Historically or architecturally significant sites, listed buildings and old properties undergoing renovation or change of use will benefit most from an expert building history survey. For areas or properties undergoing a change of zoning, a survey is also often necessary to identify features worthy of preservation. Careful documentation provides a solid basis for decision-making and helps to preserve the value of the property.
What is a building history survey?
A building history survey is a document carried out by an expert to map the history, architectural features and cultural and historical values of a building or group of buildings. The aim of the survey is to provide a comprehensive picture of the development of the site, its original structures and subsequent modifications.
Its key importance lies in its ability to identify and document the conservation values of the building. Without a thorough understanding of the history and characteristics of the building, renovation and conversion works may permanently damage the most valuable parts of the site. A carefully prepared survey provides a solid basis for planning, building conservation and architectural design work.
It also serves as an important tool for documenting cultural heritage, recording information for future generations and strengthening local identity.
For which buildings is a building history survey a legal requirement?
Legislation requires a building history survey to be carried out, especially for listed buildings, before major renovation or alteration work is undertaken. This applies to buildings protected under the Building Heritage Act, planning regulations or special laws. These include sites protected under the Act on the Protection of the Built Heritage, buildings marked “sr” in the zoning plan and religious buildings protected by the Church Act.
Statements by the National Board of Antiquities or the Regional Responsibility Museum often require a building history survey to be carried out as part of the building permit process. In addition, in planning processes involving sites of cultural and historic interest, a survey may be a necessary part of the impact assessment.
State-owned buildings of cultural and historic interest also have specific requirements for surveys, especially when they are developed or their use is changed.
What is the benefit of a building history survey for old buildings that are not protected?
Unprotected old buildings also benefit significantly from a building history survey. It reveals the hidden values of the site and helps to identify original materials, structures and design solutions that should be preserved in renovation and alteration works.
In the case of historically significant buildings that are not yet protected, the survey can help identify the site’s conservation needs and provide a basis for possible future protection. This can be particularly valuable if the building is located in an area undergoing a rezoning process.
The survey also provides a solid evidence base for the design of renovation works, allowing the reconciliation of cultural and historical values with modern uses in a cost-effective way.
How does a building history survey affect the value and development of a property?
A carefully prepared building history survey can increase the value of a property by highlighting its unique historical and architectural features. It can also serve as a high-quality marketing tool for property sales and rentals, especially when the property is a historically significant building.
In development projects, the survey helps to identify the most valuable features of the building, so that changes can be targeted at less important parts. This approach preserves the historic value of the property while allowing for the needs of new uses.
The survey also helps to identify potential constraints that may affect the development of the property, reducing the risk of unexpected challenges and costs later in the project.
When is the right time to order a building history survey?
The optimal time to order a building history survey is before the planning process starts. For renovation projects, the survey should be carried out at the design stage, so that the information is available for architectural and structural design from the outset.
In the case of property sales, a survey should be commissioned before the decision to sell is taken, so that any historic values and constraints are known and can be taken into account in pricing. For changes of use, a survey should be carried out before the permitting process is initiated.
In zoning change processes, it is important to carry out a historic building survey at the very beginning of the zoning process, so that it can guide the setting of conservation designations and the siting of new development in relation to the existing building stock.
How is a building history survey carried out in practice?
The building history survey starts with an archival study, which involves going through original drawings, old photographs and other historical documents. This is followed by a fieldwork phase in which the building is documented by photography and its current condition is carefully mapped.
The work also includes a survey of the building’s past alterations and identification of the original structures. As part of the process, experts will analyse the architectural, historical and townscape values of the building.
The survey can usually be completed within 2-4 months, depending on the scale and complexity of the site. Costs also vary depending on the size of the site and the level of detail of the survey.
Ark-byroo’s building history survey consultancy services
Ark-byroo’s research team specialises in building history surveys for a variety of uses. We carry out surveys as a basis for planning work, to support property development projects and as a starting point for renovation projects on listed buildings.
Our experts identify the architectural, urban and cultural-historical values of buildings and provide a comprehensive picture of the current state of the site. Our research helps to preserve the most valuable features of a building even in the midst of change.
Ark-byroo’s strength lies in its comprehensive knowledge of architectural history and its ability to combine historical knowledge with modern design expertise. We understand both the preservation and new construction aspects of the old building.
Do you have a historic building or property development project that could benefit from a building history survey? Find out more about our building history survey services or contact us to discuss how we can help with your project.