Heritage-listed homes are significant remnants of our nation’s history as they offer a sneak-peek into eras long past. Fortunately for those who enjoy sneak-peaks into Australia’s past, there are more than 100 000′ character properties situated throughout the country.
Many heritage-listed homes are re-purposed into museums while others are bought by locals and used as a home. If you are one of these people looking to retain a piece of history, know that you’ll need to partner with a provider who knows how to maintain this piece of history. We at HPAM have the utmost respect for heritage homes and understand that importance of preserving their timeless beauty. Because the historical nature of these properties and homes are so important, buyers of these properties or those living within them need to consider the following outlined in this blog.
Is The Property An Historical Property?
A heritage-listed home is a property or building that has been recognised to have a historical or cultural significance that is worth preserving for future generations by the State/territory and local government it is situated within. After checking if your property is heritage-listed, you’ll want to consider if you’re going to retain the historical essence of it or if you’re allowed to bring it up to 21st century aesthetics.
For those considering keeping the original historical elements, HPAM offers architectural mouldings which complement vintage décor and historic charm.
What rules And Regulations Must I Consider?
Owners of historical properties will require development approval from the council in their region, as well as, the territory or State’s heritage council when wanting to renovate or alter a heritage-listed home. However, maintenance and repairs do not typically require approval. Sometimes there are even grants available to help homeowners restore these homes.
What you can and can’t do during the renovation of these homes will vary from state/territory and local councils, so it’s vital to do research. The regulations typically revolve around preserving the appearance and style of the property, especially at the front of the home. It is all about maintaining a balance between the old and the new.
How Can I Retain Historical Aesthetics?
- Repair instead of replacing where possible
- Use a limited colour palette
- Maintain the aged patina of fabrics and other materials
- Use traditional finishes like oils and waxes
- Make use of architectural mouldings within recommendations spaces and places in your property
Do I Need To Restore And Renovate For Safety?
Owning a heritage-listed home does not mean that you must live in the past. You may very well be able to install modern-day utilities and necessities like fire alarms, internet connections, phone lines, air-conditioning, etc. All property owners need to ensure that while their historical property is old, that is ticks all the boxes of home safety and habitability. With the exterior of the house, it is important to assess any damage of weathering, and if allowed by the local heritage committee, exterior renovations may be done, a way of giving the heritage house a ‘facial’.
Can I Upgrade Fittings And Fixtures And Do Renovations?
If the changes don’t compromise the original character of the home, you might be able to upgrade the exterior of the house, wherever originals cannot be retained. If original exterior windows, door frames and cornice cannot be maintained or kept, architectural mouldings are a great way to replace the old with a similar new.
Property owners, in general, cannot change the exterior of the heritage house, yet can undertake repairs or maintenance on the property. Due to weathered fixtures, mould, cracked or broken exterior fixtures such as cornices, windows, etc. You could revamp these spaces with designs that amplify the unique character of the house, with contemporary touches added in through architectural mouldings and other design additions and décor elements.
Let Us Mould Your House Into The Future While Keeping The Past Alive!
HPAM can custom make décor elements, more specifically architectural mouldings, which boast historical flair via their CAD technology and skillset. All of our customised polystyrene embellishments can be made to look of yesteryear, however, can be made to exude modern appeal. Our customisation means lighter design elements which are made especially for the property in question.
If you are looking for custom made decorative architectural mouldings and trim which can be used within your home for safety purposes, upgrades as well as style and décor reasons, we’ve got the products just for you. High Profile Architectural Mouldings, located on the Gold Coast, is the professional renovation team for your beloved, historic home. Contact us today at 07 5568 0036 or email us at info@highprofilemouldings.com.au
