Building Surveys and Reports, 4th Edition

Описание

Preface to Fourth Edition
This book provides a comprehensive guide for surveyors and architects on the
steps to take when approached by a client asking for a structural survey. It deals
with all types of buildings: domestic, commercial and industrial. Advice is given
on how to diagnose faults, with many detailed sketches and photographs to illustrate the text. Examples of various types of reports are given in the appendices.
We are living in an era of change. Adaptation of buildings for different uses and
extensions to existing buildings are commonplace. In each of these cases measured and building surveys are necessary. Some of the difficulties which are met
with are described in Chapters 3 and 4, and advice is given as to how to avoid
mistakes.
The book covers both old and new methods of construction. The subject has
been treated basically under the elements of construction, most of which are
interrelated. It is assumed, however, that the reader has some knowledge of building techniques.
Flood and fire damage has been given a separate chapter since it involves different structural problems in diagnosing the cause, as well as negotiations with
insurance assessors before steps for reinstatement can be put in hand.
During the past 60 years there have been many new materials and construction
techniques using new and traditional materials. The surveyor can no longer be
dependent on a limited range of materials, but must exercise his judgment in a
widening realm of alternatives. The fabric of a building has to satisfy different user
needs and occupational factors. The surveyor’s duty is to identify what performance is required from the fabric in terms of durability and weathertightness. It is
therefore essential that he must have a sound knowledge of not only building
construction, but also the performance of materials in use.
The focus of this book is primarily on traditional construction of residential
and non-residential buildings. It aims to provide the reader with guidance on the
methodology and risks of inspecting and surveying buildings generally. What
makes this revised edition different from most of its competitors is that it includes
a comparison of the various surveys available. In this regard reference has been
made to the Construction Industry Council’s 1997 guidance note on the definitions of building inspections and surveys (see Appendix I).
Also contained in this edition are examples of typical schedules used in condition and dilapidations surveys. This supplements the other sample survey checklists described in Appendices III and IV. The importance given to construction
safety has increased since the early 1990s. One of the appendices contains guidance from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) on surveying
properties safely. Appendix VIII contains a glossary of terms relevant to building
inspections and surveys.
The introduction of the ill-fated Home Condition Report near the end of
the first decade of the twenty-first century has prompted a marked increase in
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