Drywall Renovation Tips for Heritage and Older Homes in Victoria
When it comes to preserving the charm of heritage homes in Victoria, every detail matters—especially the drywall. Whether you’re updating an older home with modern functionality or simply trying to restore its original beauty, drywall installation and finishing play a critical role. At Finest Finish, we understand the unique challenges that come with drywall renovations in heritage and older homes, and we’re here to guide you through the process with confidence.
Why Drywall Renovations Matter in Older Homes
Older homes in Victoria often feature outdated wall systems—lath and plaster being the most common. While plaster has its charm, it can crack, crumble, and lose structural integrity over time. When that happens, modern drywall becomes an essential upgrade. But installing drywall in a heritage home isn’t just about putting up new sheets—it’s about doing it in a way that respects the craftsmanship and architecture of the original build.
Drywall installation in heritage homes must strike a balance between functionality and historical accuracy. That’s where Finest Finish comes in. Our team of professional drywall experts knows how to blend modern finishing techniques with traditional aesthetics, making sure your renovation adds value without erasing character.
Assess Before You Start: Know What You’re Working With
Before beginning any drywall renovation in an older or heritage home, a thorough assessment is key. Many homes in Victoria built before the 1950s contain plaster walls, which may be supported by wooden lath strips. While some homeowners choose to repair and retain these, others prefer the ease and efficiency of new drywall installation.
During your assessment, consider:
Existing wall condition
Signs of water damage or mold
Electrical and plumbing access
Insulation needs
Heritage designation (if applicable)
In many cases, especially in older homes, wall demolition is necessary before installing drywall. Our crew at Finest Finish takes the time to review the structure and recommend the best path forward.
Choosing the Right Drywall for the Job
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to drywall installation in heritage homes. Depending on the room and its purpose, different types of drywall may be more appropriate:
Standard drywall for most living spaces
Moisture-resistant drywall for bathrooms and basements
Soundproofing drywall for bedrooms or shared walls
Fire-rated drywall near furnaces or attached garages
For older homes in Victoria, upgrading the drywall also allows for the inclusion of modern comforts like soundproofing and better insulation. If you’re updating a character home to function more like a modern residence, these drywall upgrades can make a world of difference.
Matching Historical Finishes
Drywall finishing is where the real artistry comes in—especially in homes with decorative trims, arches, or textured plaster. We often get asked how to replicate the unique look and feel of heritage walls using modern drywall. The answer lies in detailed finishing work.
At Finest Finish, we use specialized drywall finishing techniques to blend seamlessly with existing architectural elements. This may include:
Custom corner beadwork to match period moldings
Subtle texture applications to mimic original plaster
Shadow line detailing for that high-end, custom look
Level 5 finishing for ultra-smooth, paint-ready surfaces
We respect the aesthetic integrity of heritage homes while using today’s materials to enhance durability and energy efficiency.
Integrating Drywall with Existing Structures
One of the biggest challenges in drywall renovations for older homes is working around irregular framing, sloped ceilings, and non-standard dimensions. Unlike newer builds, heritage homes often lack perfect 16” stud spacing or symmetrical walls. This means custom cuts, furring, and expert-level installation techniques are necessary.
Our team knows how to navigate the quirks of older structures while ensuring your drywall is secure, smooth, and built to last. From matching wall thickness to aligning transitions between old and new materials, we make sure everything fits beautifully.
Soundproofing and Insulation Upgrades
If you’re already opening up walls for drywall renovation, it’s the perfect time to consider additional upgrades. In many older homes across Victoria, insulation is either minimal or completely absent. Installing drywall gives you the opportunity to add modern insulation for improved energy efficiency and comfort.
Additionally, soundproofing is a major consideration in older homes—especially those converted into duplexes, suites, or Airbnb rentals. We can install sound-dampening drywall products like Sonopan or QuietRock, or add resilient channels to significantly reduce noise transfer between rooms.
Preserving the Character While Updating the Function
Heritage homes have soul. From the high ceilings to the woodwork, the character is what makes them so special. When updating drywall in these older homes, the goal is to maintain that timeless charm while improving performance and safety.
With Finest Finish, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Our finishing crew has extensive experience in replicating original textures and matching finishes, so your home retains its historical warmth with all the modern perks behind the walls.
Why Choose Finest Finish for Your Drywall Renovation in Victoria?
We’re not just any drywall company—we specialize in high-quality drywall installation and finishing for heritage homes and older residences throughout Victoria. Here’s why clients choose us:
Deep experience with character homes and heritage-designated properties
Precision drywall finishing to match historic styles
Full-service drywall installation—from demolition to finishing
Commitment to clean, respectful work in lived-in homes
Local reputation for craftsmanship and reliability
We treat every home like it’s our own, and that attention to detail is what sets Finest Finish apart.
Final Thoughts
Renovating an older home or heritage property is both a responsibility and a rewarding experience. Choosing the right drywall contractor in Victoria can mean the difference between a choppy, patchwork result and a smooth, seamless transformation. At Finest Finish, we believe in preserving the past while building for the future—one wall at a time.
Whether you’re tackling a full-scale renovation or just updating a single room, trust our team for the drywall installation and finishing expertise your home deserves.
Ready to renovate your heritage home with confidence?
Let Finest Finish be your partner in professional, beautiful drywall renovations in Victoria.
