Knowing where to start can prevent time and budget blowouts in the building and renovation process. If you are yet to approach an architect or draftsman, we can refer you to highly skilled designers we’ve worked with and show you examples of what we’ve achieved together in the past. If you’re already in talks with a designer, or about to approach one, then ensure you have the following information to ensure plans are possible and time frames met.

Find the zone of your property

Every property falls into an area classification zone and each zone has different rules about what you can do with your property. When planning your property renovation, check your zone first to see if any of your ideas won’t be permitted.

Find your lot size

Smaller lots and ground space have different planning and developing rules. Ensure you check if your property size is deemed smaller than standard as you will need to consider this in the planning phase.

Are you in a demolition control precinct

Demolition Control Precincts are scattered across Brisbane, protecting areas with houses that were built before 1947. These are often referred to as ‘character homes’. You must seek approval to demolish or renovate homes in these areas.

Check if you're heritage listed

The City Plans and State Government’s Heritage Register have similar criteria but both need to be checked to find if your property is heritage listed. Heritage-listed properties are protected and any renovation or development plans need to be approved before building. These approvals are separate from building approvals.

Check the neighborhood plan

Neighbourhood Plans is a tool that manages changes within Brisbane’s suburbs, accommodate growth and protect valued environments at a local level. Some Neighbourhood Plans contain extra rules about new developments. These rules need to be checked prior to planning submissions.

Check other development constraints

If your property has other development constraints, such as a waterway corridor, a patch of native bushland or an overland water flow path, specific, developmental plans will need to be in place to accommodate these.

Research exactly what you want

Knowledge and planning is power when it comes to renovating your heritage home. If you know where you stand in regards to plans, restrictions, approvals and zoning, then your heritage home renovation project will be a lot more streamlined.

Council has some amazing resources to help you design your renovations while incorporating heritage or character home guidelines.

Getting a clear idea of what you want from the beginning is essential in determining what can be done with your property.

Get an architect or draftsman

If you have already chosen an architect or draftsman, we are completely happy to work with them and their plans to bring your heritage home renovation to fruition. If you are yet to secure an architect or draftsman to help design your project, we can connect you with a range of skilled and experienced designers who we have personally worked with, who understand the intricate details of heritage homes.

Having an architect with heritage home knowledge who you can trust and communicate with, ensures a mutually respectful working relationship that will produce the results that you want within the heritage home renovation guidelines.

Ensure you have building approvals for your proposed design

Building approvals are different from heritage home development approvals and must be acquired before commencement. Building approvals are based on the plans and specifications provided by your architect or draftsman in conjunction with local and state building guidelines.

These are carried out by a building certifier who can be a local government or private certifier and must be accredited by the QBCC. Throughout the construction period, inspections by the same building certifier (or an authorised competent counterpart) must also be carried out to check compliance when required. These ongoing inspections are the owner’s responsibility but must be discussed and agreed upon with the builder and recorded in the contract.

Contact amazing builds

At this point, Amazing Builds can help you get what you want from your heritage home renovation. We understand that at this stage you are most likely trying to get clear costs for the overall project to select your builder. We are 100% happy to provide quotes based on your approved plans.

Discussions over the materials, fixtures and finishes are important as they will affect the final costings outlined in our quotes. If you would like to see some of our past work, please let us know and we can arrange it.