Homeowner Resources : Heritage Professionals

Why they matter

There may come a time when you will want or need to consult a professional. Depending on the type of work, you may require a Heritage Consultant or Planner, an Architect, an Archaeologist, or someone else.

Reasons you may decide to hire a Heritage Professional

To assess the significance of your house as a part of a process to legally protect it or have it added to a heritage register
To advise on alterations, renovations and development that are aligned with Standards and Guidelines for conservation
To provide technical support for sourcing/locating specialized heritage materials, project documentation and contract implementation
To develop a conservation plan to ensure a well throughout to strategy to ensure the long-term viability of a protected heritage resource plan that fits the needs of your property
Depending on your home’s heritage status and local by-laws, you may need to develop a site plan for its conservation to maintain designation

Unsure if you require the services of a Heritage Planner? Explore our Heritage Conservation Services flowcharts. These flowcharts were designed by the BC Association of Heritage Professionals to help property owners, stewards and municipal planners become familiar with heritage conservation decision making, services and the reports that support them.

Resources

» British Columbia Association of Heritage Professionals (BCAHP)

» Heritage Conservation Services Flowcharts

» British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects

» British Columbia Association of Professional Archeologists

» Architectural Institute of British Columbia

» Consult a Professional: Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Building Owner’s Guide

FAQ

How can I find a heritage professional/heritage consultant?

The BC Association for Heritage Professionals (BCAHP) online directory has contact information for professionals across BC and their areas of specialty.

How can I find a tradesperson who can help with restoration or contracting work?

If you are based in the lower mainland, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation has compiled a list of professionals available upon request. If you are based outside of the lower mainland, you can reach out to us with your query and we can provide you with contacts in your region. In both cases, for reasons of insurance and liability, our organizations cannot recommend a tradesperson, but you can choose to reach out to the contacts on our lists at your own discretion and responsibility.

I am just beginning to work on conserving my heritage home. Where should I begin in regards to heritage professionals?

Learn about maintaining your old home, and determine what work requires the work of a specialized professional. Learning what kind of expertise you require will narrow down who to contact. Heritage Professionals can range from trades to professionals to carry out work, and your first step is knowing whose skills you need.

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