Specialist Quantity Surveying & Cost Consultancy · Traditional & Listed Homes
I help architects, surveyors and homeowners understand the true cost of working on older buildings: realistic budgets, clear risk allowances and plans that hold up when the building reveals something unexpected.
Free Guides
An overview of what I do and how I work, written for architects, surveyors and homeowners considering a heritage project. Includes the services I offer and how to get started.
Buying or repairing an older home? This practical guide covers the six most common cost traps in traditional and listed buildings, why single-figure estimates are unreliable, and how to think about budget in phases. Useful whether you are buying or already own.
Who We Work With
Older buildings need a different kind of cost advice. My input is most useful when it is sought early, before budgets are set in stone and before unexpected findings become expensive problems.
Architects working on repair, refurbishment and retrofit projects on traditional and listed homes. I provide heritage-aware cost advice from early feasibility through to tender, so design decisions are grounded in realistic figures from the outset.
Building surveyors and conservation officers who need clear, heritage-aware cost input alongside their own assessments. I work within the project team without encroaching on other professional scopes.
Owners of traditional and listed properties who want a realistic picture of what repairs and improvements will actually cost. I set out the likely expenditure, the unknowns, and a sensible order of priority, so you can plan spending rather than react to it.
When to Bring West Heritage In
Before Purchase
Translating a Level 3 survey into a 5–10 year costed plan, so you understand the full financial picture before you commit.
Early Design
RIBA Stages 2–4, when opening-up and investigations are needed before firm pricing. The right time to set realistic allowances and understand what you do not yet know.
During Works
Managing project costs and variations as discoveries emerge on site, keeping the client's budget aligned with what the building is revealing.
About West Heritage
West Heritage is a specialist quantity surveying and cost consultancy focused on the conservation and repair of traditional and listed buildings. Based in Godalming, Surrey, I work across Surrey and the South East with architects, building surveyors, conservation officers and private owners.
My work is conservation-led and rooted in SPAB's philosophy of repair before replacement, minimum intervention and compatible, traditional materials. I work in line with Historic England's principles for understanding and managing significance, and bring cost planning that is honest about what older buildings cost and why.
I work alongside structural engineers, planning consultants and lead heritage advisers as the specialist cost voice within the project team, translating survey findings and design proposals into costed plans that clients can actually use.
Heritage projects need a team of specialists. I bring the quantity surveying and cost expertise, working alongside structural engineers, building surveyors, planning consultants and lead heritage advisers to give projects the commercial clarity they need.
I work as part of your wider project team.
Core Services
Each service reflects how heritage projects actually work: in stages, with costs that need revisiting as the building gives up its secrets.
For architects and homeowners planning repair, refurbishment or retrofit projects on traditional and listed buildings.
What it does
Why it helps
Reflects the staged approach expected in heritage projects: understand the building, investigate, then commit to detailed design and cost. Reduces the gap between early budgets and tender returns, and gives clients a clear narrative for why contingencies exist.
For live projects on traditional and listed buildings where surprises are likely.
What it does
Why it helps
Keeps money conversations structured and fair, reducing tension between client, contractor and design team. Allows architects to focus on design and quality, with QS support held close on cost and risk.
For owners of traditional and listed homes dealing with damp, roofs, windows, masonry or other specific issues.
What it does
Why it helps
Encourages repair and maintenance in line with conservation good practice, not reactive one-off fixes. Gives architects and surveyors a useful financial framework when planning more comprehensive works.
For architects, surveyors and owners needing short, focused QS input on a heritage project.
What it does
Why it helps
Saves time interpreting very different quote formats. Brings an independent QS perspective to conversations about value and contractor selection, without the commitment of a full appointment.
These are the core services, but most enquiries are a little different. Please get in touch to talk through what would be useful.
My Approach
Older buildings rarely reveal all their issues at the start. Cement renders can hide persistent damp. Plaster ceilings conceal damaged or decayed timbers. Services are often improvised or buried within the fabric.
Good heritage cost planning does not pretend to see through walls. Instead, it identifies likely risks, sets realistic allowances, and updates the budget as investigations progress and fabric is opened up.
"I prefer ranges, allowances and clear assumptions over false precision, especially where fabric has not yet been opened up."
Construction type, age, visible condition and significance. A clear picture of what the building is, what makes it special, and what its fabric is likely to conceal, before any numbers are discussed.
Identify where opening-up and investigations are needed. Set risk allowances for the unknowns rather than applying fixed numbers to things that have not yet been exposed. The budget reflects what we know and what we do not.
As works proceed and the building reveals itself, update the cost plan and contingency accordingly. I explain clearly what has changed and why, so there are no surprises.
Honesty about uncertainty is more useful than false precision.
Get in Touch
Phone
Location
Godalming, Surrey
Website
Please get in touch if you have a project you would like to discuss. I am happy to arrange a call, a video chat, or visit the property in person.
Tell me a little about your project and I'll be in touch.
Enter your email address below to download the West Heritage brochure. We'll only use your details to follow up if you'd like us to.
Thank you
Both documents are downloading now. Feel free to get in touch if you have a project to discuss.
Download brochure again Download client guide again