Heritage House Renovation | Character House Renovation Brisbane

heritage or character house renovation in brisbane

Choose a Highly Experienced Town Planner to Assist With Your Heritage or Character House Renovations in Brisbane

Many Brisbane suburbs are dominated by a high number of Heritage or Character dwelling homes.

While these homes are a visual representation of our history, there comes a time when homeowners require maintenance or extensions to preserve the character features of the dwelling or extend the dwelling to accommodate a growing family.

Heritage and Character homes are bound by strict regulations that control demolition and construction works.

It’s important to understand these rules before beginning the design process for extensions or renovations.

We’re experienced in guiding this process and will work closely with both homeowners and architects to produce drawings that can be presented to Council and demonstrated to comply with the intended outcomes of the Council’s City Plan.

If you’re renovating or extending a Character or Heritage home, contact our team today for a free initial consultation to discuss your ideas and gain confidence in your project.

Call (07) 3180 4702

Get in touch

What is the difference between a Heritage home and a Character home?

There are many regulations and specific rules when it comes to Town Planning, and it can be confusing navigating the waters on your own. One such example is the difference between a Heritage home and a Character one.

While it might be understandable to assume the two are the same, there is a clear distinction between these terms.

Properties with a ‘Heritage Overlay’ refer to Queensland homes that are under very strict guidelines. A Heritage home has certain features, attributes, or history that has been deemed essential to preserve. A Heritage listing can cover more than just the home; it may also include the ground or gardens and any outbuildings.

Heritage homes are highly sought after and highly valued. While the selling and purchase of a Heritage home can be done without permission, it’s the development - mainly extension and renovation work - that must follow exact requirements as laid out by relevant Councils.

Properties can have either a Local or State Heritage listing - more on this below.

Character homes are more common than Heritage homes and are often referred to as the classic ‘Queenslander’ style home. They are also known as Traditional Character homes.

Character homes are identified as having been built in or prior to 1946, and in most cases are covered by the Traditional Building Character Overlay.

When identified as having been constructed prior to 1911, character homes are further impacted by the pre-1911 overlay and are subject to more stringent development controls which can restrict proposed renovations and extensions.

Overall, Character homes have less development restrictions than Heritage homes.

Having said that, there are still many guidelines to be met when embarking on a Character home renovation.

Please note that the specific requirements around works that can or cannot be performed may differ between local Councils and between states.

What is the difference between Local and State Heritage listings?

In Australia all levels of government maintain statutory registers and lists of heritage places.

In response to community outcry, Brisbane City Council introduced heritage listings as legislation in the 1987 Town Plan. The aim of the heritage listing was to protect several buildings in the CBD and inner city suburbs from demolition and neglect.

Local heritage places are identified continually through various Council planning processes, surveys and research. The local heritage list enables members of the public, including property owners, to nominate places for inclusion in the heritage overlay.

The local heritage overlay enables City Plan to regulate appropriate development on sites that are listed as being significant, or sites that adjoin significant sites, ensuring that the cultural heritage significance or indigenous cultural values of a place are not compromised.

The state heritage register is a list of places that have cultural heritage significance to the people of queensland.

A state heritage place is significant due to its contribution to the understanding of the wider pattern and evolution of Queensland's history and heritage.

Heritage building renovations and extensions

Dreaming of buying a heritage dwelling and extending it to accommodate your family?

Before diving in, you need to understand what rules the Council has in place that may put a speed bump in the road to reality.

While Heritage requirements vary from Council to Council, and site to site, some Councils, such as Brisbane, offer free Architectural advice for anyone who owns a Heritage listed building.

The Council's Heritage Architects can help identify any issues you will encounter with your proposed renovations and assist to develop workable solutions with you and your team.

A simple conversation with one of our Town Planners will assist in understanding your properties Heritage listing and identifying the key elements which require particular attention when proceeding to the design stage.

If required, our planning team can provide recommendations for heritage specialist architects so you can proceed with confidence.

Our team can further assist with seeking Heritage exemption certificates.

Character house extensions

Not all ‘Queenslanders’ are suitable to be heritage listed, in fact, the majority are not.

Areas where streets are dominated by ‘Queenslander’ style homes, such as Ascot, Chelmer, and Paddington are among the most charming places in Brisbane City and speak to the city's historic past.

These dwellings, known most commonly as ‘Character Homes’ are generally protected from demolition, and renovation works are guided by both demolition and renovation controls to protect the character value of the property and streetscape.

Character controls are less stringent than Heritage controls, but must still be considered before commencing design work for your dwelling extensions.

If you’d like to know more about the character controls that are applicable to your site, give us a call and we’ll discuss your site specific requirements.

Where required, our planning team can provide recommendations for character specialist architects so you can proceed with confidence.

Contact Doyen’s Town Planning consultants today

Thinking about a Heritage listed building renovation? Want to improve your Character home?
Contact Doyen Town Planning today for a no-obligation consultation.

Call (07) 3180 4702

Get in touch

Access Your Complimentary Property Intelligence Report (Normally $450)

Get clarity on the site before you commit.

Your report covers:

Zoning, heritage & character housing
Flooding, bushfire, noise & vegetation overlays
Easements, stormwater, sewer & water

What our clients say about our Town Planners

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 79 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Nicholas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience from start to finish. Doyen Planning's expert guidance and prompt responses made the whole development application process incredibly smooth. Highly recommend their services to anyone.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Allan Kang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rhys and Rhianna at Doyen Town Planning have been absolute rockstars to work with. They handled all of our town planning works seamlessly from start to finish. Thanks to their expertise, thoroughness, and clear communication, we've achieved fantastic results across multiple projects. They take the stress out of the entire development and approval process and know how to get things over the line. If you need reliable, top-tier town planners, look no further than Doyen town planning! Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hoey Moey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had no experience in town planning/subdivision activities but found Rhys and the team incredibly helpful throughout our engagement. Definitely recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Justin On 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super easy to work with. We spoke to a lot of planners and they were either very unprofessional or unreasonably expensive. Doyen was in the sweet spot. They understood that it was a pretty straightforward DA, and threw it together without hassle.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nima .Rezvanian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They were highly responsible corporative throughout the entire process, and always responded to the questions quickly and professionally.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Fisher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rhys Trombetta provided excelent service regarding our sub-division proposal, from the get go. He gave considered advice and discussed options - we always felt that he was on our side to achieve the best possible outcome. We now have a successful outcome - thank you Rhys!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   James Davidson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rhys recently helped me get our home plans through council. We had some design issues with council come up that we both felt was unreasonable. Rhys was able to go the extra mile and went to the local council office to sit down and sort out a more amicable solution so we could keep moving forward. I would recommend Doyen Town Planning
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   KAL B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Doyen Planning. We had a great and seamless experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gavin Moore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The advice received and process adopted was succinct and accurate.  Through regular communication, we were informed as to each step of the approval process.  Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rupert Monahan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and excellent attention to detail. Would definitely engage Doyen again.
  
 
  
  
 
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Heritage and Character House Renovations

Choose a Highly Experienced Town Planner to Assist With Your Heritage or Character House Renovations in Brisbane

What is the difference between a Heritage home and a Character home?

There are many regulations and specific rules when it comes to Town Planning, and it can be confusing navigating the waters on your own. One such example is the difference between a Heritage home and a Character one.

What is the difference between Local and State Heritage listings?

Heritage building renovations and extensions

Character house extensions

Not all ‘Queenslanders’ are suitable to be heritage listed, in fact, the majority are not.

Contact Doyen’s Town Planning consultants today

Thinking about a Heritage listed building renovation? Want to improve your Character home?
Contact Doyen Town Planning today for a no-obligation consultation.

Access Your Complimentary Property Intelligence Report (Normally $450)

Get clarity on the site before you commit.

What our clients say about our Town Planners

Areas We Serve

Heritage and Character House Renovations

Choose a Highly Experienced Town Planner to Assist With Your Heritage or Character House Renovations in Brisbane

What is the difference between a Heritage home and a Character home?

There are many regulations and specific rules when it comes to Town Planning, and it can be confusing navigating the waters on your own. One such example is the difference between a Heritage home and a Character one.

Heritage home

Character home

What is the difference between Local and State Heritage listings?

Heritage building renovations and extensions

Character house extensions

Not all ‘Queenslanders’ are suitable to be heritage listed, in fact, the majority are not.

Contact Doyen’s Town Planning consultants today

Thinking about a Heritage listed building renovation? Want to improve your Character home? Contact Doyen Town Planning today for a no-obligation consultation.

Access Your Complimentary Property Intelligence Report (Normally $450)

Get clarity on the site before you commit.

What our clients say about our Town Planners

Areas We Serve

Thinking about a Heritage listed building renovation? Want to improve your Character home?
Contact Doyen Town Planning today for a no-obligation consultation.