Small Works Services
IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
Structural problems usually show themselves in buildings through cracks in walls and over doors and windows, the sagging of ceilings and over openings or separation between walls and floors. They are often caused by deterioration of structural members, overloading or subsidence. Problems can also be caused by fire, flood and impact damage.
FLOODING AND DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
Problems can be direct flooding from a watercourse, highways, blocked drains, groundwater (springs) or due to land development and changes to drainage systems above and below the site.Properties not connected to main foul drainage can also be affected by problems with cesspits, septic tanks and associated soakaways, and with package treatment plants.
WE CAN HELP
If any of the above affect you, we can assist by:
- Carrying out inspections, surveys and investigations to establish the cause of the problem. This can be followed by an assessment of the problem and the production of a report.
- Appraisal of solutions and the design of remedial works
- Production of construction drawings and specifications
- Apply for any necessary permissions and consents
- Obtaining quotations and tenders, supervising construction contracts and monitoring construction work
BUYING and SELLING PROPERTY
STRUCTURAL SURVEYS
Valuation Surveys or Building Surveys (including the future Home Condition Report) may identify possible or actual structural defects. A structural survey will then be required to confirm the defect and to establish the cause and options for rectifying the defect.We are able to assist property owners and prospective purchasers as described in the above section entitled “IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM ”
RISKS
The future Home Condition Report (due to apply to all property sales from Early 2007) requires risks to a property to be identified. Where risks are identified they will usually require further investigation and we can assist with the following:
Flood Risk
We are able to undertake Flood Risk Assessments to identify the risk of flooding from various sources including watercourses, the sea, surface water and groundwater. The assessment will be carried out initially on the basis of available information but if necessary (and budgets allow) detailed analysis and modelling can be carried out.
Subsidence
Where a potential risk of subsidence from the movement of buildings, retaining structures, erosion, etc. we are able to assist property owners and prospective purchasers as described in the adjacent section.
Discharge Consents
Many existing properties that are not connected to main drainage and are served by septic tanks or small package treatment plants do not have discharge consents. Where this is identified we are able to assess the existing arrangements and where necessary assist property owners and prospective purchasers as described in the adjacent section entitled
EXTENSIONS and CONVERSIONS
BASIC SERVICES
Small extensions, alterations and conversions can involve significant structural issues and the input of a Structural Engineer may be required from the start of the project. Typically our input could include:
- An initial structural survey of the existing property followed by an assessment to establish the feasibility of the project
- Once the feasibility and scope of the project is established, the structural design would be undertaken and construction drawings and specifications produced
- If required we would then obtain quotations and tenders, supervise construction contracts and monitor construction work
OTHER SERVICES
Client’s need to consider a number of other factors that can affect extensions and conversions:
- Planning Permission is needed for most extensions and where there is a change of use of a building. We can prepare the necessary drawings and details for applications.
- Building Regulations approval is needed for extensions and any change to an existing building. We would normally provide drawings and calculations for applications.
- Party Wall Act 1994 if the work to a property could affect another property the Act could apply. We can advise on whether the Act applies and advise on the steps to be taken.
- Flood Risk if your property is in a flood risk area it is possible that a Flood Risk Assessment is required for extensions exceeding 10% of the existing floor area. (refer to the section, “Buying and Selling Property”.