Surveys

What to Expect

Our surveyors have many years of experience within the preservation industry and can provide a full written report, specification, sketch plans and quotations for various types of building preservation. If the problem is outside the scope of works undertaken by this company then best advice would be given on how to deal with the problem. We are a specialist preservation company and not a building Company seeking to do preservation works and you can be safe in the knowledge that we shall not be looking for additional works unless specifically instructed to do so. Surveys and reports take time to produce and are tailored to each individual property. It is not possible to undertake a full inspection and provide a report free of charge. We currently charge £180.00 - £240.00 for a standard survey report, although this would be dependent on size, location and extent of the problem. This would be determined at the time of application. With years of experience in the remedial treatment trade, we know what's best for your home. During a survey we will carry out an inspection to diagnose the exact problem you are facing, with the best advice on how to resolve it.

Inspections can be undertaken for the following remedial works:

Basement waterproofing
Condensation control
Timber treatment
Woodworm /Timber treatment
Dry/Wet rot control/treatment
Cavity wall tie replacement
Lateral restraints
Lintel repair
Crack stitching
Timber resin repairs

Limitations

In those parts of the building instructed, we will be inspecting (where applicable)

The accessible structural timbers of the roof and floors for evidence of infestation by wood boring beetles/wood-destroying fungi.

The walls at ground floor level for evidence of rising dampness or penetrating damp from the ground.

The walls below ground level in basement areas for evidence of penetrating damp from the ground.

The cavities of cavity walls to assess the need for remedial cavity wall tie repairs.

Our inspection will incorporate a visual inspection of the exterior of the building from ground level, but will not, unless by prior arrangement, include use of ladders or scaffold.

The report may contain comments on external joinery (which is subject to natural weathering) only if this is causing an obvious source of rain penetration into the structure. Outbuildings, fences, gates and furniture are not inspected.Internally our surveyor will inspect visible surfaces of fixed joinery timbers and exposed structural timbers. Timber floors will be inspected, where possible, by lifting loose floorboards or trapdoors. To avoid damage, any wood block, strip, laminate or other decorative flooring, including fitted carpets, will not be lifted.

The surveyor is under no obligation to move furniture or floor coverings, raise fixed floorboards or to inspect those areas of the property that are covered, unexposed or not readily accessible. Roof timbers are inspected only if a suitable access trap is available.

If a sub floor inspection is specifically required, the client must arrange for furniture to be moved and carpets to be lifted prior to the surveyor’s attendance. Any costs of such works will be the client’s responsibility.

Areas of potential major defect, which cannot be inspected will be listed with recommendations for further investigations or suggested courses of action. Minor defects may not be listed.

When instructed to carry out a damp inspection, the surveyor will take moisture meter readings on internal wall surfaces to assess rising or penetrating damp from the ground. Panelled, tiled or dry lined areas cannot be inspected.

If a wall tie inspection is required the surveyor will locate wall ties with a metal detector and will drill holes externally or internally, as appropriate, to carry out a visual inspection using optical instruments. External holes will be re-filled, but no assurance can be given that this matches the existing masonry.

Where insulation is present within a cavity it will not be possible to undertake an inspection using an optical instrument. In this instance we would need to remove mortar from around the tie within the external leaf of the cavity. If the wall is rendered then it will be necessary for sections of the external render to also be removed. We should be informed prior to the undertaking of the inspection if insulation is present and permissions should be given that the removal of mortar and render is permitted. Any mortar joints would be re-pointed, but no assurance can be given that this matches the existing masonry. Removed render would not be made good as part of this service, but could be undertaken at additional charge. No making good of the decoration would be undertaken.

If areas to be inspected are not accessible at the time of our first visit, we will be pleased to re-inspect when arrangements have been made by the client for the areas to be cleared of all restrictions. Additional costs may be incurred and passed to the client, if further visits are required.

After inspection, and on receipt of any fees that are due, the surveyor will produce a report detailing the observations and other points of relevance at the time of inspection. Recommendations including advice, proposed repairs, any treatments and associated works by others may be included in the report or attachment.

The report is provided for the sole use of our named client and is confidential to the client and their professional advisors. This company accepts responsibility to the client alone for the stated purpose that the report will be prepared with the skill, care and diligence reasonably expected of a competent surveyor, but accepts no responsibility whatsoever to any person other than the client themselves. Any such person relies upon the report at his or her own risk.

The report expressly excludes the provisions of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

Our reports provided should not be construed as being a structural report of the building.