Statue (Historic Preservation)

In the field of historic preservation, a “counterfeit” refers to a true-to-scale, historically documented representation or graphic documentation of a historic building, its facade, or individual structural elements. These plans form the basis for permitting procedures and restoration work on protected buildings. Historic preservation authorities often require a facsimile as proof of design authenticity before, during, and after renovation work.

Importance of the Facsimile in the Approval Process

Anyone wishing to renovate or alter a registered historic building in Bavaria requires not only a building permit but also a historic preservation permit from the Lower Historic Preservation Authority (UDB). A visual record-usually in the form of as-built drawings, photographs, or photogrammetric images-is submitted to:

• document the original condition
• make planned interventions transparent
• demonstrate the reversibility of measures

The more detailed the documentation, the smoother the coordination process with the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments (BLfD) will be. Authorities value a comprehensive preliminary assessment because it shortens response times for requests for additional information and speeds up the process.

The creation of the documentation does not necessarily have to be fully completed before construction begins-in some cases, historic preservation authorities allow for ongoing documentation if there is significant time pressure. However, the standard is that the documentation is part of the permit application and is available before construction begins.

Technical Requirements for a Facade Survey

Modern facade surveys are often created using photogrammetry or 3D laser scanning. These methods allow for millimeter-precise documentation of even complex facade ornamentation. The following documents are generally required:

• Floor plans, sections, and elevations at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100
• Photographic documentation of all affected building components
• Material analyses (mortar samples, wood assessments, paint analyses)

For very complex structures (e.g., historic stucco coffered ceilings, vaulted cellars with ornamental details), macro photography, X-ray analysis, or dendrochronology (dating of wooden beams) are also used. These scientific methods are standard practice in restoration workshops and specialized architectural firms.

Costs and Tax Benefits

The creation of a professional report by an architectural firm or a restorer can cost several thousand euros, depending on the building’s complexity. However, provided the building is listed as a historic monument, these expenses are tax-deductible as preservation costs under Sections 7i, 10f, or 11b of the German Income Tax Act (EStG). Owners can thus deduct up to 9% of the costs from their taxes over eight or ten years.

The tax benefit applies not only to the renovation measures themselves but also explicitly to preparatory documentation work such as the architectural rendering. A prerequisite is a certificate from the relevant historic preservation authority confirming that the measure was required and approved under historic preservation law. This certificate should be applied for well in advance, as it cannot be issued retroactively.

Practical Tip for Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

Nuremberg boasts an exceptionally dense landscape of historic buildings: from the Kaiserburg area and the Old Town to the Art Nouveau villas in Laufamholz and the Wilhelminian-style buildings in Gostenhof, hundreds of structures are protected. We recommend that buyers and owners of historic buildings contact the municipal Lower Monument Protection Authority and the BLfD early on and commission a qualified survey-this saves time in the approval process and secures tax benefits. A complete survey is mandatory for the application, particularly for funding projects under the Bavarian Monument Preservation Program.

Building Survey and Funding Programs

Those who renovate a historic building not only benefit from tax deductions but can also apply for grants from the Bavarian Historic Preservation Program or federal programs (German Foundation for Monument Protection, KfW Program 151/152 for Historic Efficiency Homes). For nearly all of these funding programs, qualified construction documentation-i.e., a condition report-is a mandatory component of the funding application. Without complete documentation of the current condition, a funding application is generally not processed.

The condition report serves a dual purpose in these procedures: It substantiates the need for action under historic preservation law and simultaneously documents the initial condition, which is no longer directly visible after renovation. It serves as proof to funding agencies that funds were used appropriately and in accordance with the requirements. A carefully prepared “Konterfei” thus also protects owners from subsequent claims for reimbursement in the context of grant audits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is authorized to create a before-and-after record for historic preservation purposes?

As a rule, registered architects or certified conservators (Dipl.-Restaurator, M.A. in Conservation) are entrusted with this task. For complex properties, historic preservation authorities often recommend specialized firms with a track record in historic preservation.

Does a facsimile have to be created before every intervention on the historic building?

Not for every minor intervention-e.g., the replacement of individual roof tiles of the same design. However, for significant changes to the facade, structural framework, or historic fabric, the submission of a facsimile is generally mandatory.

Can I use the documentation for other purposes later on?

Yes. High-quality documentation is not only useful for official procedures: it also serves as a basis for restoration work, insurance claims, and reconstruction in the event of fire or storm damage. Furthermore, it is valuable historical documentation that can serve as proof of quality and careful preservation of the historic structure in the event of a future sale.

How much does a professional architectural drawing cost in Nuremberg?

The cost depends heavily on the complexity of the property. For a typical Wilhelminian-style house in Nuremberg with a facade requiring documentation, a realistic estimate for a complete architectural drawing is between €3,000 and €8,000. For particularly complex properties, such as historic villas or half-timbered buildings, the costs can be significantly higher.

How long does it take to create a building survey?

That depends on the scope and the methods used. A photogrammetric survey of a medium-sized facade takes one to two days of fieldwork; the subsequent processing into plans and reports takes another two to four weeks. For complex properties with elaborate interiors or scientific material analyses, the process can take several months. Property owners should factor the production time into their project planning and commission the work early on.

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