Consultancy and reports

HISTORIC BUILDING CONDITION REPORTS

Pre-sale Condition Surveys

Pre-Purchase Condition Surveys

Condition Surveys

Nationwide service.

We have been providing hands-on conservation based repair of historic buildings for over 20 years. Utilising that vast experience and post graduate learning and continual study and research, we can offer a very specialist condition reports for all historic buildings, but particularly historic timber framed buildings.

Condition reports can be specific to a timber, a single panel, an elevation or an entire building. They are the culmination of many hours of work, that produces information about the buildings current condition and helps us provide you with the best possible remedial solutions.

WHY DO WE UNDERTAKE CONDITION Surveys?

We undertake surveys for a number of reasons, but for the main part it may be prompted by concern raised over some aspect of the building either by the home owner or prospective purchaser through a structural or pre-purchase survey.

Reports however, can influence planning and grant applications, they can form part of an environmental impact assessment or provide detailed analysis for the purposes of managing, repairing or augmenting the building.

A survey and subsequent report can also help owners understand their building and make informed and carefully considered, decisions about its future, so that both its heritage appearance and full market value are preserved.

HBC&R can provide Pre-sale condition reports that can can provide the current owner with the necessary understanding of the buildings current state to set a realistic market value and prevent potential purchasers returning with lower offers once a survey has been carried out.

We can also carry out specialist Pre-Purchase condition surveys that are rarely obtainable through the usual pre purchase homebuyer survey, due to our unique experience and understanding of timber framed buildings.

We offer 3 differing levels of condition reporting; Verbal, simple and detailed written reports.

1. VERBAL REPORTS:

This is the least detailed, least accurate and has no considered repair scheme. We simply identify areas of concern, make a note and verbally convey them to you at the end of the survey. Or you may wish to watch and take notes.

2. SIMPLE WRITTEN REPORTS:

This is a written document that lists only the main defects, but proposes a generalised repair scheme based upon a considered individual repair strategy.

The report we produce, sets out our findings in a logical and easy to read format.

3. DETAILED WRITTEN REPORTS:

This is the most detailed report, that employs thorough visual and physical investigation to describe all of the timbers, both primary structural and secondary and gives a detailed description of all areas of concern and proposes a repair scheme for each part that considers the following principals;

Timbers:

• The position of the timber within the frame.

• Structural forces applied to the timber component or joint.

• The flexibility required of the joint or timber member.

• The historic features found (i.e. disused mortises etc.)

Timber components and other fabrics:

• Character of the building.

• Longevity of the repair.

• Its historic value (age, rarity etc.)

• The amount of material being removed.

• The effectiveness of the repair, structurally and visually.

• Environment of the repair.

• The visibility of the repair in the finished building

• Use of the building once restored to original function or upgraded for new use.

The detailed report would include:

• A detailed, scaled drawing of each elevation being surveyed, where each area of concern is highlighted with a key to indicate what form the concern takes.

• Where necessary it will contain annotated photographs and drawings to clearly indicate observations and methodology of repair.

• There would be a structural analysis of each component before proposing a repair scheme.

• The descriptions include observations of any historical features.

• It will contain as much historical information about the building that we can determine from the elevations we survey.

Additionally, we can provide a methodology for each and every repair suggested for a contractor if we are not available.

See examples of our Condition Reports Here

Contact us to commission a report on your historic home.

Telephone 07748758569 or Email rolandlocke@hbcandr.com

HISTORIC BUILDING INTERPRETATION AND RECORDING REPORT

Nationwide service

A Historical Building Interpretation is a research study of the building, drawing on documentary investigation and evaluation of architectural stylistic details to produce a written report that describes the buildings social, architectural and historical development. Thereby, creating a written record of its history.

The interpretation or recording of a building may be undertaken for many reasons however, the results of which can have a significant influence on both management and planning decisions but may also provide much valuable and interesting information. An interpretation may be for interest in a building’s past or form part of a preparation for an historic building assessment for submission with a planning application or grant application. It may be in connection with research into genealogy or be part of an environmental impact assessment, carbon reduction or as a detailed analysis for the purposes of managing, repairing or augmentation of a building.

Whatever the reason for a buildings interpretation, we believe that a good understanding of the building and its history is an essential starting point. It is the best way, to evaluate both the past and current condition of the building and understand what repairs and alterations may have occurred historically. thereby, enabling us to formulate and execute conservation works as required for each of our clients homes. It also gives clients a fascinating insite into their home’s construction and can reveal hidden facts they never knew about its history or former inhabitants. We carry out detailed surveys on a wide range of historic buildings from rural barns and cottages, to town houses, manor houses, former farmhouses, pubs and city factories. We interrogate local documentary records and archives, take photographs and make measured drawings and explore cellers and attics. This provides information about the buildings design, construction, function, evolution and context, to enable us to identify and interpret the buildings architectural features and analyse the building in terms of its history and regional and chronological context, ultimately producing a written report, setting out the findings in a logical, easy to read format.

See examples of our Interpretations here

Contact us to commission a report or interpretation on your historic home.

Telephone 07748758569 or Email rolandlocke@hbcandr.com

HISTORIC BUILDING SIGNIFICANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE IMPACT REPORTS

Nationwide service

Preserving the historical significance of historic buildings is not only a matter of passion but often a legal obligation. Various local and national regulations and laws are in place to protect culturally significant structures. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in legal challenges, fines, and even the loss of valuable heritage resources.

These reports are often prompted by a Listed Building Application and required by the local authority so that they can understand the Historic significance of the building in question and the likely impact of any proposed work, be it, simply repairs, additions or change on its historic significance.

This is where our genuine knowledge and expertise in compliance and regulations becomes invaluable:

• Navigating Complex Requirements: The regulatory landscape surrounding historic preservation can be intricate, with different levels of government imposing various requirements. We have a deep understanding of these regulations and can help you navigate the complex maze of applications, approvals, and compliance measures needed to work on or near historically significant timber-framed buildings.

• Meeting Preservation Standards: Our reports are crafted to meet the standards set by relevant preservation bodies, ensuring that your project aligns with best practices in conservation. We ensure that your efforts are in line with guidelines for historic conservation and preservation, which may include guidelines from national historic preservation agencies, local heritage commissions, or other regulatory bodies.

• Avoiding Costly Delays: Non-compliance with historic preservation regulations can lead to costly project delays, redesigns, or even legal battles. Our expertise in compliance helps you avoid these pitfalls by addressing any potential issues proactively, streamlining the approval process, and ensuring your project remains on schedule.

• Demonstrating Due Diligence: Our reports serve as tangible evidence of your commitment to preserving the historical significance of your timber-framed building. When dealing with regulatory authorities or seeking permits, having a well-documented Historic Significance Report or Historic Significance Impact Report demonstrates your due diligence in protecting cultural heritage.

• Mitigating Adverse Effects: If your project involves alterations or development as part of or near a historically significant building, our reports include recommendations for mitigating any adverse effects. This proactive approach not only helps you comply with regulations but also fosters positive relationships with regulatory agencies and preservation organizations.

• Long-Term Compliance: Historic preservation is not just about meeting immediate compliance requirements; it's about ensuring the long-term sustainability of the building's historical significance. Our reports provide a roadmap for ongoing compliance and preservation efforts, helping you maintain the building's full heritage value for generations to come.

At HBC&R, we take the complexity out of compliance and regulations related to historic conservation. We understand that navigating these intricacies can be daunting, but with our expertise and comprehensive reports, you can confidently meet legal requirements while safeguarding the legacy of your timber-framed building. Contact us today to ensure your project aligns with preservation laws and guidelines, preserving the cultural and historical richness of your cherished property.

Contact us today:

Telephone 07748758569 or Email rolandlocke@hbcandr.com