LISTED AND HISTORIC BUILDING SURVEYS
Listed and historic buildings require a more considered approach. Their construction methods, materials and legal constraints differ significantly from modern properties.
Our Listed and Historic Building Survey is a comprehensive, director-led inspection tailored specifically to older and heritage properties.
Each survey is carried out personally by Chartered Building Surveyor Tom Whitworth MRICS.
WHAT IS A LISTED AND HISTORIC BUILDING SURVEY?
This service is undertaken in accordance with the RICS Level 3 Building Survey standard but includes additional commentary specific to heritage and traditionally-constructed buildings.
It is suitable for:
- Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, II)
- Properties within Conservation Areas
- Pre-1930 buildings
- Buildings of traditional solid-wall construction
- Properties altered using modern materials
The focus is not only on identifying defects, but on understanding building performance and appropriate conservation-led repair strategies.
HERITAGE-SPECIFIC ADVICE
Older buildings require compatible materials and sympathetic repair techniques.
Reports include tailored commentary on:
- Traditional construction methods
- Breathable materials and lime-based repairs
- Timber performance and decay risk
- Movement in historic structures
- The implications of inappropriate modern alterations
- Maintenance planning for long-term stewardship
Where relevant, commentary will assist your legal adviser in reviewing Listed Building or Conservation Area considerations.
WHAT MAKES OUR APPROACH DIFFERENT?
DIRECTOR-LED INSPECTION
Each inspection is personally undertaken by an experienced Chartered Building Surveyor with direct involvement throughout.
CONSERVATION-AWARE ASSESSMENT
Advice is framed around long-term preservation and building compatibility, not short-term cosmetic repair.
DETAILED ANNOTATED REPORTING
Reports include high-resolution annotated photographs and clear explanation of findings.
ADVANCED INSPECTION EQUIPMENT
Thermal imaging, moisture profiling equipment, pole camera access and endoscopes are utilised where appropriate.
CLEAR, PROPORTIONATE ADVICE
Findings are structured to distinguish:
- Urgent matters
- Significant defects
- Maintenance and stewardship considerations
- Areas requiring specialist input
The objective is clarity and informed decision-making.
COMPLIMENTARY POST-REPORT CONSULTATION
A post-report telephone consultation (up to 30 minutes) is included on request.
OPTIONAL ON-SITE WALK-THROUGH
An optional walk-round service may be arranged following inspection, subject to access and availability.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Pre-inspection desktop research
- Review of planning and heritage context where relevant
- Thorough inspection of the building and grounds
- Assessment of traditional construction elements
- Advice on defects, repairs and material compatibility
- Commentary on health and safety considerations
- Guidance for your legal adviser
- Observation of services in normal operation (where accessible)
Valuations and BCIS reinstatement cost assessments can be included if required.
REPORT FORMAT
Reports are prepared using our own enhanced reporting format, fully aligned with the RICS Home Survey Standard.
Each report is written personally by the inspecting Chartered Surveyor and structured to provide:
- Clear prioritisation of issues
- Practical, conservation-aware guidance
- Extensive annotated photographic evidence
- Logical organisation for ease of reference
The focus is on clarity and long-term stewardship rather than generic template commentary.
FEES
Due to the individual nature and complexity of historic buildings, each instruction is quoted individually.
To provide an accurate quotation we require:
- Full property address
- Agreed purchase price (if applicable)
- Estate agent details (if applicable)
- Any particular concerns or areas of interest
Our fees reflect the additional time and expertise required when inspecting heritage properties.
COST ESTIMATES AND CONTRACTORS
While cost estimates are not provided as standard due to variability in repair approaches and materials, we provide detailed defect descriptions to assist you in obtaining specialist quotations.
We do not recommend specific contractors in order to maintain independence, but we are happy to review quotations received in light of our report findings.
INFORMED STEWARDSHIP
Owning a listed or historic property carries responsibility as well as privilege.
Our objective is to provide clear, technically grounded advice to support informed and sympathetic management of your building.
Please contact us for a tailored quotation.
