Structural Surveys and Reports

Building Survey Reports

Building surveys cover all aspects of the building fabric such as insulation, heating, electricity, gas, drainage etc, whereas a structural survey is limited to the structural elements of the building.

Our packages include the following, but not limited to:-

• Site inspection, usually a visual survey unless dictated otherwise.
• Verbal advice and discussion during the visit.
• Written report by a chartered or near chartered engineer.
• Email and phone support for queries related to the technical report.

Additional items

• Further inspections to view opening up works, if required.
• Further inspections to sign off work undertaken (by request only).
• Further supplementary reports.

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Basement Impact Assessment Reports

Many local authorities within Greater London and its suburbs require a basement impact assessment (BIA) report as part of the planning permission application. This is required to review the impacts on flooding, surrounding structures and the local geology to ensure any known risks are mitigated.

The geological strata typically found within London is of clay formation and is prone to seasonal shrink and swell leading to subsidence and heave. In exaggerated cases this can lead to movement of the foundations and ultimately the superstructure above. The specific ground conditions within the vicinity of the property should be taken into consideration to assess any potential issues during or after the construction of a new basement.

Another key area of the assessment report is to understand and record the proximity of the development to public footpaths and buildings. Any works undertaken must be fully hazard and risk assessed.

One of the most undesirable factors in the construction of a new basement is the presence of groundwater. Understanding the surrounding soil and water table is key to a successful project. If a high water table is present but is known in advance of the commencement of the construction, suitable measures can be put in place to control this from affecting the project and the surrounding area.

Full BIA requirements can vary between each local authority and between each particular project but usually includes the following:-

• Site inspection visit to review requirements specific to project,
• Description of Existing Structure,
• Ground conditions/geology,
• Research into British Geological Survey maps & borehole data in surrounding area,
• Potential ground movements to adjoining properties,
• Assessment of Party Wall Matters,
• Temporary construction works and methodology,
• Indicative programme of works,
• Control of noise, dust and vibration statement,
• Flood risk assessment,
• Drainage review,
• Trees impact review.

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Method Statements

Depending on the scope of works and complexity of the project, method statements can be provided to outline the approach to construction management. Typically, method statements outline the proposed works and how they will be carried out to ensure that construction is carried out safely and efficiently with minimal adverse impacts. Throughout construction the method statement will be constantly reviewed and any changes or improvements will be re-submitted and approved by the relevant parties.

Method statements are required to review the associated hazards and risks when undertaking construction works. This is necessary for temporary works in order to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the building as well as the adjacent properties. Construction method statements may be required under the guidelines of the party wall notice or for submission to local authorities prior to permission being granted for the proposed works.

Items typically covered within a method statement include (but not limited to):-

• Hazard and risk assessments with mitigation measures
• Health and safety of workers, environment and public
• Design philosophy review
• Construction sequence
• Temporary works methodology review

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Feasibility Studies and Reports

Feasibility studies are carried out during the early stages of a project to assess its viability with regards to technical, economical, legal, operational and scheduling (TELOS) factors. This can be particularly important when renovating existing properties as the changes that are made should not jeopardize the structural integrity of the building.

When considering the condition of existing buildings, the five factors noted above should be taken into account. Firstly, if there are any significant structural defects it should be decided if the building should be demolished or repaired. Following this we can assess design requests such as the proposal to add or remove floors, walls or columns etc.

Feasibility study and reports, what does it include?

• Desktop study
  • Historical background of building
  • Current or previous technical drawings
  • Any other relevant documentation
• Site visit & inspection
  • On site discussion
  • Review of site parameters such as building fabric & load paths
  • Assessment of relevant factors such as condition, adjacent buildings etc
• Structural options & discussion
  • Assessment of proposed scheme from structural perspective
  • Whether it is technically feasible or not
  • Feasible design options
  • Discussion of options such as complexity, practicality, impact on proposed architecture, etc.
• Recommendations & conclusions

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