Independent advice and practical insight for period and historic properties
What it is
A specialist visual assessment carried out by a practitioner with more than 25 years of experience working on historic buildings — before you buy, sell, renovate, or simply want to understand your property properly.
The Property Health Check is an independent assessment of a period or historic property, undertaken from the perspective of someone who has spent decades investigating, repairing, managing, and caring for buildings of architectural and historic significance.
It considers visible historic fabric, architectural character, decorative elements, historic alterations, apparent defects, risk areas, conservation considerations, repair priorities, and broad cost implications. Delivered as a clear written report, in plain English. Intended to be read and used.
Why the Property Health Check exists
A standard survey has a defined scope. It records what a surveyor can see and is prepared to stand behind. That is what it is designed to do — and a Level 3 is the most thorough available.
A client bought a five-bedroom detached house. Four months after moving in, water was running down both sides of the chimney breast — through the cladding, across the ceilings, down the walls. They had commissioned a Level 3 survey before purchase.
The roof cost £120,000 to replace. They went to court and recovered £70,000. They still lost — and spent eighteen months living in one room while the case ran its course.
The PHC is not a survey. It reads the building from a different position entirely — whether you are buying, selling, planning works, or designing for a client who owns one. Architects and interior designers commission a PHC before they begin, because understanding the building first changes everything that follows.
Twenty-five years working exclusively on period buildings across London and Surrey.
When to instruct
| Situation | What it helps with |
|---|---|
|
Before purchase |
Before exchange of contracts — understand the building before
committing. |
|
Before sale |
Understand the issues a buyer’s surveyor may raise before they
become negotiation points. |
|
Before renovation or
extension |
Before appointing architects or builders — understand the
building first. |
|
For existing owners |
A clear view of condition, risks and repair priorities. |
What it covers
What AHKO looks at
Conducted in person by Adam Harasimowicz — 25 years of working on buildings exactly like the one you are considering. Nothing is delegated. Nothing is templated.
Visible condition of the building
Original fabric and historic character
Previous alterations and whether they appear appropriate
External walls, masonry, render and pointing
Roof, chimneys and rainwater goods
Windows, doors and external joinery
Moisture, damp & ventilation observations
Internal fabric where accessible
Conservation area or listed building sensitivity
Repair priorities — immediate, medium-term and to monitor
Broad cost guidance based on visible condition
Recommended specialist checks and further investigations
Heritage residential | Grove Park, Camberwell, London
What the client receives
A written PHC report, delivered five working days of the inspection.
Plain English. Practical conclusions. A follow-up call is included.
Assessment Scope
A specialist visual assessment designed to give a clear view of visible condition, repair priorities and potential areas of cost exposure.
Pricing
Flat or apartment
from £650 + VAT
Terraced or semi-detached house
from £950 + VAT
Larger detached or substantial property
from £1,500 + VAT
All fees exclusive of VAT. VAT charged at the applicable rate. Fees confirmed on enquiry. London and Surrey only.
How it works
How it works
Enquiry
contact AHKO with the property address and a brief description.
Fee confirmed
contact AHKO with the property address and a brief description.
Terms accepted and payment made
Inspection
specialist visual assessment, typically two to three hours.
Written report
delivered within five to seven working days.
Follow-up
a brief call or exchange to discuss the findings.
Why AHKO
AHKO works exclusively with period and historic buildings across London and Surrey.
AHKO Ltd is a heritage conservation practice founded in London in 2006.
AHKO works exclusively with period and historic buildings across London and Surrey. Not a generalist. Not a volume
survey provider. A specialist practice with over 25 years of experience working with period and historic
buildings.
How to commission
Ready? Complete the short form
If you are uncertain whether the service is right for your property, get in touch anyway — the conversation costs nothing.
The PHC is a specialist visual assessment only. It is not a structural survey, RICS product, valuation or legal report. Full terms and limitations are provided before instruction.