The Glebe is one of Ottawa's most desirable neighbourhoods, with tree-lined streets, proximity to the Rideau Canal, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Homes here range from Victorian-era brick townhouses to Edwardian four-squares and early 20th century detached homes, many dating from the 1890s to 1920s. These homes command premium prices — $800,000 to $1.5 million or more — largely because of the neighbourhood's character and location. However, many still have original systems (electrical, pl...
Century homes in the Glebe share several common issues that renovating homeowners should be prepared for. Stone and rubble foundations are typical and may need parging, waterproofing, or underpinning ($10,000–$40,000). Knob-and-tube wiring must be replaced for safety and to satisfy insurance requirements ($8,000–$15,000). Original plumbing may include galvanized steel or cast iron pipes that are corroded and need replacement ($5,000–$15,000). Plaster walls and ceilings, while beautiful, may hav...
The Glebe is identified as a Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act. This means exterior alterations visible from the street may require approval from the City of Ottawa's Heritage Planning department. Changes to windows, siding, porches, and roof profiles are scrutinized to ensure they respect the neighbourhood's character. Interior renovations are generally not regulated by heritage rules, giving homeowners freedom to modernize kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Re...
The most requested renovations in the Glebe for 2026 include: rear kitchen additions that open the back of the home to the garden ($80,000–$200,000), third-storey or attic conversions to add bedrooms ($60,000–$120,000), basement finishing with walkout access ($40,000–$80,000), complete kitchen modernization with period-sensitive details ($40,000–$80,000), bathroom upgrades maintaining vintage charm ($15,000–$40,000 per bathroom), and whole-house insulation and HVAC upgrades ($15,000–$35,000). T...
Not every contractor is equipped for the complexity of century home renovations. Look for contractors with specific experience in pre-1930s construction who understand balloon framing, plaster-and-lath walls, lime mortar, and the quirks of homes that have settled and shifted over a hundred years. Key questions to ask include: How many century homes have you renovated in Ottawa? Can you provide references from Glebe or similar neighbourhood projects? Do you have experience with the City of Ottaw...
A comprehensive renovation costs $150,000–$400,000. Individual projects range from $40,000–$80,000 for a kitchen to $80,000–$200,000 for a rear addition. Budget 20–40% more than comparable work on a modern home.
Exterior alterations visible from the street may require heritage approval. Interior renovations and rear additions generally don't need heritage permits unless they affect the home's structural integrity.
Start with systems: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation. Then address structural issues. Finally, tackle cosmetic upgrades like kitchens, bathrooms, and finishes. This ensures the home is safe and efficient before it's beautiful.
Yes. Rear additions are the most common and typically don't require heritage approval. Side additions are limited by narrow lot widths and setback requirements. Third-storey additions may need heritage review if visible from the street.
Look for contractors with specific century home experience — ask for references from similar projects. and Heritage Ottawa can recommend qualified contractors. Expect to pay a premium for specialized expertise.