Digital window survey from your photographs
An independent written assessment from your own photographs, returned within 72 hours.
A digital survey is the right first step when you want an independent view before you commit to drawings, a quote or a full survey. Send photographs of each window and we return a written assessment within 72 hours: what is original, what can be repaired, what we would want to see in person, and whether a full survey is worth commissioning. It is not a substitute for an on-site survey where listed building consent is at stake.
- Scope
- Best under 15 openings
- Assessed
- Remotely, from your images
- Returned
- Within 72 hours
What is a digital window survey?
A digital window survey is a written assessment of your windows made from your photographs or video rather than a site visit. We return it within 72 hours, setting out what appears to be original, what can probably be repaired, what we would want to see in person and whether a full on-site survey is worth commissioning. It is a first opinion, and we are clear about what it can and cannot tell you.
Digital window survey from your photographs
Our Digital Window Survey is designed for clients who can provide clear imagery or video footage of their windows. This remote assessment offers a fast, affordable option to evaluate the condition and originality of timber windows, including glazing, frames and fittings, without a site visit.
If the material provided is not sufficient for a confident assessment, we will let you know and recommend a site visit instead.
What is included
- Signs of original historic joinery or glazing
- Potential for repair against the likelihood of required replacement
- Key indicators relevant to planning or conservation criteria
- The condition and originality of each window, as far as can be determined digitally
- Planning-relevant comments for use in submissions or heritage statements
- A detailed written report within 72 hours
An independent written assessment from your own photographs, returned within 72 hours.
Photographing the windows
Daylight, and as much of it as possible. Photograph each window whole and square-on, then take close views of the meeting rail, the cill, the glazing bars and any area where paint has failed or timber has darkened. Interior shots are as useful as exterior ones.
If a window has already been altered, photograph the alteration rather than avoiding it. It is more useful to us than a flattering picture.
Where a digital survey stops
A photograph cannot be probed. Decay behind sound paint, movement in a frame and the condition of concealed joints are not reliably visible in an image, and the report will say where it has reached the limit of what can be judged remotely.
If the material you send is not sufficient to reach a confident view, we will tell you before invoicing and recommend an on-site survey instead. We would rather decline the work than issue a report that will not hold.
What happens after the report?
The assessment tells you whether a full survey is worth commissioning and, if so, which windows we would want to see in person. Many clients use it to decide where to focus, to brief an architect, or to weigh up a builder’s quotation before going any further.
Common questions
What photographs do you need?
Daylight, and as much of it as you can manage. Photograph each window whole and square-on, then take close-ups of the sill, the meeting rail and any decay you can see, and we will send you a short guide when you enquire.
How quickly do I get the assessment?
Within 72 hours of receiving photographs we can work from.
Can I use it for a listed building consent application?
Usually not on its own. Where the report will support an application, or the property has more than a handful of windows, we will say so and recommend a site visit.
Is it useful before buying a property?
Yes. If you are considering a listed house or one in a conservation area, it gives you an early view of what you could and could not do with the windows before you commit.
What does it cost?
We quote on the number of windows, in writing, before anything begins.
Find out what your windows need
Homeowners. We reply within one working day.
Find out what your windows need- Practice
- Heritage Window Consultants Ltd
- Address
- London N1
- Enquiries
- 020 7164 6305