Heritage Survey
Professional Conservation Assessment for Pre‑1910 Lime‑Built Buildings
Historic masonry behaves differently from modern construction. Any building constructed before 1910 was built with lime mortar, soft brick or stone, and moisture‑dependent fabric. These structures must be repaired using conservation‑grade methods, not modern builder practices. This is the foundation of correct heritage masonry and lime‑based conservation.
The Heritage Survey is your building’s diagnostic assessment, carried out before any conservation repointing begins. It ensures the wall is understood properly, the correct lime methodology is chosen, and the historic fabric is protected throughout the work.
What the Heritage Survey Includes
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Historic Fabric Assessment — Identifying original lime mortar, soft brick or stone, moisture pathways, and areas of historic significance.
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Defect Diagnostics — Checking for salts, spalling, blown joints, cement contamination, and moisture escape points.
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Elevation Behaviour Review — Understanding how each elevation breathes, drains, and responds to weather.
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Lime Mortar Compatibility — Determining the correct NHL strength, colour, texture, and aggregate blend.
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Conservation Method Planning — Outlining the correct heritage approach for safe, fabric‑friendly repair.
This survey is not a quote — it is a professional conservation assessment.
Why the Survey Matters
Historic masonry cannot be approached like modern brickwork. The survey ensures:
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the building is repaired safely
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the correct lime methodology is selected
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hidden defects are identified early
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moisture behaviour is respected
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conservation standards are followed
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the project is planned properly
It protects both the building and the long‑term success of the repointing.
Day‑Works Model (Post‑Survey)
All conservation repointing is carried out on a day‑works basis, not fixed price. This ensures the work follows correct lime‑mortar methodology, protects the historic fabric, and avoids the pressure of fixed‑price deadlines.
Day‑Works Rate: £750 per day This covers:
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Lead Mason (Sean)
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Skilled Heritage Labourer (Steve)
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Conservation‑grade tools and equipment
Materials charged at trade - Materials are charged separately at trade cost, with full transparency on quantities and pricing.
Payment is made fortnightly, keeping the project transparent, predictable, and aligned with conservation best practice.
Do You Need a Heritage Survey?
If your building is:
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pre‑1910
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built with lime mortar
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showing moisture‑related defects
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suffering from cement damage
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constructed with soft brick or stone
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located in a conservation area
…then the Heritage Survey is the correct first step.
It is the gateway to booking conservation work and ensures the building is treated with the care it requires.
Reserve a Heritage Survey
If your building requires heritage‑grade repointing, you can reserve a Heritage Survey for the upcoming season. My diary fills early each year due to the specialist nature of lime‑only conservation work.
Book Your Heritage Survey
A professional on‑site assessment with conservation‑grade recommendations for your building.