Due to the age, size, and nature of the property, listed building surveys are a specialist survey performed by a qualified property expert. A Historic or listed Building Survey, also known as a Heritage Survey or Historic Building Assessment, is a detailed examination of the listed building’s current condition. This survey provides an assessment of the structure, fabric, and any existing issues or damage. It is crucial for understanding the building’s current state before purchasing or planning any alterations or repairs.
In general, most properties constructed before 1840 and is still surviving in its original condition is likely to be listed. There are other reasons for listings which come down to a buildings significance, which may mean even a modern building may become listing (if you are unsure whether the property you are buying is listed, get in touch with us and we can help you find out).
The surveyor must have experience seeing past outward signs of faults and tracking their source. It is not unusual for a historic building to have had many centuries of building owners, some of these changes may be good, and some may be not. We often see the majority of defects to our historic building stock occurred within the last few decades so do not fall for the old line “it has stood for 400 years so I’m sure it will be fine for a little while longer”! Yes it probably would have if you hadn’t carried out all of these works Mr Jones…
Many Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) surveyors refuse to conduct a listed building study because, according to RICS surveyor criteria, the property type, its complexity, and the area in which it is located must be acquainted to the surveyor.
Due to the historical building materials and architectural styles employed at the period, listed structures are by their very nature more difficult to inspect.
A surveyor will get experience working with other surveyors over the course of several years of service to obtain the necessary competency.
The RICS states that “the surveyor needs to be familiar with the nature and complexity of the property type and the region in which it is situated.”
A listed structure frequently has flaws that are difficult to spot at first look but might end up being expensive to fix. Also do not believe that just because the owners have listed building consent, that the works are suitable for the building. It is true that some conservation officers are fantastic, but it is a poorly paid job with a high turnover, and generally those that stay for long periods are on the beach Monday to Friday!
For more information on what is included in a listed building survey and further information take a look at the listed building survey services page here.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact us now.