Gold - Recommended for listed buildings and scheduled monuments

A detailed masonry inspection will be carried out from ground level (or where alternative safe access allows) in order to identify and assess the masonry type and condition, and any problems or defects associated with it. All issues identified will be inspected (where accessible) and evaluated for explanation within the report.

An illustrated written report will be prepared to explain the issues identified from the masonry inspection, to provide you with a better understanding of any problems or defects, and how these can be resolved. Our reports are written in plain English with any technical terms clearly explained. The report will contain relevant photographs from the inspection to illustrate and explain particular issues.

A photographic survey appendix will be provided from the masonry inspection. This will be provided as an appendix to the report as a record of the inspection, and for future reference.

Laboratory mortar analysis and matching may be a requirement of planning, listed building or scheduled monument consent, and in any case is best practice when dealing with historic buildings and structures. Laboratory analysis and interpretation of relevant mortar samples will provide invaluable information of the original materials for matching and compatibility purposes. Mortar analysis and matching is also a useful tool when trying to minimise the extent of intervention to a historic building or structure, as conservation treatments such as patching pointing, surface mortar repairs to stone and consolidation of original lime coatings (rather than reinstatement) become viable solutions.

Repair materials performance evaluation is carried out where ‘matching’ mortars and/or stone are proposed to ensure that they will perform adequately in the current environment. This is particularly relevant where, for example, an historic castle has become a ruined structure and the function and requirements of the masonry and mortar repairs are different to when the building was originally constructed. An evaluation of the required performance characteristics will be carried out and any adjustments made to the matching mortars, minimising the affect on the building’s character and appearance.

Detailed recommendations with summary will be provided based on the inspection and assessment of the relevant factors. The recommendations will be provided as a list of actions (with priorities if appropriate or relevant), and will include full justification for each action/approach, including a summary to make their interpretation as simple and understandable as possible.

Detailed masonry repair specifications and working methods will be required for more complex projects where a range of materials may be required for different applications (i.e. pointing, plastering, harling, limewashing, stone repair etc.), and will be particularly helpful where an alternative contractor may carry out the repair works to an independent specification. Detailed working methods will also be included, as will specific guidance on curing and protection of the works.

A quantified schedule of work will be provided, detailing and quantifying the actual repair requirements objectively, informed by the above masonry condition assessment. The schedule is provided in an easy to follow format, suitable for both building owner and contractor to work with.

LTM written estimate of costs. The quantified schedule of work will be provided to LTM’s respected masonry contracting division for pricing. This will be provided separately to the LTM Consultancy report.

Blank schedules of work (for alternative contractors to price work). Three additional copies ‘blank’ copies of the quantified schedule will be provided, allowing our clients to seek quotations/ estimates from alternative contractors. This ensures that any quotations sought, are provided on a ‘like for like’ basis, minimising the degree of subjectivity in terms of the nature, extent and therefore costs of the repairs.