Smith Heritage Surveyors
About our Listed Building Surveys
A Listed Building Survey provides a comprehensive report of a building that is of architectural or historic interest. Carried out by a credited Building Conservation professional, the survey provides in-depth information on the building’s condition – like a RICS Level 3 Building Survey – but with additional detail specific to historic properties.
The surveyor will examine any changes made to the building, ensuring that they are legal and in line with all planning requirements. The report will also provide advice on any defects found, including repairs and maintenance options.
We partner with some of the leading heritage organisations in the country including the RICS, SPAB, Historic Houses and the Listed Property Owners Club.
The listed property owners club recommend owners and buyers of listed buildings use an experienced building surveyor, someone who deals with listed buildings every day and has the breadth of knowledge to understand and advise you on all the potential pitfalls and defects. You can guarantee that our surveyors fulfil this criteria.
Detailed reports tailored for your requirements
What’s included in a Listed Building Survey?
- Thermal imaging survey to identify any damp, trapped moisture or thermal inefficiencies
- High-level inspection of the roof structure, chimneys and rainwater goods using telescopic pole camera or drone
- Full report emailed via PDF within three working days. Hard copy available for additional cost
- Full description of defects and underlying issues with potential to cause problems
- Outline of repair options in line with planning requirements, plus consequences of inaction
- Budget schedule to help you manage costs of work needed
- Assessment of any changes made to the property over time
- Talk to your surveyor on the day of inspection with a follow up phone call to explain their findings. You will also have ongoing access via email and telephone to ask any follow up questions
Heritage surveys
Types of listed building
There are three types of listed building status in England and Wales:
Grade I – exceptional interest. Only 2.5 per cent of listed buildings are Grade I.
Grade II* – particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Just 5.5 per cent of listed buildings are Grade II*.
Grade II – buildings of special interest. The vast majority of all listed buildings – 92 per cent – fall into Grade II.
It is important to know that, in most cases, listing protects the entirety of the building’s interior and exterior. This includes any structures attached to the building or within its curtilage, such as modern extensions.
Many buildings that date back beyond 1700 were built using timber. Our heritage surveyors have in-depth knowledge of timber frames and joinery to help you navigate the range of repair, maintenance and development options available to you.
Get a quote
Book a Listed Building Survey
Smith Heritage Surveyors specialise in historic buildings. Our heritage surveyors are highly qualified to inspect and assess finer property details unique to older buildings. When inspecting a historical building, you must have a specialist surveyor. In-depth knowledge of building history, construction techniques and traditional building materials is essential.
Get your project started and book your Listed Building Survey with Smith Heritage Surveyors today.
Our portfolio
Listed Building Survey case study
Smith Heritage Surveyors carried out a Listed Building Survey on this 16th century property in Hampshire. The inspection of the property required specialist knowledge of thatch, timber frame structures and traditional building materials.
In the survey, we were able to detail how the building had been altered over time. We also advised the client on how to remedy identified issues, including suitable materials to comply with listed regulations.
Own a listed building
Listed Building Surveys for Homeowners.
A growing area of our work us is our work with owners of listed buildings. We are engaged for a variety of reasons including helping owners understand the history of their home, map the changes that have occurred over the years and how it developed throughout its lifetime.
Likewise, we are often engaged by owners who are looking to sell their home soon, but would like to understand the possible defects, planning issues and general condition a little better to avoid any unforeseen problems.
We are also asked to provide expert witness reports for homeowners, provide site management or building works inspections or comment on historic works.
We undertake Listed Building Surveys all over the UK, London, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon & Cornwall.
Speak to Smith Heritage
Contact us today
To request a quote or enquire about any of our services, get in touch with the Smith Heritage team today.