Survey for period property

realmoonunit

Hi All,

Looking for some advise on a property we are looking at purchasing. The property is over 100 years old c1870. Is there any specialist surveyors who look at properties of this vintage?

We have walked the property with a builder who specializes in renovations of period properties in the area who has said that he sees nothing to be afraid of in the property. No damp, subsidence etc. We know the property will need to be rewired and re-plumbed and we intend on updating heating systems, new windows etc. We just want to make sure the core is solid with nothing to worry about.

Property is located in Waterford so if anyone has any recommendations for surveyors in the area that would be appreciated.

Many thanks

jlm29

realmoonunit wrote: »

Hi All,

Looking for some advise on a property we are looking at purchasing. The property is over 100 years old c1870. Is there any specialist surveyors who look at properties of this vintage?

We have walked the property with a builder who specializes in renovations of period properties in the area who has said that he sees nothing to be afraid of in the property. No damp, subsidence etc. We know the property will need to be rewired and re-plumbed and we intend on updating heating systems, new windows etc. We just want to make sure the core is solid with nothing to worry about.

Property is located in Waterford so if anyone has any recommendations for surveyors in the area that would be appreciated.

Many thanks

We used an engineer in tipp called <SNIP>. Our house is older than yours, but we actually engaged him because our solicitor recommended him for other reasons. I did see on his website afterwards though that he has a special interest in older buildings. Might be an option. If not, he’s very nice, he might be able to steer you in the right directions

realmoonunit

Thats great thanks

Graham

Mod Note

Hi folks, please keep recommendations to PM. realmoonunit, I assume you already took note of the name. If not, post on thread and I'll PM you.

Thanks

jlm29

Graham wrote: »

Mod Note

Hi folks, please keep recommendations to PM. realmoonunit, I assume you already took note of the name. If not, post on thread and I'll PM you.

Thanks

Sorry! Totally forgot I wasn’t meant to post the name.

realmoonunit

Graham wrote: »

Mod Note

Hi folks, please keep recommendations to PM. realmoonunit, I assume you already took note of the name. If not, post on thread and I'll PM you.

Thanks

Sorry I did not take note, I was going to have it here for ref. If you could forward that it would be great.

many thanks

lostcat

I would suggest that an architect with experience/training in building conservation would be your best bet here, the RIAI will be able to provide you with a list of accredited architects in the area. Expect to pay a bit more than you would for a survey of a modern building.

Graham

realmoonunit wrote: »

Sorry I did not take note, I was going to have it here for ref. If you could forward that it would be great.

many thanks

PM Sent

realmoonunit

lostcat wrote: »

I would suggest that an architect with experience/training in building conservation would be your best bet here, the RIAI will be able to provide you with a list of accredited architects in the area. Expect to pay a bit more than you would for a survey of a modern building.

Oh excellent, we had looked at the site and I have a chap in the locality too. I'd rather spend more on a decent survey than thousands down the line for a bad one.

Many thanks

Ray Palmer

An architect knows little to nothing about structural issues. They aren't trained in the area at all. You need to get a full engineer's report and I recommend an invasive report. Lifting floorboards drilling the wall etc... on house this age. Costs more and seller may not be keen but it is the best solution.

Be wary of plans to upgrade. You may have to spend more due to restrictions due to age. Even without any protection order you have to replace sash windows with the same. Handmade wooden sash windows are very expensive.

realmoonunit

Ray Palmer wrote: »

An architect knows little to nothing about structural issues. They aren't trained in the area at all. You need to get a full engineer's report and I recommend an invasive report. Lifting floorboards drilling the wall etc... on house this age. Costs more and seller may not be keen but it is the best solution.

Be wary of plans to upgrade. You may have to spend more due to restrictions due to age. Even without any protection order you have to replace sash windows with the same. Handmade wooden sash windows are very expensive.

Excellent points, I will discuss this with the person who we nominate. One we had looked at is a "chartered building surveyor and architect" would this cover what you are talking about?

Re windows, they have already been replaced with aluminium many years ago so I think we are ok there.

lostcat

realmoonunit wrote: »

Excellent points, I will discuss this with the person who we nominate. One we had looked at is a "chartered building surveyor and architect" would this cover what you are talking about?

Re windows, they have already been replaced with aluminium many years ago so I think we are ok there.

Who you ask will depend on what you want. An old building is not simply a structural problem to be assessed.

A stuctural engineer is trained in building structure. S/he is unlikely to have the same depth of knowledge as a conservation architect or surveyor about all the other issues which affect an older building. So a structural engineers report is likely to be narrow in focus and more detailed in what it does focus on (i.e. are there any structural concerns).

An experienced conservation architect will have a broader focus (including having an informed opinion on things like aluminium windows, planning restrictions, conservation best practice, etc). They will also be able to spot any areas of structural concern, if not fully understand why they are occuring, and may recommend a detailed structural survey at that point.

a 'chartered building surveyor and architect' may not have much experience with older buildings. an accredited conservation architect at grade 3 or above, will ( building surveyors have a similar accreditation process afaik)

realmoonunit

lostcat wrote: »

Who you ask will depend on what you want. An old building is not simply a structural problem to be assessed.

A stuctural engineer is trained in building structure. S/he is unlikely to have the same depth of knowledge as a conservation architect or surveyor about all the other issues which affect an older building. So a structural engineers report is likely to be narrow in focus and more detailed in what it does focus on (i.e. are there any structural concerns).

An experienced conservation architect will have a broader focus (including having an informed opinion on things like aluminium windows, planning restrictions, conservation best practice, etc). They will also be able to spot any areas of structural concern, if not fully understand why they are occuring, and may recommend a detailed structural survey at that point.

a 'chartered building surveyor and architect' may not have much experience with older buildings. an accredited conservation architect at grade 3 or above, will ( building surveyors have a similar accreditation process afaik)

Excellent info. A previous poster had recommended one who has experience with listed and protected structures. I have contacted them with a view to an invasive report.

Thanks