RI Building Surveying Services
Building Surveying
Building surveys (formerly known as a Structural Survey) are valuable if you are looking at old, unusual, listed, timber framed, or thatched property. But, many modern properties have significant issues, and often when there are deficiencies that will lead to issues in the future. Just because the property is ‘modern’ does not mean that there are no faults.
It is also good to have a full building survey done if you want are considering alterations, or are concerned about previous alteration to the property. The loft is examined in detail (if safely accessible), with moisture content taken of the timbers, and examination for any current or previous water penetration, and any pest or rot. It includes advice on repairs, and provides estimated costs, and will tell you what will happen if you do not do the repairs.
The services such as electrics or gas, are not given a formal test, but comments will be made upon visual aspects of the services. The survey will vary considerably in the time taken at the property. Perhaps as little as one hour in some new build properties, to the whole day with a more complex property. The typical time is around three hours at the property. As much of the property as is possible will be accessed, in particular the loft, and the cellar, and areas under the floor if possible. Where I cannot access a location a suitable comments will be made, such as a lack of ventilation to a sub floor is likely to lead to rots or pest damage. Damp, estate agent details, heat lost survey, fan ventilation and extractor points also can be done.
A Building Survey report can be adapted to meet individual requirements and can for instance specific advice where a client is intending to alter or extend a property and I will be pleased to discuss your specific requirements.
Snagging Survey
I provide professional new home snagging inspections throughout the UK. I will produce a professional snagging list for your new home. I am highly qualified and experienced and have inspected hundreds of new homes nationwide. I have professional knowledge to produce an effective snagging methodology which is under constant development.
I am using my knowledge of senior site managers, building surveyor, and developer to produce a new homes snagging methodology and I am extremely pleased with the results. Ideally the inspection should be carried out before you move in so that the developer will have time to address all the problems before you complete, but it can take place at any time in the first two years of your NHBC, Premier or Zurich warranty, if applicable, when problems with the finish of your new home are covered.
What is included in your survey: Thermal image analysis (optional extra)Drone inspection (optional extra)Internal Joinery, Woodwork, Ironmongery, Plastering, Dry Lining, Paintwork, Finish Application of Sealants, Mastic Ceramics, Sanitary ware, Showers and Screens Plumbing, Heating and Hot Water Systems, Electrical Outlets, Switches, Lights and Consumer Units, Kitchen Appliances, Kitchen Installation, Worktops, Windows, Glazing, Locks, Cills and Extraction Connections, Boundaries, Walls, Fencing And Gates, Soft Landscaping, Turf, Slabs and Retaining Elements, Driveways, Footpaths Access and Egress Brickwork, Masonry, Render, Mortar and Openings, Guttering, Downpipes and Boiler Outlets, External Application of Sealants, Mastic, uPVC Windows and Doors, Garages , Brickwork, Doors and Slab, Meter Boxes, Manholes, Inspection Chambers, Porches, Bays and Canopy Roof Tiles, Ridge Tiles, Verge, Eves, Fascia, Soffits and Rafters
Party Wall
I offer a comprehensive service for preparation of party wall awards, which includes undertaking legal searches, preparing bespoke notices for your project, undertaking a schedule of condition and producing a Party Wall Award, for private residential property, offices and shops. I can act for either or both parties and offer a cost-effective and fast method of protecting all parties whilst complying fully with the Party Wall Act. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers different types of works; alterations to a shared party wall, the construction of new walls on the boundary and excavation work close to the neighbouring properties.
The last is often overlooked by owners planning to extend their property. Where works falls within the scope of the Party Wall Act, it is required that the Building Owner serve notices and obtain the affected Adjoining Owner(s) consent to the works, if that consent is not forthcoming the parties are deemed to be ‘in dispute’ under the Party Wall Act and Party Wall Surveyors must be appointed so that this dispute can be resolved by way of a Party Wall Agreement.Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor.
If you have been served notice under the Party Wall etc Act, it is your right to appoint your own Surveyor to represent you. You may feel that the information provided to you is inadequate or do not have confidence in the expertise employed by your neighbour. I can assist you in order to not only safeguard the potential risk of damage to your property, but ensure that your safety, security, privacy and continued enjoyment of your property is also considered.
Dissenting to the notice is not dissenting to your neighbours project but requesting that a written agreement (An Award) is put in place which includes a survey of your property to capture the condition prior to works commencing. I will assess the project proposals on your property not only look at the initial impact on your property to ensure that the correct professionals and calculations have been completed and your interests safeguarded but the long term issues that could arise long after the builder and architect have moved on.
Damp Survey
If you have damp problems in your property this survey can help you to Identify the type of damp issue within the property, I can investigate the causes of damp by determining the source of moisture I will analyse the existing damp proof course and inspect any problems with the building structure. I will look out for potential future problems caused as a result of damp such as dry rot or wet rot. I will provide you with initial brief of what damp proofing might be needed in the property I will produce written damp report detailing the issues along with what works need carrying out. (available on request)
Commercial survey
Commercial building surveys offer a comprehensive assessment of a property's current condition. This includes identifying defects in the building's structure, assessing the materials used in its construction, and determining the presence of hazardous substances such as asbestos. The survey report may also provide recommendations for necessary remedial works and can be used to support any claims for a price adjustment.
Schedule of Condition
A Schedule of Conditions is an important document that provides comprehensive and detailed proof of the state and condition of a property at a specific moment in time. It serves as an official record of the property's existing condition, highlighting any defects, damages, or issues that exist at the time of the inspection. This document is particularly useful for establishing the necessary evidence needed to limit future repairing liabilities under the Lease. A Schedule of Conditions is typically prepared before a lease or tenancy commences. It provides an objective and impartial record of the property's condition, which can be used as a reference point to determine the extent of any damage that may occur during the lease period. Having a detailed record of the property's condition before the lease begins can reasonably and efficiently resolve any disputes that arise during or at the end of the lease.
Condition Surveys
Condition surveys are conducted to comprehensively understand a property's current state, its short-, medium-, and long-term repair and maintenance requirements, and budgets for these works.
Dilapidations
A schedule of dilapidations is typically served either at the end of a lease or during a tenancy. It reports the condition and state of repair of the leased property, with reference to the lease covenant and the tenant’s responsibility for repair and upkeep.
A Schedule of Dilapidation is typically a lease 'Interim Schedule of Dilapidation' or prepared as a 'Terminal Schedule of Dilapidation' at the end of a lease period. The repairs identified can be known as a Dilapidations Claim and allow you to outline the repairs your tenant is responsible for before they exit the contract. If required, these will be based on your lease agreement and the original property condition report.
Specific Defect Survey
A Specific Defect Survey is an inspection that helps evaluate a particular issue related to a property's structure or condition. This survey is conducted to investigate the specific area of concern thoroughly and identify any related building issues associated with it. Although similar to a Full Building Survey regarding details, it only examines the particular problem area and not the entire property.
Suppose you have concerns about a particular property section but are confident that the rest of it is in good condition. In that case, a Specific Defect Survey might be an appropriate option for you. Furthermore, if you notice any suspicious signs while viewing a property you intend to purchase, a structural inspection can provide you with detailed information about the issue's extent and the cost of resolving it. This enables you to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the purchase or renegotiate the price.
In addition, a vendor may require a second opinion on an issue highlighted by a buyer's survey to facilitate negotiations. Overall, a Specific Defect Survey can help identify potential structural issues and provide a clearer picture of the property's condition, enabling you to make an informed decision about your property purchase.