Heritage advisor and report writer

Owners of heritage-listed or character properties, developers, architects, local councils, community groups and trusts.

Fixed fees per report or hourly rates for advice and site inspections, with repeat work from councils, architects and builders.

• Knowledge of building history, materials and conservation principles
• Clear report writing
• Understanding how local heritage approvals work

• Some approvals need a recognised qualification or experience, so check what your council or state requires
• Professional indemnity insurance, because advice and reports carry risk if they are wrong
• Heritage rules differ by state, territory and council, so never assume one set of rules applies everywhere
• Income can be uneven at first while you build a reputation with councils and architects

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the equipment, software and insurance you need. Most work is done from home with site visits, so overheads can stay fairly low.

Check this first. Some approvals need a recognised qualification or experience, so check what your council or state requires. Heritage rules differ by state, territory and council, so never assume one set applies everywhere. Also check professional indemnity insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many reports and advisory jobs you take on. Income can be uneven at first while you build a reputation with councils and architects.