Building Accessibility into Heritage Homes – Without Losing the Character

At Briody Constructions, we know how important it is to make homes inclusive and accessible—no matter their age, style, or layout.

As experienced architectural builders in Geelong and Torquay, we’re seeing a growing demand for homes that meet Victoria’s accessibility standards. These requirements are now part of all new builds and major renovations, with features like step-free entry, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms helping people of all ages live more safely and independently at home.

But what happens when you’re working on a heritage home full of charm, history… and more stairs than you can count?

That’s where smart, creative design comes in.

We’re currently working on a beautiful old home that couldn’t be modified from the front due to heritage constraints. The original verandah was off-limits. So instead of forcing a change, we reimagined the entry—creating a step-free, accessible path from the rear of the property. The result? A compliant, welcoming home that retains its character.

Accessibility doesn’t mean giving up on design or detail. With the right planning—and the right team—it can work beautifully.

At Briody Constructions, we specialise in architectural home renovations in Geelong and Torquay, including custom renovations that balance function, style, and heritage.

If you’re planning home renovations in Geelong and want to improve accessibility without compromising your home’s integrity, we’d love to talk.

Wheelchair at the top of stairs