Historic building conservation and repair surveys

Specialist advice for period properties in Surrey

I hold a Professional Development Diploma from Historic England (formally English Heritage) in Historic Building Conservation and Repair attained at West Dean College.

Purchasing, maintaining, or modifying a historic or period property requires expertise that goes beyond a standard survey. I have extensive experience in period properties in the local Surrey area, where there is a wealth of beautiful heritage homes.

My approach to these specialist surveys respects the original materials and construction methods, providing you with practical and sensitive advice for the long-term health of your building, and to support any extension or renovation plans you may have.

Why a specialist historic building survey is important

Historic structures have usually been built with materials like lime mortar, timber frame, and thatched roofs. These interact differently with moisture and movement compared to modern construction methods.

A standard survey may misdiagnose common historic building characteristic, such as high moisture readings or minor movement, as serious defects, leading to unnecessary and potentially damaging modern repairs using inappropriate materials. To be completely confident in your survey, choose a historic building report, delivered by an independent and qualified conservation surveyor.

Key areas covered

Original construction analysis

Detailed inspection and understanding of the building's specific historical context and construction techniques.

Defect causation

Expert assessment of common period property defects, such as timber decay, dampness, and differential settlement.

Conservation advice

Recommendations for appropriate, breathable, and sympathetic repairs that comply with conservation principles.

Repair strategy

Guidance on managing necessary repair work, focusing on the use of traditional materials and methods to maintain the building's fabric and value.

Pre-acquisition expertise

Essential insight for buyers of listed or period homes to understand their future maintenance liability and costs.

Your local independent expert in historic building surveys

With considerable experience in period properties in Guildford, Woking, Cranleigh, Farnham and the wider Surrey region, I bring solid, reliable expertise to every period home survey. You deal with me personally, from start to finish.

The best place to start is with a conversation, where I can find out the details of your property, including its location, age, and type. We’ll arrange a date for a full survey, and you’ll receive a report within five working days. This will detail everything you need to take the next steps with confidence. I’m also always available to answer any questions you have once you’ve read the report.

Book your local home survey today

Start the process now by contacting me with the details of the property you’d like to buy. I'll have a chat with you about the property, and use this information to give you a tailored survey quote.

Contact me now

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 6 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Spencer Waller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted Tim just before Christmas for a Level 2 Survey.   Tim was very prompt in communication and completed the survey within a couple of days.   We had the report back with us shortly after Christmas and it was great to have it so quickly during the holidays.  I highly recommend Tim to carry out your survey.   The report was very thorough complete with detailed photos.  Thanks Tim !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had 2 level 2 surveys carried out by Tim Crowe. The first survey stopped us from buying a complete lemon of a property and saved us what would have cost thousands to fix. His communication was excellent and his reports are thorough. He answered the phone even after hours and gave us plenty of notice when he wouldn’t be available due to holiday etc. a highly competent surveyor and will be using his services again should I be buying another property.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ginny 58 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So pleased I used Tim for my home survey. He was proactive in contacting me to check whether I had any concerns and anything I particularly wanted him to check out. I contacted him just a couple of hours before the survey with a last minute concern and he immediately checked it out online and thoroughly investigated it during his survey. Some time after he had submitted his report, I had some additional questions following my searches and he was good enough to phone me and email a detailed reply. Excellent service - I would thoroughly recommend Tim.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Wyeth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First class customer service, would highly recommend. We called Tim 09:00 Monday morning and he had completed the inspection by close of play that day, arranging collection of keys from the estate agent himself! Tim was personable, experienced and happy to answer any questions we had. We had a Level2 Homebuyers survey, complete with photos - having had a similar report completed elsewhere years ago, Crowes Property Surveys went above and beyond expectations - entering loft space, scaling roofs etc. I have every confidence in the report that came back. Thanks Tim!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amine Ourabah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim is a very experienced surveyor, he completed a Level2 home survey on a property we are buying. The property is a renovation project and looks intimidating for a buyer. Tim was very responsive, he arranged the viewing with the agent, called me on the day to go through all my concerns about the house and explained to me in layman terms what was important and wasn't in the issues he spotted. His thorough inspection by going out and lifting the drains covers made him spot a major clog which is now being investigated. His report received few days later was outstanding with traffic light labelling of all issues and pictures illustrating specific area of concerns. I would recommend Tim to anyone looking for a reliable and professional surveyor for peace of mind.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently used Crowes for a Home Condition Survey on a property we are about to purchase. Tim, the owner, was brilliant from start to finish. He listened to our questions and gave recommendations as to what inspection we needed, offered a very reasonable price, was extremely thorough in his survey and provided a clear concise report at the end. They even helped answer some additional questions we had some weeks later. Really could not recommend this company enough!

View our RICS survey options