Other Services

We can provide advice on almost any type of building defect. We regularly carry out inspections in relation to dampness and condensation in buildings and can advise on likely causes and necessary remedial works. We are able to inspect and report on the causes of structural cracking and problems of subsidence and heave. Other recent instructions include reports on defective roofs, chimney stacks, dampness and timber decay – as well as recently completed building works in which defects have arisen.Our surveyors can compile reports to identify the cause of the defect as well as the remedial action required to resolve the defect.

Boundary disputes can arise when one party believes that a structure is trespassing onto their land and the true location of the boundary has not been correctly identified. Often ordinance survey maps and title plans do not clearly show the location of the boundary and therefore, an expert Chartered Surveyor is required to resolve the issue.Our surveyors have extensive experience in neighbourly disputes including boundary disputes. Acting impartially, we can inspect historical documents, the physical features on the land and all available legal documents in order to offer advice as to the likely location of a boundary as well as comment on any trespass from adjoining structures.

Boundary disputes can often end up in litigation which is expensive and not the desired outcome. Our approach is to impartially provide advice and seek to resolve neighbourly disputes without the need for expensive litigation. If a matter cannot be resolved, then our surveyors are able to act as expert witnesses in a court of law.

Since the inception of the firm we have worked on many historic and listed buildings. We are able to carry out surveys on many types of older buildings, including timber framed and bungarouche structures.
The types of buildings we have surveyed in recent years include Regency buildings, timber framed buildings dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, barn conversions and churches. We are familiar with the traditional methods of construction used in Sussex, including random brick and flint rubble construction (Bungarouche), timber framed construction, mathematical tiles as well as clay, slate and lead covered roofs.We have experience of repair and maintenance work on historic and listed buildings along with refurbishments. We have a good understanding of the function of historic buildings, how they were designed and how they are currently used and occupied. We are aware of historic building conservation and what is required to maintain a historic building and some of the pitfalls which can have a detrimental effect upon the building.Works to listed buildings often require listed building consent and we can offer advice accordingly.

Stuart Radley has over 20 years’ experience and Stephen Pook over 10 years’ experience in preparing reports for court proceedings on a variety of issues. We are able to provide in-depth and analytical reports on defective building work, negligence issues and are experts in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Stuart Radley and Stephen Pook have also undertaken appointments as a single joint expert appointed by the courts on behalf of both parties in a dispute and they have experience of court attendance and cross examination.

We can undertake an inspection of your property and provide you with a condition/maintenance report highlighting the current condition of the property as well as any future defects. We can provide a 5 and 10 year maintenance plan for a property which will assist with cash flow for maintenance works and this helps to avoid costly reactive maintenance. We can, if required, provide estimated costs for future expenditure using current pricing books and guidance such as Spons and BCIS. These reports are essential to enable a planned approach to the management and upkeep of a property. This can reduce long term maintenance costs and enable works to be carried out in a planned way which helps to reduce the amount of disruption caused by the works.

We can offer advice on a range of issues relating to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and in particular to the Section 20 consultation procedure which is required for any item of work in which one leaseholder has to contribute more than £250 towards the cost of the work.

Construction has traditionally had a poor safety record and the Construction (Design Management) Regulations 2015 seek to reverse this and improve health and safety on construction sites.In 2015 the CDM regulations were updated which resulted in tighter regulations and control of health and safety in all projects. The key updates include:

• Principal Designers have replaced CDM Co-ordinators
• CDM 2015 now applies to domestic projects
• Changes to the criteria for notifiable works to HSE
• Additional Health and Safety information required for every project
• More duties for the client

Health and safety in construction is no longer seen as simply the responsibility of the builder. All parties involved have a responsibility, including the client.

If you intend to carry out any building works, then it is more than likely that these Regulations will apply to you. Some of the duties on commercial clients imposed by the most recent legislation include:

• Appointing a contractor who is competent from the point of view of health and safety
• Appointing a Principal Designer
• Appointing a Principal Contractor
• Ensuring that the contractor has suitable welfare arrangements in place
• Notifying the Health & Safety Executive of the project (if required)
• Checking that the contractor’s Construction Phase Health & Safety Plan is adequate
• Allowing sufficient lead in times for works
• Providing adequate health and safety information
• Ensuring a health and safety file is prepared

As a client you may be surprised to note that you have such duties. However, under health and safety law, ignorance is not a defence.

Our surveyors have extensive experience in acting as Principal Designer under the CDM Regulations and in advising clients of their roles and responsibilities.

We can assess your property for insurance purposes and provide advice as to the amounts for which the building should be insured.We are also able to deal with reinstatement and repair works following fire, flood and storm damage. We are regulated by the RICS DPB scheme for insurance works.

Recording the condition of a property is essential especially when taking on a new commercial lease or building works are proposed adjacent to your property. A schedule of condition records the condition of your property both in text and by means of a photographic schedule. This document offers reassurance to neighbouring properties when building works are proposed and offers protection to owners in the event of a claim for damage.