Listed and Historic Buildings Surveyor Suffolk

RICS Regulated Chartered Surveyors serving Suffolk & beyond

Chiltern Associates are a firm of independent Chartered Surveyors with a particular specialism in listed and historic buildings. From large Elizabethan mansions and smaller terraced houses in Ipswich to historic houses in Suffolk and the surrounding area, we have a wealth of knowledge and can provide in-depth historic building advice and historic building surveys.

Historic Properties in Suffolk

Historic timber frame construction works in quite a different way to modern load bearing structures, which is why in-depth specialist knowledge of historic buildings is so important. At Chiltern Associates, we understand all about wattle and daub walls, cobb walls, brick clad walls and the nature of lime mortar.

Structural movement and its relevance is quite different for these kind of historic properties. We can provide expert historic building advisory service in Suffolk to help you through this potential minefield. Even your requirements for house insurance will be different to traditional brick and mortar properties. With historic houses in Suffolk, structural movement depends more on the stability of the timber frame than the foundations.

WHY CHOOSE CHILTERN ASSOCIATES?

If your property is listed, we can describe the nature of listing, any additional controls imposed by the local authority and the difference between Grade I and Grade II listing. As a historic building surveyor, we have a comprehensive grasp of Conservation Areas and can give advice on likely controls by the local authority on alterations.

We also understand about the need for ‘breathability’ of historic structures and can advise on suitable repairs for such buildings. For example, lime mortar allows for moisture passage and evaporation whereas cement rich mortars can block moisture causing a dangerous build-up in the structure. As a historic building surveyor, we know what to look for and can provide valuable guidance on outline costings to remedy defects.

Suffolk Listed and Historic Building Advice

If you are considering the purchase or refurbishment of a listed or historic building in Suffolk and the surrounding area, obtaining an in-depth historic building survey is highly recommended.

As an experienced historic building surveyor with extensive knowledge of the local area in Suffolk and beyond, Chiltern Associates provide tailored survey reports. The report prepared will reflect the property in depth, the condition, your requirements and any other matters that are relevant.

Historic Building Surveys:

  • We can advise on restrictions on window design, use of roof materials, and other matters controlled in listed buildings.
  • Thatched roofs can be a potential fire hazard and we can advise on how these fires can be a serious threat to the stability of the structure. Wood stoves need special treatment if the roof is thatched.
  • Damp can be a particular area of concern. Traditional damp control methods such as injecting chemicals into walls are not appropriate for historic properties and so alternatives can be considered with the advice of the right building professionals.
  • Woodworm and death watch beetle can be controlled with the right advice and understanding of what is serious, affecting the structural stability, and what is of less concern.
  • The whole site of a listed building is included in the listing, so outbuildings such as garages, storage buildings and stables are also controlled. Even walls may be included, so advice is also given on these aspects.

Your needs for alterations can be included in the report with general advice. You may wish to alter the internal layout or build an extension and we can discuss these with you.

Historic Building Surveyor Suffolk

As a Suffolk based independent team of professional surveyors, Chiltern Associates offer specialist historic building surveys across the entire region, including: Aldeburgh, Ipswich, Needham Market, Saxmundham, Southwoldm, Stowmarket and Woodbridge

Over the years, we have surveyed a wide range of historic houses in Suffolk spanning centuries of building design and techniques. Every historic building is different and, as such, must be treated individually when a historic building survey is undertaken.

The range of different aspects that have to be considered can be vast. Below are just two examples of the factors that are examined in detail during a historic building survey.

Contact us today to discuss your project and how we can help you manage every aspect of your commercial to residential conversion in Suffolk and the surrounding areas.

RICS CHARTERED SURVEYOR

REVIEWS ON REALLY MOVING

LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED
CHARTERED SURVEYOR IN SUFFOLK?

Contact Nina Robinson and her team a call today We will beat pricing on any other genuine quote.

Call Us Now