Providing the knowledge, peace of mind and confidence to make the purchase of a listed or historic building
The idea of purchasing a listed building as a home, retail, office or leisure space can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. The first, and most important question you should ask is this; “Can this building be what I want and need it to be”?
A Historic Building Pre-Purchase Survey assesses the building on an individual basis, identifying constraints and opportunities, and potential obstacles that may arise, providing you with a thorough and informed knowledge that can answer the question whether or not the building can be what you want, and what you need, and how your goals can be made a reality.
A Pre-Purchase Survey comprises two parts; the first being a site visit with my client and the second being a written Historic Building Pre-Purchase Survey Report.
Ensuring prospective owners have a thorough understanding of the property they wish to acquire.
Assess and provide information on the following
Historic Building
Pre-Purchase Survey Report
- Unauthorised works - Prior to the visit I will research all relevant planning history, and will then identify any development that has not been granted permission. As the incoming owner, you inherit any legal responsibility for such works; the consequences of which are best avoided from the outset.
- Brief description of significance and what development would be acceptable and achievable.
- General historic building survey, which will identify any issues, or clues that potentially indicate yet to be identified problems, such as damp patches, cracks in ceilings, plaster or mortar joints, uneven or ‘bouncy’ floor boards, a dipped roof or bowing walls. I will also access the attic space to inspect the truss. Roof timbers can give a good indicator of the building’s true age and evolution.
- A physical and visual assessment of the outside or surrounding space and any potential risks such as vegetation, rainwater goods or neighbouring buildings.
- A brief report on planned development within the neighbouring area which may impact upon the building’s significance.