Heritage building repair specialist

Owners of period homes and shopfronts, churches, community groups, local councils, trusts and builders who need a heritage specialist on a job.

Quoted prices per job or day rates for repair work, plus materials. Repeat work often comes from referrals, heritage advisors and councils.

• A building trade such as bricklaying, carpentry, plastering or roofing
• Patience with traditional methods and materials
• Quoting and keeping records of work done

• Building work licensing differs by state and territory, so check which licence or registration you need
• Heritage-listed places often need approval from the council or state heritage body before work starts, so check before quoting
• Old buildings may contain asbestos or lead paint, so check safe handling and testing rules
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Work at heights and with heavy materials is physically demanding

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the tools, materials and vehicle you need and the trades you offer. Public liability insurance and, once you hire, workers compensation are further costs to plan for.

Check which licence or registration your state or territory requires for building work. Heritage-listed places often need approval from the council or state heritage body before work starts, so check before quoting. Also check safe handling and testing rules for asbestos and lead paint.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the type of jobs, how many days you work and your trade. The work is physically demanding, including work at heights and with heavy materials.