The restoration of the Seth Ram Lal Khemka Haveli, located within the walled city of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), was the first private restoration project by a regular family from the area. The project set out to demystify heritage conservation and make it relevant to the common person, proving by example that heritage buildings can be transformed into comfortable 21st-century homes within a strict budget through intelligent design and the use of local materials, while respecting heritage significance. A Grade II A listed haveli nestled in the bustling Chotta Bazar car spare parts market, the building had not been repaired for almost 50 years, and many portions had been locked up. Severe structural issues such as cracks, dampness, and disuse required innovative and out-of-the-box solutions to strike a balance between past and present. The methodology relied on indigenous techniques, local materials, and traditional craftsmen, reviving skills such as lime mortar work, carpentry, cast iron, ceramic tiling, and china mosaic flooring. The process was highly collaborative, involving constant dialogue between client, craftsmen, and architect. The challenge was heightened as the family lived in the house throughout the eight-year restoration, with space and budget limitations adding further constraints.