Hello everyone,
I'm interested in purchasing a house that is local heritage listed and in about 5+ years would probably be looking to cosmetically renovate it – internal only eg new paint, re-tile, kitchen and bathroom. We wouldn't be touching the exterior at all.
One of the distinguishing features is the internal walls, which have an intricate paintwork pattern that was obviously very painstakingly done by hand.
I made an enquiry with council about if any special approvals would be required for a cosmetic internal reno, but leaving the outside untouched. They said the internal work I described would require approval and we would need to enlist the services a Heritage consultant / architect. Is this true? Not accusing them of misleading me, but it does seem a bit far-fetched I would need approval to say re-tile the floor and perhaps I received a cookie-cutter response to put the fear of God into me…
Does anyone out there have experience with a similar situation? I don't know very much about how Heritage listings are applied, and I always thought it was the external appearance that was enforced, not internal. How is internal Heritage enforced? Periodic inspections?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Heritage Trusts combined with local authority oversight is probably the most painful experience you're ever likely to encounter. Feel free to slit your wrists now.
Personally wouldn't go near anything that is, or likely to be in the future, Heritage listed. But if your the masochistic type then a heritage consultant is an absolute must and one familiar with dealing with the personalities associated with your area. He/she'll be invaluable in guiding you through the tortuous labyrinth of heritage renovation.
Literally everything associated with a Heritage building requires permission before you are let loose to do your thing. That includes, grounds, out buildings, plants trees etc and absolutely everything internal right down to light bulbs.
If the building has very specialised work like frescoes, carvings, tile mosaics, plaster moldings etc then be prepared for some quite traumatic damage to your wallet. Little of which you will ever recover should you sell at some future date.
Have fun.
Try Googling: renovating heritage homes
Nothing in your post surprises me.
Regularly hear of owners of heritage property owners having to jump through all sorts of hoops. I would suggest the 'heritage'rating' of the property would determine how much approval you need and whether or not approvals are required for any internal work.
Most states have a website explaining the rules as they apply to that state. Recommend you jump on google. You'll also probably find that the council website will have similar information.
Generally as Freckles pointed out, worst case scenario is you’ll need a heritage consultant to get their assessment etc as you must be fully conversant with the items requiring protection.
In most cases the heritage items pertain to the streetscape.
On the upside the property is exempt from land tax.
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