Review Time
From the get-go even via their website we were impressed with Durie Heritage - it was clear they’re experienced, passionate, and go the extra mile: no nonsense! We urgently needed a survey, advice and support regarding the purchase of a complex old property. John and Alison made everything simple, even finding time in their busy schedule to fit us in last minute. Durie Heritage provided an exceptional level of knowledge obtained from extensive practical and theoretical experience. John and Alison are an amazing team and incredible to work with. If you decide to enlist their services, you’ll get a highly personalised ‘boutique’ approach to suit your specific needs. Guaranteed they’ll go above and beyond to help.
After discovering some serious damp damage I needed to have an extensive survey done on our old property to fully understand the extent of the damage but also if there were any other problems and why the building was malfunctioning so badly. Having had damp proofing work done in the past at great expense but to no effect, and after extensive head spinning research, I came to believe that I needed a surveyor who specialised in old properties. This was confirmed after a 15 minute free 'survey' by a mainstream damp proofing company which fell far far short of what we needed. Frustratingly most old property specialists seem to be based in England but luckily I found Durie Heritage who cover Scotland and who promised an extensive and detailed survey. They did not disappoint and over several hours conducted a thorough and detailed survey. I was present throughout and during their survey and afterwards I learned a huge amount about how old buildings should function and how they begin to fail. What impressed me most was that they really care about old buildings - they really know their stuff. Another thing that impressed me was that they promise ongoing support and advice which I really appreciate. Their very detailed report was with us just a few days after the survey which was great as they were very busy at the time. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again, in fact I plan to have a follow up survey done in the near future to assess the property again after remedial works have been done.
John provided advice and consultancy services to us in relation to our Victorian house. His advice was clear practical and pragmatic - and he took the time to explain in a way accessible to us both, one of whom had read extensively in relation to old house works, and one who had read less.
John and Alison undertook a complete damp survey of our Grade 2 listed building then wrote a comprehensive and well illustrated report on its results. They were efficient and courteous during the survey and delivered the report within a few days of its completion. The said report has provided us with a route map that has enabled us to prioritise the various actions needed to remedy defects in the building. It was written in clear, non-technical language and they elaborated on all matters where we needed further explanation or advice. They have continued to provide ongoing support as we develop a programme of remedial work. We felt that there fee was very reasonable considering the amount of work involved.
I recently bought a Grade II listed building in a conservation area, not realising the extent of the damp and water ingress problems prior to purchasing. This can cause real distress, not knowing the cause or remedy. Step in John and Alison. As well as being lovely people, they are very knowledgeable in their field. They reassured me and helped alleviate some of the stress by breaking down concepts and explaining the reasons behind the damp issues over the course of the day.Equipped with a selection of measurement devices, they surveyed both the interior and exterior of my property, providing their initial prognosis verbally on the day. A few days later, I received a comprehensive report detailing all the areas of concern and indicating the priority level for each task. This report has been very useful when contacting contractors to carry out the various repairs.They were well worth the money and know how to treat historic buildings correctly, unlike some other surveyors who merely suggest lining the walls with plastic and hoping for the best. Many thanks indeed!
I engaged with Durie Heritage to help assess a potential issue with our cottage after we found some structural timber issues during renovation of our 16th century black and white cottage. John and Alison went out of their way to advise on the condition and potential causes of the issue and advised on the remediation options. It was really helpful have their expert opinion and nothing was too much trouble and they were always available to give advise and guidance. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services on historic building surveys as their knowledge is priceless.
I echo what other reviews say. John and Alison undertook a thorough inspection our grade C listed house, explaining aspects of its construction and what should and should not be done. The subsequent report was insightful and extensive. Follow-up requests for further information/suggestions have been responded to. Well worth the investment
Money well spent! John and Alison were able to identify issues and propose solutions that would help me eliminate persistent damp issues within my Cottage. I received follow up support and were happy to answer any questions that i had after the survey was carried out .Thank you both !
Durie Heritage's assessment and report into our 'sold as seen' 1905 terraced cottage- rather neglected- has been absolutely invaluable.It served as a road map for prioritising important remedial works to our house; helped us to avoid being scammed out of thousands of pounds by Damp Contractors who little understand pre-modern housing; alerted us to the potential asbestos risk. John and Alison were helpful and considerate, extremely flexible with our tight purchase turnaround, and courteous in all communications. I have recommended a Durie Heritage survey to several friends with old properties now, and certainly would never consider buying an old property without such a survey in future.
What can we say about John and Alison? What an extraordinary find – how lucky were we to engage their services to carry out a survey on our home! That was seven months ago and they are still in regular contact with us, always ready to offer advice and assistance as we make good the issues they raised in the initial survey. Any question we have is swiftly answered – service above and beyond the initial survey we commissioned. Incredibly knowledgeable and totally dedicated to their passion for old buildings. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
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We specialise in old houses and in the diagnosis of complex defects including dampness, structural movement and decay. We provide detailed explanations specially written for householders to follow and encourage on-going contact for support following surveys.
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