating century homes across Galt, East Ward, and Uptown Waterloo since 2007.

Plan Your Century Home Project →
Specialized Expertise

Your Home Has Survived
a Century. We Respect That.

Century homes are the architectural gems of Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge. The stone houses along the Grand River in Galt, the Victorians in East Ward, the Edwardians in Uptown Waterloo — these homes have character that no new build can replicate.

They also come with a unique set of challenges: knob-and-tube wiring, plaster-and-lath walls, stone foundations without waterproofing, cast iron plumbing, and structural systems built with methods we no longer use. Renovating a century home requires a contractor who understands these realities at an engineering level — not just aesthetically.

Our engineering background means we understand load paths in balloon-framed and post-and-beam structures, foundation assessment for stone and rubble walls, and building envelope science for homes designed before insulation existed. We preserve what makes your home special and replace what holds it back.

Heritage century home renovation in Cambridge by Caliber Contracting
What We Do

Century Home Specialties

01

Structural Assessment & Repair

Foundation evaluation, sill plate inspection, floor joist assessment, and load-bearing wall identification. We determine what’s sound and what needs reinforcement before any design work begins.

02

Full Electrical Upgrades

Knob-and-tube wiring removal and replacement with modern grounded circuits, new electrical panels, and code-compliant wiring throughout. Essential for safety, insurance, and modern electrical loads.

03

Plumbing Modernization

Replacement of galvanized supply lines, cast iron drains, and lead service connections with modern copper and ABS systems. Updated fixtures, relocated services, and proper venting.

04

Open Floor Plans

Removing load-bearing walls with properly engineered steel or LVL beams to create the open layouts modern families want while maintaining structural integrity.

05

Heritage Preservation

Salvaging and restoring original hardwood, trim, staircases, stained glass, and architectural details. Matching new work to existing profiles so additions and updates feel seamless.

06

Building Envelope & Insulation

Adding insulation to uninsulated walls without creating moisture problems. Proper vapour management, window replacement that matches original divided-light patterns, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Century Home FAQs

How much does it cost to renovate a century home?+

Century home renovations in the KW region range from $120,000 for targeted work (kitchen + bathrooms + electrical) to $500,000+ for comprehensive gut renovations with foundation work. Budget 15–25% more than a newer home for surprises.

Do I need special permits for a heritage home?+

If your home is heritage-designated, exterior changes visible from the street typically require a heritage permit. Interior work generally does not. We check your property’s status before starting design.

Can you open up the floor plan?+

Yes. It requires structural engineering and beam installation, but it’s common and achievable. We do it regularly on century homes across the region.

Should I renovate or tear down my century home?+

If the foundation and framing are sound, renovating is almost always more cost-effective and preserves the character that makes these homes valuable. We can assess the structure and advise.

Start Your Project

Ready to Bring Your
Century Home to Life?

Tell us about your century home. We’ll assess the structure, discuss your goals, and schedule a discovery call.

Call 226-243-4723Book a Discovery Call
Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“On time, on budget and exceeded expectations every step of the way! A full home renovation of a century home. The whole experience was like a fairy tale story of home renovations. My home looks and feels incredible!”

Irene P.
Google Review · Century Home Renovation
★★★★★

“We selected Caliber to undertake an extensive renovation of our daughter’s 100 year old home. Despite challenges of a Heritage designated neighborhood, the team delivered an astounding ground up restoration.”

Marcus M.
Google Review · Heritage Renovation
★★★★★

“Caliber are a great team: professional, friendly, knowledgeable and showed dedication to doing a job despite some unexpected issues uncovered in our 1930s house.”

Patty G.
Google Review · Heritage Home