This paper is based on a recent BRE Trust Report Sustainable refurbishment of Victorian housing (FB14), which deals with the topic in much greater detail and includes several case studies. The paper outlines a method of assessing the refurbishment of traditionally built houses dating from the period 1840 to 1919 similar to that used in BREEAM EcoHomes. It looks at competing requirements for modern energy and acoustic standards, whole building performance and the effects of durability, reliability and maintainability of the building fabric. It summarises the economic, environmental and social costs and benefits of retaining this part of the building stock and sets out a methodology that can be used in the assessment process. 6 pages.