Introduction

Acknowledgements

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Introduction to Subject

Building surveyors provide professional advice on all aspects of property and construction, ensuring that both new and old buildings are structurally sound. They may become involved in various aspects of buildings at different stages, including design, maintenance, repair, refurbishment and restoration. They work on site with new buildings and are concerned with the aftercare and performance of existing buildings.

Building surveyors may also be called upon to give evidence in court in cases where building regulations have been breached.

Tasks typically involve:

• ensuring projects are completed on budget and on time;
• preparing scheme designs with costings, programmes for completion of projects and specification of works;
• preparing documents for tender and advising on appointing contractors, designers and procurement routes;
• determining the condition of existing buildings, identifying and analysing defects, including proposals for repair;
• advising on energy efficiency, environmental impact and sustainable construction;
• advising on the preservation/conservation of historic buildings;
• advising on management and supervision of maintenance of buildings;
• dealing with planning applications and advising on property legislation and building regulations;
• assessing and designing buildings to meet the needs of people with disabilities;
• advising on construction design and management regulations;
• advising on the health and safety aspects of buildings;
• advising on boundary and rights of light disputes and party wall procedures;
• preparing insurance assessments and claims.

One of the most common areas that surveyors become involved with residential properties is during the house buying process. Three levels of survey can be commissioned, a basic valuation, a Homebuyers Report and a full Building (Structural) Survey. These are explained in the sections below.