Survey work is generally broken down into two parts: Doing research on the history of the community and actually documenting the historic resources. Completing the architectural survey forms, taking photographs, and recording the location of the resources on a detailed map accomplishes these steps. We target a wide variety of resources to survey, however most have to be 50 years or older. Frequently, there are misconceptions of what exactly is an architecturally or historically significant property. Some people find it hard to believe the old buildings in their hometown are significant, because, day after day, they walk by them and see nothing more than just an old building. It is just something we take for granted. Not only do we survey mansions, but we also focus on modest neighborhoods and houses, churches, schools, cemeteries, public buildings, commercial buildings, outbuildings, bridges, and recreational resources.
By having an expert take part in your survey, you may discover those buildings you never thought of as important are in some way very significant. They will help you understand how your area developed. They also help in understanding some element of the past that gives a truer expression of how things really were. A thorough examination of the countryside may result in finding resources that no one had thought about for years, but that are of importance.
The Alabama Historical Commission does not maintain a list of historic preservation consultants who do work in Alabama.
The cost will depend upon how many historic resources your community has and upon the consultant. It is best to contact the consultant and ask how much he or she has charged to survey similar-sized communities.