The Role of Building Surveys in Renovating Older Properties

Renovating an older or historic property may be rewarding, but it will present its unique set of problems. Such buildings have so much character and history that they will require careful planning and expert advice to make sure they are updated without losing what makes them special. One of the most important tasks in this process is getting a Building Survey.

Why Building Surveys Matter

A Building Survey is essentially a detailed inspection of a property's condition. This is particularly important with regard to older properties, which more often than not will have hidden issues that aren't immediately visible. Some of these problems, if not watched out for, may cause many headaches during the renovation process. Conducting a Building Survey helps in exposing these issues beforehand and gives you an upper hand on the situation.

Spotting Potential Structural Problems

Most older properties will have inherent structural problems, like subsidence, dampness, or timber decay, or even found weakness in their foundations, because of their age. This will examine the structural integrity of a property within a Building Survey, pointing out areas that may need working on. Knowing this in advance enables one to plan the renovation effectively and avoids surprising one with unexpected renovation costs. 

Conservation of Historic Features

One of the great things about having an older property is the idiosyncratic nature of its architecture. Too often, though, these very features that people fall in love with become headaches in renovation works. A Building Survey will identify significant historical elements, like original fireplaces or timber framing, that shall be preserved. This way, you will know how your renovation works in respecting the history of the property while making it more livable.

Complying with modern standards

Older properties were often built before modern building regulations came into play. Because of this, they can lack adequate insulation, up-to-date electrical systems, and fire safety measures to meet requirements today. A Building Survey assesses whether or not the property is up to today's standards. This helps you plan any upgrades that might be necessary for the building.

Keeping Control of Costs and Budget

Considering that renovating an older property may be expensive, especially if there are unforeseen problems which suddenly crop up, a Building Survey will help in gaining a much clearer understanding of the state of the property, thus being able to budget more accurately. This will enable you to plan finances wisely by knowing what has to be done and to avoid financial shocks later.

Overcoming Legal and Other Statutory Requirements

If it is a historic property you are working on, there might need to be legal and regulatory constraints in place, particularly if the building is listed or is situated in a conservation area. Such needs can be brought to your attention by using a Building Survey. This will ensure that your renovation plan falls completely within legal requirements, saving time and cost and keeping you clear of potential legal issues.

Conclusion

A Building Survey is the most critical action needed when you are planning to renovate an older or historic property. The latter actually gives in-depth insight into the condition of the property, thus helping with retaining historical features, complying with modern standards, and budgeting correctly. Had you had a Building Survey, you would perhaps approach your renovation with a much clearer understanding of what is involved.

If you are planning a renovation, contact Nick Cobb Surveyors to arrange a Building Survey. For more information and to discuss your requirements, visit www.nickcobbsurveyors.co.uk.