Surveys

Sierra Designs & Surveys Ltd have been undertaking various types of building surveys since 1996 that include a comprehensive written report detailing structural issues and recommended time scales for repairs/remedial attention. We have listed below in a simplistic form the different types of Surveys undertaken and a brief description of each. However if you wish to speak with a surveyor to gather further information to enable you to make a more informed decision then we would be pleased to hear from you.

Structure Only (Appraisal) Survey is an assessment of the condition of the main structural elements of a property including the form and materials of the main construction, an analysis of any apparent defects and recommendations on any remedial actions necessary.

Full Building Survey is a particularly detailed survey that includes an appraisal of the materials used and form of construction, the identification and analysis of any identified significant defects and recommendations on any actions necessary together with a time scale, and also the general state of the building including less significant defects such as disrepair, maintenance issues and general design of the property (in short, everything both internally and externally from chimney stack down to basement floors, including any outbuildings, boundary lines and grounds and gardens) and also includes estimated value and rebuild costs for insurance purposes. Generally this type of survey is recommended for structures that are over 50 years old or those that have significant structural alterations.

Homebuyers Survey (Homebuyers Report) This survey is undertaken according to a standardised format set out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor, and is recommended for properties that are generally less than 20 years old and in a reasonable condition, and has not had any significant alterations. An estimated rebuild cost for insurance purposes is also detailed within the report.

Diagnostic Surveys are inspections in relation to any specific issue regarding any kind of property whether residential, commercial or industrial. The written report details what the defect is, the potential cause, necessary action and cost guidance. We also provide professional witnesses statements if requested.

Schedule of Conditions & Dilapidations

The Schedule of Conditions process is most commonly associated with leased accommodation and related tenancy agreements, identifies any defects with the property in question prior to the commencement of the lease period. Any identified issues are recorded by both photographs and in writing thus allowing a comparison to be made of the condition of the property at the end of any length of tenancy.

If the Schedule of Condition is to be considered for dilapidation purposes either at the end of or during the lease period, it should always be formally agreed by both parties at the beginning of that period.

A Schedule of Condition report of a property or structure may be formulated before any significant construction or engineering works are carried out in relation to the Party Wall work when there is the potential for damage to occur to a neighbouring structures, and again the circumstances will be recorded both by photographs and in writing.

A Dilapidation Report applies to properties that are Leased or Rented and can be issued either during or at the end of the lease with the purpose of recording the present condition of the premises and any work that is necessary to return the accommodation to its previous condition including any associated costs. This report can be undertaken on behalf of either the tenant or the landlord.

Building Pathology

Building pathology looks at the abnormalities within a building structure, both internal and external. Looking at the interrelationship of the building materials, methods of construction together with environmental issues associated with the building envelope.

Sierra Designs and Surveys Limited will undertake building surveys on the following types of building:

Each survey looks at the building defects and performance criteria of the structure, together with the remedial actions necessary to overcome any faults.

Different survey types demand different levels of inspection, the content of which will be agreed with the client at the outset.

Carrying out a thorough survey and preparing an accurate, easy to understand report is something that we at Sierra Designs and Surveys Limited pride ourselves upon.

In complex buildings, mechanical and electrical installations will usually be checked/surveyed by a specialist registered with either NICEIC or CORGI organisations.

Sierra Designs and Surveys Limited will provide general advice on issues such as compliance with relevant legislation, including building regulation and planning issues.