Building Surveys & Quinquennial
Inspections in Surrey & Devon
Professional surveys for historic, listed and traditional buildings, including Quinquennial Inspections, pre-purchase advice, condition surveys and conservation-led reporting.
Professional Surveys for Historic Buildings
Whether you need a Quinquennial Inspection for a church, a pre-acquisition survey or a condition survey for a historic building, Bosence Associates provides clear, practical advice.
Our surveys focus on historic, listed and traditionally constructed buildings. The scope can range from a report on a specific defect to a fully itemised record of condition across an entire site.
For pre-purchase surveys, we use a clear format that explains what could be inspected, what could not be accessed and which benefits, risks or issues may affect the purchase decision. Previous alterations may also require further investigation, particularly where the relevant permissions are unclear.
We can also prepare whole-site Conservation Action Plans, Heritage Impact Assessments and independent reports on previously completed work. The aim is to give clients reliable information in a form that supports practical decisions.
Related Services…
Our Process
1. Discuss the Purpose of the Survey
We establish why the survey is needed and what decisions it must support. This may relate to a purchase, a Quinquennial Inspection, building condition or a specific concern.
2. Review the Available Information
Where available, we consider previous reports, repair records, drawings and information about alterations. This helps provide context and identify matters requiring particular attention.
3. Inspect the Building
We inspect the visible and accessible parts of the property, considering its construction, materials, condition and signs of deterioration or inappropriate alteration. The extent of the inspection reflects the agreed survey scope.
4. Assess Condition and Priorities
We consider the significance and urgency of the issues identified, including defects, maintenance needs, repair priorities and areas requiring further investigation.
5. Provide Clear Survey Advice
The findings are presented in a clear format designed to support informed decisions. The report explains what was inspected, relevant access limitations, the issues identified and the recommended next steps.
Areas We Cover
With offices in Surrey and Devon, we provide professional building surveys, Quinquennial Inspections and conservation-led reports for historic, listed and traditional buildings across both counties and throughout the UK. Our work is typically required where building condition, repair needs, heritage significance or future liability need to be clearly understood before decisions are made.
Surrey Office
Devon Office
Frequently Asked Questions
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The right survey depends on the building and the decision you need to make. A pre-acquisition survey may be suitable before purchasing a historic property, while a condition survey, specific defect report or Quinquennial Inspection may be more appropriate in other circumstances.
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A Quinquennial Inspection is a detailed inspection normally carried out every five years to assess the condition and repair needs of a church building. It helps those responsible for the building plan maintenance and prioritise repairs.
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A general home survey may not provide the conservation knowledge required for an older or traditionally constructed property. These buildings use different materials and methods, and standard modern repair recommendations may not always be suitable.
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A survey may identify work that appears unusual, inappropriate or potentially unauthorised. Confirmation may require a review of planning and listed building consent records, together with legal or specialist advice.
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A survey is limited to areas that are visible, safe and reasonably accessible at the time. Concealed spaces, high-level areas or locations blocked by finishes or contents may require additional access, rope access or a separate investigation.