Preston
Listed building surveys
It is always prudent to instruct a surveyor before completing a purchase of a property, particularly so if the building is historic or listed. Issues uncovered at the pre-purchase stage can then be considered during the early negotiations. A listed building survey (often called a heritage survey or a historic building survey) will identify any defects or areas of concern, including legal and listed building compliance issues and provide you with recommendations for remedial action.
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A purchaser of a listed building will inherit any unauthorised alterations undertaken without listed building consent that may be present at the property. Our reports include a detailed assessment of such issues and how best to remedy them. This may include consultation with the local planning authority, retrospective applications, or applications to ameliorate unauthorised alterations.
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Our listed building surveys are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of BS7913 'Guide to the Conservation of Historic Buildings' and are based upon the industry standard RICS level 3 survey.
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What does a listed building survey include?
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- Desktop research (history, regressive mapping, flood risk, radon risk, EPC, mining, knotweed, review of estate agent particulars)
- Assessment of statutory protections and alterations (listed building consent, conservation areas)
- Assessment of alterations to a listed building
- Assessment of the planning history of the building (if available)
- Visual assessment of the structural elements of the building
- Visual appraisal of the building fabric condition highlighting defects and recommendations
- Characterisation of building type, construction and materials to inform future ongoing maintenance requirements
- Assessment of the grounds and permanent outbuildings
- Non-destructive dampness detection
- Issues for your legal advisor (boundaries, access, ownership, building regulation compliance etc)
- Fully illustrated with annotated photography
- High-level inspection of roof and chimney stacks with a drone (as required and weather and environment permitting)
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Please note, we do not undertake valuation work or RICS level 2/homebuyer reports.
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