Building Surveys
With our conservation Chartered Building Surveyors and Historic Building Consultant, Arnold Bartosch is able to offer unrivalled expertise in surveying all types of listed and historic buildings. Our experience includes Dovecotes, Barns, Timber-framed Manor Houses, Ice Houses, Obelisks and Follies as well as National Trust properties.
Pre-purchase Building Surveys
Arnold Bartosch specialises in the survey of Listed and Historic properties. As Historic Building Professionals, our surveyors understanding and knowledge of these types of buildings allows us to provide appropriate and independent advice. The RICS recommends a Level 3 Building Survey as being the most suitable type of survey for larger or older properties, or when planning for major works. Our comprehensive reports focus on the condition of the property with recommendations for appropriate repair and maintenance works. Our reports are supported by fully annotated photographs for ease of understanding. Arnold Bartosch assesses interventions and alterations.
Damp Surveys
Traditionally constructed buildings are built to perform differently to modern buildings. The control of damp in historic buildings is by means of the use of appropriate breathable materials as well as maintaining good ventilation. However, modern interventions as well as building defects can contribute to high levels of damp. Damp problems in Historic/Listed buildings can be a complex issue. Our surveyors have extensive experience of diagnosing the causes of damp rather than focussing on the symptoms. The installation of injected damp-proof courses (and/or the introduction of modern materials) can actually aggravate the situation and the granting of Listed Building Consent would be highly unlikely. Arnold Bartosch adopts a holistic approach and provides professional and impartial advice.
Measured Building and Topographical Surveys
Arnold Bartosch offers a full measured building survey service, comprising of floor plans, internal and external elevations, sections and roof plans. The extent of the survey will depend on the specific requirements of each client and is generally undertaken as part of a wider project.
Specialist Targeted Surveys
With our expertise and understanding of historic and listed buildings, Arnold Bartosch is able to diagnose specific building/structural defects to allow an appropriate repair. These surveys provide a similar level of detail to a full Building Survey, but would specifically focus on the area of particular concern. We advise on damp (also see above) and timber decay, external masonry, roof coverings, etc. The reports include recommendations for repairs which we are able to specify and manage if required.
Drone Surveys
We also provide Drone Surveys where access to carry out an inspection would otherwise not be available.
Our Chartered Building Surveyors and Historic Building Consultant have drone licenses from the Civil Aviation Authority which allow them to use the drone for commercial purposes.
Other Specialist Surveys/Services
Our extensive experience means that we have worked with many fellow professionals, advisors and consultants on heritage projects. We are able to advise on suitably qualified Ecologists, Structural Engineers, Archaeologists, Specialist Materials Consultants (e.g. stone, mortar, paint), Building Services Engineers and Quantity Surveyors, etc.