The appointment of a Quinquennial Inspector is always an individual, not a firm. It is important that a Quinquennial Inspector’s training, accreditation and experience in building conservation is commensurate with the complexity and significance of the church building or buildings in question.
The Quinquennial Report itself is one of the key documents which assists in the care and repair of a church building. It gives an overview of the repair needs of the building, and lists the repairs required according to their priority. Generally, the survey carried out by the Quinquennial Inspector will cover:
- any necessary repair of the building
- maintenance defects and maintenance plans
- safety of the structure and floors
- access issues
- environmental sustainability (eg lighting, heating, rainwater goods, suitability for renewables, opportunities to reduce heat loss through steps such as draught-proofing and insulation)
- trees in the churchyard if they are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, in a Conservation Area, or on the Gazetteer of ancient, veteran and notable trees; or any tree impacting on the building
- ruined structures in the churchyard
- moveable items of high value or significance (which may be identified in the Statement of Significance)
- the risk of impact of a changing climate on flood-risk, rainwater goods, and stonework.
The Quinquennial Inspector should use their professional judgement in highlighting other matters of concern. For example, if the safety of boilers and heated water systems (ie Legionnaires disease) has been guaranteed by regular checks, paths, public rights of way, utilities, serious issues concerning the boundary walls, lych-gates and other structures within the curtilage, and monuments.
Chawton Hill has a number of highly experienced Quinquennial Inspectors who are competent to inspect unlisted churches and have proven experience of how heritage buildings can be made more environmentally sustainable.
To discuss your church building, please contact us on 01372 360663, info@chawtonhill.com or for more information on our years of Ecclesiastical experience, please see Ecclesiastical Experience