Business Details
Comprehensive Building Surveys UK
Heritage & Design is a specialist building surveying firm with unparalleled expertise in diagnosing and resolving damp-related issues in both historic and modern properties. Founded by John and Alison Durie, both holding first-class honours degrees and Master's qualifications in building surveying, the company combines academic excellence with hands-on practical experience. Their approach prioritises thorough inspections of hard-to-reach areas, utilising cargo pants, boots, and head torches to access roofspaces, subfloors, and drainage systems often neglected by traditional surveyors.With a focus on heritage buildings, they specialise in lime plaster, stone construction, and traditional materials, offering independent advice free from contractor affiliations. Their reports are renowned for clarity, actionable recommendations, and a commitment to educating clients about property maintenance. Operating from Leominster and Dunblane, they serve a wide geographical area across the UK, maintaining a reputation for integrity and technical excellence.
Services
Building Surveys
Defect Analysis
Damp Diagnosis
Heritage Conservation
Drone Inspections
Drainage Surveys
Lime Plaster Assessment
Timber Inspection
Highlights and features
- Absolute integrity with no contractor affiliations
- Family-owned business with academic building surveying excellence
- Comprehensive reports with actionable remediation strategies
- Quick report turnaround times guaranteed
- Fees based on property size, not value
What people say
Thorough report
Saved thousands
Expert diagnosis
Clear recommendations
Educational value
Services
Building Surveys
Our comprehensive building surveys examine all accessible areas from chimneys to drainage systems. We diagnose structural defects, moisture issues and material decay using specialist equipment and traditional knowledge. Clients receive detailed reports with prioritised repair recommendations and maintenance strategies tailored to property age and construction type.
Damp Diagnosis
Specialist damp investigation identifies rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation causes through physical inspection and material testing. We explain moisture pathways in solid walls and provide evaporation-focused solutions rather than chemical treatments. Reports include photographic evidence and material compatibility advice.
Heritage Conservation
Expert conservation assessments for listed buildings and traditional constructions. We specify appropriate lime-based materials and traditional techniques while maintaining structural integrity. Services include stone wall analysis, timber preservation and historic plaster evaluation.
Drone Inspections
Licensed drone operations provide high-resolution imaging of roofs, parapets and hard-to-reach elevations. This non-invasive method captures detailed condition data for slate roofs, chimney stacks and gutter systems without scaffolding requirements.
Drainage Surveys
Comprehensive drainage inspections use manhole access and CCTV cameras to assess underground pipework. We identify blockages, root ingress and structural failures affecting property moisture levels, providing repair specifications for traditional and modern drainage systems.
People
John Durie
Building Surveyor
MSc in Historic Building Conservation with expertise in traditional construction materials. Former National Trust for Scotland surveyor, specialising in lime plaster and stone wall analysis. Holds first-class honours degree in building surveying.
Alison Durie
Building Surveyor
Former local authority housing specialist with Masters in Urban Development. Expert in drainage systems and traditional building materials. Holds first-class honours degree in building surveying and specialist knowledge of property pathology.
Questions
What types of buildings do you survey?
We specialise in traditional solid-walled buildings including listed properties, tenements, castles, and modern homes with damp issues.
Do you offer damp proofing solutions?
No - we identify root causes of moisture issues rather than applying chemical treatments, focusing on structural repairs and evaporation solutions.
How long does a survey take?
On-site inspections typically take 2-4 hours depending on property size, with reports delivered within 5 working days.
Can you help with listed building regulations?
Yes - our heritage expertise includes compliance with historic building conservation requirements and traditional material specifications.
What areas do you cover?
We operate nationwide across the UK with bases in Herefordshire and Perthshire, covering Wales, Central England and Scotland.
Reviews (2)
Ben Stimpson
Nov 07, 2020
Report
We found John though several searches looking for a specialist in heritage houses, being first time buyers and buying an 200+ year old building we were obviously nervous, and desperate to avoid using chemicals both having been brought up to do things traditionally where possible. John had excellent communication leading up to the survey ( which is of itself a brilliant read) answered any and all questions we had even after we had purchased the property and had begun renovating it . Whilst not as cheep as an off the shelf survey it was more than worth it both in highlighting a defect that the home
Michael Hodges
Jul 01, 2020
Report
Heritage & Design delivers an excellent service! We thoroughly assessed the property from top to toe for a damp survey. Recommendations were given how to fix problems and identified the roots of various problems. The survey is effectively a detailed walkthrough of what to do. Highly recommended!
