An older photo of the house.
This designation comes with specific regulations, particularly regarding alterations to the building's exterior.
Akbar's efforts to modernize the windows, replacing 11 on the second floor and continuing a project started by the previous owner who had replaced four, clashed with these regulations.
The municipality stepped in, informing Akbar that the new windows must be replaced with styles that better reflect the building's historic character.
Akbar, who works in Skellefteå, was unaware of the house's conservation status when he bought the house.
– Neither the real estate agent nor the previous owner mentioned that the house was listed, says Akbar when Norran meets him and his older brother, who is also involved in the project.
Do you feel deceived?
– Deceived is a strong word. Perhaps it was an oversight rather than a deliberate omission. Nonetheless, it's information we should have been privy to, his brother said.
The situation is further complicated by Akbar's significant investment. He purchased new windows for the entire house and paid for a carpenter to install them, spending a total of around 300,000 kronor. Now, with the modern windows deemed illegal, they sit unused indoors, taking up space. Additionally, the drafty old windows are not suitable to reuse, adding another layer to the problem.
Akbar Mohammadi also purchased new windows for the lower floor, but unfortunately, the factory won't accept returns due to their custom measurements. These windows are now taking up space indoors.
The real kick in the teeth for Akbar was being unable to get a refund for the new windows because they were custom-made and couldn't be returned to the manufacturer.
Given that he's already invested a huge amount of money in the project, he's understandably hesitant to order any more new windows, especially when he's even expected to replace those new windows installed by the previous owner.
– I shouldn't be held responsible for what they've done, he said.
He further questioned the need for a complete restoration when some of the original windows are still in situ.
Akbar Mohammadi encountered several issues with the new windows installed on the upper floor. The window panes have the wrong internal division layout, and the windows themselves are set too deeply into the wall instead of sitting flush with the building's facade. Additionally, trim was installed around the windows, which was not part of the original design.
Now Akbar finds himself in a quandary, unsure of his next step. His deadline to change the windows is January 1, 2029. Failure to comply carries the threat of a substantial fine, amounting to 5,000 kronor per window, potentially totaling 75,000 kronor.
To further complicate matters, the restoration requirement will remain attached to the property even if it's sold before the deadline.
This means the new owner would be responsible for the restoration. This stipulation has now been formally recorded in the property register, ensuring that future owners are aware of their obligations.
Akbar Mohammadi needs to restore as was a total of 15 windows in his house. He has already replaced 11 of them himself, while the remaining 4 were replaced by the previous owner.
The previous owner maintains they conducted due diligence by researching the municipal website and consulting a customer service representative. However, this representative allegedly advised that a building permit wasn't required for window replacements.
The municipality acknowledged shortcomings in their procedures, specifically the malfunctioning digital map for historically significant buildings in Byske. Given this error, they view the previous owner's efforts to gather information as credible.
Enar Nordvik, head of building permits at Skellefteå municipality, was questioned about the issue. He confirmed that they had swiftly rectified the map's errors.
– As soon as we found out that there was an error in the map service for Byske, we corrected it. Unfortunately, we don't know if it was during this time that the person contacted us, because customer service doesn't have any record of any communication about this.
– That said, you should be able to trust what is said by customer service, he adds.