RESTORING A HERITAGE HOUSE

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Heritage listed homes are highly sought after properties due to their unique charm and limited availability. High ceilings, feature mouldings, tall skirting boards and unique wooden floorboards are just a few of the timeless characteristics that attract buyers to these houses from a vintage era.

Other period features that attract buyers and investors to heritage homes include grand entries and hallways, lead-light glass windows and doors, fireplaces, feature architraves, cornices and ceiling roses, picture rails and tuck-pointed brickwork. Such homes showcase craftsmanship and attention to detail that is rarely seen in modern construction.

Heritage homes also tend to defy market downturns as demand is generally consistent due to limited stock. If well maintained, they represent an ideal property investment.

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PROS & CONS OF HERITAGE LISTED PROPERTIES

Heritage properties can attract higher resale values because the house and surrounding locations is often protected. Below are a few pros and cons for restoring heritage listed properties:
  • You can have more certainty that the area you have bought is unlikely to be greatly changed, rezoned or developed, because it is protected.
  • If you have a property of major heritage significance, you may be able to apply for grants or loans to help fund its upkeep or maintenance.
  • If well maintained, the property will retain its appeal and only grow in rarity, and potentially value, with age.
  • There are greater restrictions around development of heritage property, including how they can be renovated, the design and what building materials can be used.
  • The cost of renovating a heritage property can also be higher owing to the need to use specific materials and specialists, such as an architect experienced in dealing with heritage properties who understands the rules and trade’s people qualified to carry out the work!
  • Approvals for renovation or development can take longer as not only do you need to deal with the local council but relevant heritage bodies may also need to approve the works.
  • Complete demolition of a property isn’t normally permitted, so knockdown rebuilds are most likely out of the question.
  • Depending on the type and rarity of the property, home insurance may be harder to obtain so if you’re interested in a very rare property it’s probably worth doing some research on building insurance before making an offer.
  • Heritage listed properties are old – that’s why they’re listed! Just make sure you do your due diligence and get building and pest inspections done so you know what you’re getting.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE RESORING A HERITAGE LISTED BUSINESS

  1. Don’t ‘over-restore’
  2. Retain the original character of the house
  3. For major external and internal work stick to materials that were used when your house was built.
  4. Details are important.
  5. Understand and respect as far as possible the original uses of rooms..
  6. Some houses were never meant to have en-suite bathrooms.
  7. Old houses really come to life when painted in fashionable colours of the period and in the manner of the period.
  8. Floors are best finished in the manner of the period in which your house was built.
  9. Fences are very important in enhancing the overall appearance of your property.
  10. Garden design and plantings, especially in the front garden, will best complement your work on the building if you keep it in period with the house.
  11. Additions and alterations should be in the manner and materials of the period in which your house was built.
  12. Remember that it’s a house, not a museum. You and your family are just as much a part of the history of your house as anyone else.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

We believe there’s no project too grand or too modest for our dedicated team. We want our passion for craftsmanship shine through in every project, regardless of the size.

Connect with us at our Fitzroy office or reach out via phone or email to discuss how we can help.

  • 105 Victoria St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
  • 0406 529 396

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