Building Surveying

A Building Survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property reported in a style to suit the property and your specific requirements. It's suitable for all properties, especially:

Listed buildings.
Older properties.
Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are.
Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way.
Properties that have had extensive alterations.

It examines all accessible parts of the property – and you can ask to have specific areas included, so it covers any particular concerns you have about the building. It is a product which can be tailored to your needs, agreed between you and your surveyor.

A Building Survey can include details of:

Building diagnostic reporting. Whether it be a house or your commercial premises, if you are concerned about a potential defect we can assist by providing a building diagnostic report. A diagnostic report entails the assessment of single or multiple defects, their likely cause, potential to cause future damage and a recommended remedial solution. Diagnostic reporting initially involves non-invasive assessment and if required invasive examination of building elements which may include infrared analysis, endoscopic examination, chemical analysis, crack monitoring, moisture recording, and a variety of other specialised techniques.
Major and minor defects and what they could mean.
The possible cost of repairs.
Results of damp testing on walls.
Damage to timbers – including woodworm and rot.
The condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren't tested).
Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used.
The location.
Recommendations for any further special inspections.

Snag List Survey

A snag list is typically carried out on new build properties and consists of assessing and reporting on any issues of poor finishing, structural issues apparent on visual inspection, highlighting any Building Regulation compliance issues apparent and any other shortcomings/defects present.

Snag lists are generally carried out at practical completion stage.
The Snag List Report is then furnished upon the Developer, either by the Client or ourselves, with a view to rectification of the issues raised.
Kennedy and Associates will re-inspect the property on completion of snagging items to confirm works have been carried out to a satisfactory standard.

Boundary & Mapping Surveys

Kennedy and Associates are equipped to carry out boundary surveys for a number of purposes.
Boundary Surveys can be carried out to aid Clients with, inter alia, boundary dispute issues.
In addition, we can offer Clients a mapping service in which we will carry out a boundary survey and prepare a Land Registry Compliant Map which can be used to facilitate the transfer of residential property.
It is currently a requirement that all property is registered with the Land Registry.

Certification

We offer Clients a wide range of certification services with the most common being:

Certificates of Compliance with Building Regulations,
Certificates of Compliance with Planning Permission, and
Certificates of Exemption from the requirement to obtain a Grant of Planning Permission.

Certification can be carried out for new build properties and extensions to existing properties and can assist in proving good title prior to sale.

Schedule of Dilapidations/Condition

Unfortunately disputes between Landlords and Tenants are commonplace in today's market.
A schedule of dilapidations is generally prepared on a commercial property to assist the Landlord in maintaining the condition, and therefore value, of their premises.
An interim schedule of dilapidations can be furnished upon the tenant during the course of the lease and a terminal schedule at the end of a lease.
In addition to the above, we provide the tenant based service of preparing a schedule of condition which is carried out at the beginning of a lease/ prior to commencement of the lease to establish the condition of the property and to ensure the obligation to repair is not inequitably enforced.

Planned Preventative Maintenance Programmes

A planned preventative maintenance programme involves inspecting the property and preparing a schedule of planned works that should be undertaken at prescribed intervals to ensure building defects are prevented from occurring and the property is maintained to a high standard so as to avoid disruption resulting from reactive maintenance practices.
A planned preventative maintenance programme will also have the positive effect of enabling precise short – medium term budgeting of maintenance costs.

A Building Survey doesn't include a valuation, but we can provide this separately if you need one.

Should you wish to discuss engaging us to perform a building survey report please contact the office either by way of telephone or e-mail.