Under Construction
Renovation Camp Hill
Camp Hill 1
A new extension and internal renovation of a post-war home on a sloping site impacted by flood overlay and designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing structure.
Queenslander Renovation Plans
Brisbane Character Home Specialists
Specialist building design plans for Queenslander renovations across Brisbane. We create thoughtful renovation plans that preserve the charm of your character home while adding modern living spaces your family needs.
With over 20 years of experience working with Brisbane's pre-war and post-war homes, we understand the unique requirements of Queenslander renovations including character overlays, traditional building zones, and heritage planning requirements.
Types of Queenslander Renovation Plans
Every Queenslander is different. We design renovation plans tailored to your home's era, condition, and your family's needs, while respecting the character that makes these homes so special.
Raise and Build Under
Lift your Queenslander to create spacious new living areas underneath. Double your living space while preserving the character of your existing home above.
Rear Extensions
Extend your Queenslander with open-plan living, modern kitchens, and indoor-outdoor connections. Designed to complement your home's existing character.
Modern Additions
Add contemporary living spaces that contrast and complement the traditional character of your Queenslander. New meets old in a cohesive design.
Full Restorations
Comprehensive renovation plans that restore and modernise your Queenslander while retaining its original character features and period details.
Brisbane Character Home Expertise
Brisbane's character homes require specialist knowledge. Our experience with local planning codes, character overlays, and traditional construction methods means your renovation plans are designed right from the start.
Character Overlay Knowledge
We understand Brisbane City Council's character residential overlay codes and design renovations that comply with character requirements while maximising your living space.
Pre-1946 Home Specialists
Extensive experience with pre-war Queenslanders, including timber-framed construction, stumped foundations, and traditional building techniques.
Post-War Character Homes
Design plans for post-war homes that respect the mid-century character while introducing contemporary living standards and layouts.
Council Approval Experience
Thorough understanding of Brisbane City Council's requirements for character home renovations, including demolition control precincts and traditional building character overlays.
Our Queenslander Renovation Process
From understanding your character home to delivering approval-ready plans, we guide you through every step of your Queenslander renovation.
Character Assessment
We visit your property to assess the existing Queenslander, its structural condition, character features, and any planning overlays that affect what can be done.
Concept Design
We develop concept plans showing how your renovation integrates with the existing character home, including floor plans, elevations, and 3D visualisations.
Planning and Approvals
We navigate Brisbane City Council requirements including character overlays, traditional building zones, and any required pre-lodgement meetings for your renovation.
Construction Plans
We produce detailed construction plans ready for building approval and builder quoting, coordinating with structural engineers and other consultants.
Queenslander Renovation Projects
Recent character home renovation projects from our portfolio
In Progress
Renovation Murarrie
Murarrie 1
An external renovation opening the existing alfresco and pool areas, with new insulated patio roof for improved comfort.
In Progress
Queenslander Paddington
Paddington 1
In-progress Paddington Queenslander renovation design — Brisbane character home planning and approval documentation.
Queenslander Renovation FAQs
Common questions about renovating Queenslanders in Brisbane
Do I need heritage or character approval to renovate my Queenslander?
It depends on your property's overlays under Brisbane City Plan 2014. Many inner-Brisbane Queenslanders sit within the Traditional Building Character Overlay. If you plan to demolish any part of a pre-1946 structure, or your proposal exceeds the acceptable outcomes of the Traditional Building Character (Design) Overlay Code, a Development Application (DA) for planning approval is required from Brisbane City Council. We assess your specific property and advise on the pathway during our initial consultation.
Can I modernise a Queenslander while keeping its character?
Yes, this is what we specialise in. Common approaches include raising and building under to add modern living below, extending at the rear with contemporary open-plan spaces, or restoring the front while transforming the back. The key is thoughtful design that respects the original character while adding the modern living spaces your family needs.
What is a character overlay and how does it affect my renovation?
The Traditional Building Character Overlay in Brisbane City Plan 2014 protects the streetscape of pre-1946 suburbs through two codes: the Design Overlay Code (controlling height, setbacks, roof forms, materials and changes to the street-facing facade) and the Demolition Overlay Code (controlling removal of original fabric). It generally protects the original form and front of the house while allowing sympathetic rear and under-house work. We design to these codes to keep your renovation on the smoothest approval pathway.
How much does it cost to get Queenslander renovation plans?
Plan costs vary based on the scope and complexity of your renovation. We provide a fixed quote after our initial consultation so you know the design costs upfront before proceeding. Factors affecting cost include whether it is a raise and build under, a rear extension, or a full renovation.
Can I raise and build under my Queenslander?
Most traditional Queenslanders are suitable for raising. This popular renovation approach doubles your living space by creating new rooms underneath the existing home. We assess your home's suitability during our initial consultation, considering factors like structural condition, flood overlays, and council requirements.
What areas of Brisbane have character overlays?
Character overlays are concentrated in inner Brisbane suburbs including Paddington, Red Hill, New Farm, Hawthorne, Bulimba, Norman Park, Camp Hill, Coorparoo, and surrounding areas. However, overlay boundaries can vary street by street, so we always check your specific property's planning constraints.
How long does a Queenslander renovation take to design?
This depends on project scope, size, and complexity. Smaller renovations typically take 3-6 months from concept to approval-ready plans. Complex character home renovations, particularly those requiring character overlay assessments, can take 6-12 months to allow for council lodgements and approvals.
Ready to Renovate Your Queenslander?
Contact us for a consultation about your Brisbane Queenslander renovation plans.
We design homes to be more than spaces - they are created for you to live in and truly enjoy.