What Insurance Do You Need for Heritage Home Renovations in Sydney?

Renovating a heritage home in Sydney isn’t just another building project. It’s about carefully blending the old with the new, preserving details that have stood for decades (or centuries), and working within strict council rules. But here’s the truth: when you’re dealing with fragile structures, unique materials, and specialist trades, things don’t always go to plan.

That’s where insurance steps in. The right cover can be the difference between a smooth restoration and a financial nightmare.

Let’s dive into the types of insurance you’ll need, some real-world examples of why they matter, and how to make sure your heritage renovation is protected from start to finish.

If you’ve ever walked through Paddington, Balmain or Glebe, you’ll know heritage homes have quirks – ornate ceilings, old sandstone, delicate timber. They’re beautiful, but they’re also unpredictable.

• A leaking roof might look minor but could reveal rotten beams underneath.
• Restoring a stained-glass window could cost triple the price of a modern replacement.
• One slip of scaffolding could damage decorative brickwork that can’t be easily replicated.

For most Sydney homeowners, these risks are hard to absorb without insurance. And while many people assume their standard home policy will cover renovations, that’s rarely the case.

This is why it pays to speak to an experienced builder, like Ardent Construction, before starting any restoration. We’ve seen projects saved because the right cover was in place — and others grind to a halt because it wasn’t.

This is the first trap many homeowners fall into. Standard building insurance often has fine print excluding major works or structural changes. If you don’t tell your insurer about your renovation, you could void your policy entirely.

For example, we had a client in Mosman renovating a federation home. Midway through, a storm ripped through and caused ceiling damage. Because they’d updated their insurer about the works, the repairs were covered. Without that update, they’d have been left with a $40,000 bill.

If you’re unsure, pull out your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and check the exclusions. Or better still, call your insurer and explain exactly what you’re planning.

Think of contract works insurance (sometimes called “builders all-risk insurance”) as your safety net while renovations are underway. It covers damage caused by events like:

• Fire or storm damage during construction.
• Theft of materials (sadly common on Sydney sites).
• Accidental damage to the building.

Why it matters for heritage homes: if scaffolding knocks into a century-old leadlight window, the cost of replacement isn’t small. This policy helps cover that.

Usually, your builder will organise this, but it’s always worth asking for proof. Don’t assume it’s included.

Heritage renovations often happen in dense, inner-Sydney suburbs where houses sit close together. That means if something goes wrong on site, your neighbour’s property could also be affected.

Imagine excavation work causing cracks in the terrace next door, or a falling tile damaging a neighbour’s car. Without public liability cover, you could be personally responsible.

Most reputable builders carry $20 million public liability insurance, and you should always ask to see their certificate of currency before works begin.

Not every homeowner realises this one exists. If your project involves an architect, heritage consultant, or designer providing advice or drawings, professional indemnity insurance protects against errors in that advice.

For heritage homes, where council requirements are strict, a small oversight in paperwork or design can be very costly. Professional indemnity helps cover legal fees and damages if something goes wrong.

As a homeowner, you might not think about trades insurance, but it’s vital. Any builder you hire should have workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.

Why it matters: if a tradesperson is injured on your site and their employer isn’t insured, liability can fall back on you. Always ask your builder for proof before signing contracts.

You’ll find this is standard practice when working with licensed builders like Ardent Construction.

Some insurers offer tailored policies for heritage-listed or character homes. These policies recognise that restoring a Victorian terrace or Federation-era property is more complex than repairing a modern brick home.

They often include:

• Coverage for higher rebuild costs.
• Access to specialist trades for restoration.
• Recognition of delicate materials like slate roofing, sandstone, or ornate ironwork.

If your home is heritage-listed, it’s worth asking your insurer if you need this level of cover.

Skipping insurance isn’t just risky – it can bring a project to a standstill.

• Council approvals may be delayed if you can’t show proof of insurance.
• You may be personally liable for injuries or property damage.
• Builders might walk away from the project if cover isn’t in place.

We once heard of a homeowner in the Inner West who tried to save money by skipping extra cover. Halfway through, a neighbour claimed their foundation was damaged by excavation. With no liability cover, the homeowner faced legal fees in the tens of thousands – and the renovation stopped cold.

Renovating a heritage home in Sydney is both exciting and daunting. With the right insurance, you’ll know that if the unexpected happens – a storm, an accident, or a costly mistake – you won’t be left footing the bill.

At Ardent Construction, we guide homeowners through every stage of heritage renovation, including the insurance and approval process. If you’re planning to restore your piece of Sydney’s history, talk to us first – we’ll help you protect both your project and your peace of mind.