Building Surveys

This set of skills relates to our key knowledge of forensic investigations on building construction. Our surveyors are experienced in building construction of various types, enabling an understanding of ground conditions, building materials, structure, fabric and infrastructure, services and the like.
This gives us the ability to understand building defects and provide an opinion on the cause and effect. We are also skilled at identifying latent defects and suggesting appropriate responses.

Our analysis is also backed up by a sound knowledge of legal issues and in pre-purchase surveys and due diligence reports for acquisitions we work with your legal advisors to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations.

We employ modern technology for measured surveys, using computer controlled laser measuring equipment and on line information streams, together with global positioning systems for precise location.

All buildings need to be maintained. We provide planned maintenance schedules to take the uncertainty away from property management and restrict the reactive element  that cannot be allowed for and by proactive planning enable the costs to be managed.

Surveys are carried out for a variety of reasons:

• Pre-acquisition for owner occupation

• Acquisition of leasehold interest for an in-going tenant or for investment purposes.

These are the most common reasons, and we offer the following:-

• Residential Surveys

  • Building Survey

    This is a Level 3 Survey detailing all items of concern and identifying latent and patent defects. It records the condition of the property, reporting on significant defects.

• Commercial Surveys

  We offer three forms of survey comprising:-

  • Full Condition Survey

    Provides a general report highlighting defects and considering the terms of the interest to be acquired.

  • Targeted Survey

    Where a user has specific needs and requires information in a particular form. This often requires liaison with other disciplines.

  • Investment Survey

    To confirm that the demise is as described, the lease covenants are satisfactory and that no major liabilities will affect the purchaser.

• Defects Analysis

  To assess specific problems encountered and investigate solutions.

• Vendor's Surveys

  These are becoming a more widely used service and may become part of the Home Buyers process.

• Measured Surveys

  Preperation of plans for a variety of purposes, such as check of rental levels.

• Planned Maintanence Surveys

  To control expenditure and work.

• Audit Surveys

  We provide property audits for specific purposes. Landlords, employers and owners have legal obligations to comply with legislation and provide safe buildings for occupiers and those working and maintaining them.
  Some of the audits that we carry out include:For a variety of purposes, including:

  • Fire and means of escape

  • Health & Safety

  • Access with DDA

  • Environmental
  • Access audits for Disability Discrimination Act  compliance.

Any of the above surveys may need liaison with other specialists for detailed investigation of specialist services, e.g. air conditioning, underground drainage etc.

Services are visually inspected but not tested unless specifically requested. The condition noted will be commented upon in the report.

• Limitations

  Inevitably, there are limitations to our inspection and these are drawn to your attention in the report.