Restoration and Renovation of Heritage Homes in Regional and Rural Locations with Balance Architecture

The dream was to purchase a beautiful period home in a quiet regional town. Places such as Daylesford, Kyneton, Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine or Maldon were envisaged, or perhaps, the foothills of the Great Divide – Mount Macedon, Woodend or further north – Bright, Beechworth or Corryong. It’s then that you discover what is involved in complying with a heritage listing or heritage overlay, and it’s round about this time you realise that you require a qualified and experienced Heritage Architect.

Too often Architects determine to maintain the façade of heritage as opposed to complying fully with, and maintaining the entire complement of heritage features included in the listing or overlay.

Many such homes with a Georgian, Victorian, Queen Anne or the ubiquitous Federation Period, have suffered at the hands of previous renovators. So the first step is to engage a Heritage Architect to conduct and document a proper heritage assessment of your property – its heritage assets and shortfalls and an assessment of what a full restoration may cost. Add to this an assessment on how an incorporation of modern, open plan living maybe included in any further renovations. Heritage should be a benefit not a costly deterrent and, if your home is properly restored and renovated, this will add immeasurable value to your property, quite apart from the pleasure and delight you will derive from owning such a beautiful, liveable home.

Homes constructed during the late nineteenth century through to the early 1930s often present with unique issues. Electricals, plumbing, lighting and foundations nearly always need assessment and often replacement and renewal.

It is not unusual for such heritage listed properties to have suffered unkind modifications over the years – the removal of or bricking up of fire places and chimneys, tiling, ornate plaster mouldings, fragile stained glass and wrought iron features on verandahs such as lacework, pillars and ornamental features.

It is entirely prudent to arrange for a heritage report from a qualified and experienced  Heritage Architect. Andrew Fedorowicz is such an Architect and as the Principal Architect for Balance Architecture Andrew has managed hundreds of such projects from initial assessment through design and planning to completion and lock up stage, supervising the contracted builders to assure complete compliance to both the restoration and design intended as well as ensuring compliance to the heritage listing or heritage overlay requirements.

Call Balance Architecture now on 0418 341 443 to arrange an obligation free consultation at a time that is convenient to your schedule. Alternatively leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Vision, Experience and a True Respect for Heritage and its Value – Balance Architecture.

Heritage – the pathway from our past ensuring a rich rewarding and fulfilling future. 

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