Services · Specialty
Old homes don't forgive
shortcuts.
Character homes, older builds and one-off jobs that generalists shouldn't touch.
Intro
Considered, custom, built to last.
Character homes hide surprises: old framing, tired plumbing, features worth saving. A builder rushing to a price will paper over them, and it always shows. Renovating an older home takes patience, the right trades and genuine care for what makes it special.
Pricing guidance
From $260,000
Character-home renovations typically sit between $260k and $1M+ depending on the state of the original build.
Older-home renovations typically run 5–10 months due to unknowns discovered during strip-out.
Benefits
What you get from CIB.
Period detail protected
Original cornices, joinery, floorboards, leadlight — kept, repaired or matched.
Modern services, invisible
Wiring, plumbing, insulation and heating brought up to spec without hacking the character out.
Structural surprises handled calmly
Rot, movement, illegal past work — we scope carefully so nothing derails the program.
Common problems
What we see when others cut corners.
- Rendering over problems instead of solving them
- Modern additions that clash with the original
- Compliance corners cut on old wiring and plumbing
Process
How your custom renovations project runs.
01
Discovery
A conversation on site or by phone. Scope, timing, budget.
02
Design
Drawings, selections, buildability check.
03
Quote
Itemised, transparent, no vague allowances.
04
Build
One builder, one program, weekly updates.
05
Handover
Defect period plus workmanship guarantee.
Recent work
Projects you can stand inside.
Words
Clients on the work.
"Chris was the only builder who told us what our reno was actually going to cost — and then held to the number. Every trade he brought through was excellent. The finish is beyond what we thought was possible in our old cottage."
Sarah & Tom H.
Full Home Renovation · Echuca, VIC
"We were burned by a builder on our last renovation. CIB was the opposite experience — communication every week, decisions logged, and a finish that looks like a five-star hotel. Worth every dollar."
Jessica R.
Custom Bathroom · Moama, NSW
FAQs
The things clients ask us.
Do you work on heritage listed homes?+
Yes, with the right consultants and permits. We're used to working within heritage constraints.
Get started
Book your custom renovations consultation.
Free, no obligation. Chris personally reviews every enquiry. You'll typically hear back within one business day.
Areas serviced
Custom custom renovations across the region.
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