Navigating the building process in historic Balmain: A guide for homeowners
Building or renovating a home in Balmain, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, can be a rewarding experience, but there are certain factors that can influence the design and construction process. Balmain is a historical suburb with a rich heritage and unique architecture, therefore, building a home in this area requires certain considerations that differ from other suburbs. Here are some things you should know when building or renovating in Balmain:
Heritage considerations: Balmain has a rich history, with large parts of the suburb falling under Heritage Conservation Areas as well as many heritage listed buildings and sites. When building or renovating in Balmain, it’s best to check planning and development provisions for the area. If your property falls within a conservation area, any development will need to comply with the local heritage guidelines alongside regular planning permissions.
Zoning and building regulations: Balmain and the surrounding suburbs have different levels of urban density with residential areas carrying a variety of rules about the scale and height of development. When planning your residential project, understanding the nuances of these planning regulations can influence design factors such as floor space, layout or if you can build another storey.
Building materials and construction methods: Since Balmain is an older suburb of Sydney, many sites have been developed several times over the decades and often close to the boundary. Choosing the right building material for your project involves analysing the style of existing building as well as the most efficient construction method. Some sites will have difficult access and limited space to store materials, which can influence the design for your project.
Access to services and utilities: As Balmain is an older suburb, there is a chance that the infrastructure may not be able to support new construction. Make sure to check with the local council and utility companies to ensure that your new home will have access to the necessary services and utilities, such as water, electricity, and gas. Understanding the location and access to these services may affect the feasibility of your project.
Cost: As with building any home, let alone in Balmain, the process can be expensive. Having a clear budget in place assists us to help design appropriately to help you achieve your project objectives. Understanding the impact of building in a historical area will help consolidate your budget while maintaining some contingency for unexpected costs that may arise during the construction process.
By being aware of these factors and planning accordingly, you can ensure that the process of building your home in Balmain goes as smoothly as possible. If you are unsure about what is possible for your Balmain property, Ballast Point will help you determine what you can and can’t do as part of our Property Feasibility Services.
