Renovating a heritage home in New Zealand is an experience unlike any other, rewarding and challenging in equal measure. It involves blending the past with the present, without damaging any of the period features that make your property so great.
However, renovations such as these often – and rightfully – involve navigating complex building regulations, codes and permissions. This is a landscape that can easily overwhelm, but it effectively preserves New Zealand’s rich past. As builders in the North Shore with previous experience in heritage home projects, we at Uprise Builders have provided a quick guide to simplify this process below:
Understand The Heritage Status Of Your Home
Every heritage home in New Zealand has its own unique status. The New Zealand Heritage List (Rārangi Kōrero) keeps a record of this status, which is determined according to the national standard by a licensed professional. It’s also important to check whether your heritage home is included in a local district plan, which may protect it from demolition or alteration entirely!
Each heritage status involves specific restrictions to maintain a certain degree – or all – of a property’s historical and architectural significance. We recommend consulting with your council prior to the renovation process so you have the absolute clarity you need to make changes. To this end, always arrange a pre-application meeting with your council’s local heritage advisor.
Apply For Building Permissions and Consent
To prepare your application for the renovation or alteration of a heritage home, you must compile comprehensive architectural drawings and detailed specifications of the alterations, including the materials you want to use. These drawings should aim to preserve the pre-existing characteristics and charm of the home.
Alongside this, you need a Heritage Impact Assessment, which should be carried out by an industry professional. Consider bringing along supporting documents, too, such as documentation for prior restoration work. This may bolster your case to acquire the permissions you need for your desired renovations.
Public Notification and Consultation
In some cases, your consent application might require public notification, allowing the community to provide input. Your council can inform you whether public notification is required. But, we recommend it! Heritage homes tend to be beloved by everyone in the local area. They have a vested interest in seeing the property respected. Be mindful of taking community feedback on board, and consult with heritage groups as soon as possible to ensure you address any concerns ahead of time.
Contact Uprise Builders for more information on heritage home renovations, and how to successfully navigate the complex series of building permissions and codes that are required to complete your dream home.