Purpose

A specialist pre-restoration assessment of a period or listed property’s fabric. Focus is on how the building breathes and where past interventions (cement, sealed finishes, inappropriate coatings) are harming performance. This informs accurate scopes, sequencing and budgeting before you commit to major works.

What We Examine

• Moisture behaviour & ventilation paths

• Inappropriate or failed repairs (cement pointing, trapped finishes)

• Masonry & lime mortar condition

• Timber elements (visible structural / joinery issues)

• Localised movement indicators (visual only)

• Damp risk factors (bridging, hard plasters, impermeable paints)

• Thermal / breathability conflicts (e.g. sealed internal linings)

Deliverables

• Photographic log (numbered, cross-referenced)

• Priority matrix (Urgent / 6–12 months / Long-term)

• Recommended traditional repair methods (lime, timber, breathable finishes)

• Phased remedial / restoration action plan

• Budget guidance bands (broad ranges, not a tender)

• Optional follow-up call to refine project scope

Scope & Limitations

This is a fabric-focused advisory report. It is not a structural engineering calculation, invasive opening-up, or an official RICS Level 2/3 homebuyer survey. Where specialist input (structural engineer, M&E, damp lab analysis) is advisable, we flag it.

Process

1. Pre-survey call & basic photo exchange

2. On-site survey (typically 2–4 hours for a standard townhouse)

3. Draft issued within 5–7 working days

4. Follow-up call (30 mins) to clarify priorities

Guide Fees

London (standard townhouse/flat): from £450

Larger / complex / multi-building sites: from £650 (quote after brief)

Remote / Island (Hebrides, Skye, Highlands): from £750 + travel & accommodation at cost

Remote / Island larger / multiple structures: from £1,100 + travel

Repeat / follow-up visit (if phased works): £275 per half day

Sample Extract

A redacted sample (3–4 pages) is available on request. I do not publish full client reports publicly to protect privacy.

Next Step

Email brief photos + postcode for a fixed survey quote: info@elitebuildersgroup.co.uk or use the Contact page. Please state any known defects and timescale.

Disclaimer: This survey is an advisory traditional fabric report and does not replace a formal RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey.