Heritage Conservation Advisor

Owners of heritage homes and commercial buildings, developers, churches, community groups, heritage trusts and local governments.

Fixed fee per report or application, or an hourly rate for advice and site visits. Repeat work comes from developers, municipalities and organizations with several properties.

• Knowledge of historic building methods and architectural styles
• Clear report writing
• Familiarity with heritage conservation standards and municipal processes
• Explaining options to non-experts

• Check whether your province or municipality requires specific qualifications for heritage reports on designated properties
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, as well as general liability for site visits
• Check whether a home-based business licence is needed from your municipality
• Work can come in waves tied to development and grant cycles, so budget for quiet months
• Joining a professional body such as the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals may help credibility, so check its membership requirements

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $5,000 CAD, depending on your equipment, software, insurance and any professional memberships. The service can be run from home, with site visits as needed.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,500 to $7,500 CAD, depending on the reports and permit work you take on. Work can come in waves tied to development and grant cycles, so budget for quiet months.

Check whether your province or municipality requires specific qualifications for heritage reports on designated properties. Also check professional liability and general liability insurance, any home-based business licence, and membership requirements of bodies such as the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.