Breathing New Life into History: Heritage Home Renovation in Elora, Fergus, and Beyond

There’s something truly special about a heritage home. The stone foundations, antique woodwork, and historic charm all whisper stories of the past. At LUMA Build Design, we believe that preserving these homes while making them livable for modern families is not just a craft—it's a passion.

We’ve worked on countless heritage and historic homes across Elora, Fergus, Elmira, and Guelph, giving each one the care and respect it deserves. Whether it’s a 19th-century limestone farmhouse or a century-old craftsman in downtown Guelph, we know how to blend old-world character with modern-day comfort.

Why Renovating a Heritage Home Is Different

Renovating a heritage home is not like updating a newer build. These homes require special attention and often involve collaboration with local heritage committees and historic preservation bylaws. We're highly experienced in managing this process from start to finish—from paperwork, drawings and permits to execution.

Common issues we encounter include:

• Outdated wiring and electrical systems

• Aging stone foundations that require careful re-pointing

• Inefficient windows and doors that need modern upgrades without compromising historical style

Our goal is to maintain the heart of the home while ensuring it's safe, efficient, and beautiful.

Heritage Home | Merging Old with New

One of our favourite parts of a heritage renovation is the creative design process. We love to bring history forward into today by:

• Exposing original stone walls as stunning interior features

• Salvaging historic elements to use as statement pieces

• Designing modern additions that feel seamless with the original architecture

Our design team specializes in creating a thoughtful balance between modern function and timeless style, ensuring your home feels fresh while retaining its unique story.

Real Stories from our Experience Renovating Heritage Homes

We recently completed a thoughtful exterior renovation for a stone heritage home in Elmira. The original front door was beyond repair, but the homeowner wanted to keep the home’s look intact. We worked closely with the local heritage association to design and install a new wood door and gable overhang that fit beautifully. The client was so thrilled, they immediately moved forward with more renovations.

Another memorable project was a full home renovation in Fergus, where we helped transform a tired heritage home into a modern, functional space—all while preserving the original facade and interior character. Currently, we’re working on re-pointing a beautiful stone home in Elora, giving it the structural reinforcement it needs to last another 100 years.

And yes, sometimes surprises come up. While working on a heritage home in Guelph, what started as a small patch job turned into a full-home stone restoration—but with our experience, we were able to pivot and complete the job with exceptional results.

Our Advice to Homeowners

Thinking of buying or renovating a heritage home? Don’t get discouraged by the red tape or the perceived complexity. That’s where we come in. With our deep experience navigating historical guidelines and building codes, LUMA Build Design makes the process smooth and manageable.

The biggest myth is that you can’t change or update a heritage home—but that’s simply not true. Heritage committees want these homes preserved, not frozen in time. With the right design and execution, they can be updated beautifully.

And the payoff? Unmatched charm and character. You can’t build that kind of soul into a new home. These homes carry stories, warmth, and craftsmanship that deserve to be cherished.

Partner with LUMA Build Design

We’re proud to be part of the communities of Elora, Fergus, Guelph, Elmira, Kitchener, and Waterloo, helping breathe new life into the historic homes that make this region so special. Whether you’re just starting to explore a renovation or are ready to begin, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s preserve the past while building a beautiful future.

Contact LUMA Build Design today to talk about your heritage home renovation.