The limitations that come with a heritage-listed building

Although Australia is a relatively young country, we still have a fair few ‘heritage-listed’ properties scattered around the place. If you live or work in a heritage building, or are planning on buying or leasing one, it’s important to know the restrictions you may have to deal with. As Sydney developers, we can explain the kind of power the authorities have when it comes to assessing heritage-listed buildings. We’ll then talk you through the limitations as well as the extent of freedom that people have when renovating these properties.

What is a heritage-listed building?

A heritage-listed building is one that is historically or culturally significant in some way. A government panel has decided that it’s worth preserving the character, architecture, or the landscape of the property. Basically, it’s a building that has been deemed special enough to protect from demolition or change. Once a property has been heritage-listed, there are rules that say it must be kept in its original state. Heritage status can be a positive thing, as you’re inhabiting or working in a part of history. On the other hand, it can be very frustrating when it comes to renovating such properties.

Who controls heritage real estate?

In Australia, there are three levels of authority that control heritage properties. These are the federal, state, and local governments. The ‘levels’ correspond with how important the property is. For instance, the federal government manages properties that are of Australia-wide significance, while the local councils do not. These governments set out the restrictions on each type of heritage property. The restrictions differ depending on how significant the property is, and what part of it needs to be preserved. The authorities also assess, approve, and reject any proposed changes to the properties.

What are the restrictions?

It’s a common misconception that you can’t do anything to a heritage-listed building. This isn’t true. There are limitations of course, but really, these apply to all buildings. For example, council and zoning are always an issue for Sydney commercial builders. With heritage properties, the building has to keep the same look and feel. However, functionality is a different story. If the buildings are going to be used, it’s only fair that they are practical, so there is some leeway in that regard.

Renovations

There is a little bit of flexibility when it comes to renovating these properties. The properties must be safe and useable. Some of the older houses may need new kitchens, better bathrooms, new electrical outlets, and more modern plumbing. Similarly, commercial buildings may also need fire alarms and stairs. The first thing to do is find out what the property was heritage listed for, and then that will help you understand the limitations. For example, if it was for the architecture, then you will have some freedom in updating the interior design. If it was for the outdoor landscape, you are just obligated to maintain that.

Extensions

In most cases, extensions are allowed, but they must match the existing building. They must be built in the same style, whether that be Federation, Victorian, or so on. If you are looking to add on to a heritage-listed property, just check in with your council first and find out if there are any styles you’ll need to imitate.

Hopefully this post has helped you gain a better understanding of both the power and freedom involved with heritage-listed buildings. In addition, we hope it has also debunked some of the myths about these historical properties.

The benefits of variety building

Variety is the spice of life, and we believe that there’s no reason why this philosophy shouldn’t apply when it comes to building. While it’s understandable why some Sydney developers choose to specialise in a niche area of building, there are also plenty of benefits for variety building.

Showcase ability

If nothing else, variety building will allow you to showcase the extent of your abilities. By being involved in the design and construction of a range of projects, you will be able to showcase an impressive collection of work to clients. By building up a varied creative portfolio, you will prove your flexibility, which is an excellent trait to have in this industry. It will also showcase your diversity and willingness to take on different projects. This, in turn, will increase the likelihood of attracting new clients as well as repeat work from existing clients.

Increase business prospects

When you restrict your Sydney construction company to a certain type of building, you automatically limit yourself to a smaller number of clients and prospectives. By allocating time, training, and resources to variety building, you will be opening yourself up to more opportunities. From a business point of view, variety building will allow you expand the client base in the future. Remember that every client is different, and every client has unique needs. It’s only natural that if you have an array of projects to promote, you will attract a larger number of clients. However, there is a fine line between limiting and overstretching your company. You still need to be excellent at the work you accept, so ensure that you have staff with the know-how on each type of building project.

Think about the future

Having an impressive, diverse creative portfolio will give you the option to expand the business later on down the track. If you have been variety building, then you will have the knowledge, skills, and staff to handle a range of projects. If and when the opportunity presents itself to expand the company, it’s very likely that you will be able to embrace it.

Challenge

Everyone loves, or at least needs, a challenge once in a while. For builders and managers alike, taking on the same kind of projects all the time can get repetitive, boring, and very uninspiring. Site managers should have the chance to be creative. They need to be challenged to test their boundaries, to learn something new, and to nurture the talent of their staff. Similarly, builders need to be able to mix up their work. They will be more inspired if in the space of months, they get to work on completely different things: a retirement village, a railway station, and a school. If you want to stimulate your staff, keep things interesting and challenging.

At Patterson Building Group, we believe that being different sets us apart. In a world where expertise is a type of currency, why be an expert at just one thing?