You would be surprised how many people involved in a construction project need a building surveyor but have no idea why. It’s one of those jobs which has no clear definition – and yet is of paramount importance when it comes to overseeing any kind of building scheme. So here, Dayle Bayliss explains what she does, how she does it, and why you need her expertise.
I am what you might call a “Jack of all trades, master of none”.
Or in other words – a building surveyor.
My job is to communicate with professionals such as engineers, architects and builders, manage a build to ensure it is safe, energy efficient and livable and provide advice to ensure it is designed and constructed to comply with building regulations.
So there you have it – I am competent in many skills but not necessarily outstanding in any particular one.
When you might need me?
Building surveyors, like all surveyors, inspect property or land.
But they can also be called upon for any number of reasons to do with design, construction and project management.
For example, you may have to engage one when you have your home surveyed for an extension or renovation or when you want to purchase a property.
If you are dealing with a large, older or rundown property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you are planning major works, a building survey (formerly called a structural survey) will give you a comprehensive structural report including defects, repair and maintenance options.
Equally you may need a building surveyor to manage an entire new build – residential or commercial.
Many building surveyors oversee a project right through from the initial design and planning permission to completion.
This is because they have a breadth of knowledge and connections and provide a central reference point for all workers on site.
They know about building defects, building regulations, the ins and outs of construction contracts, the hazards of dilapidations, every element of health and safety regulations, not to mention how to manage teams of people who each have a role to play.
How do we benefit you?
Building surveyors can – and do – add value to a project through their unique blend of construction knowledge, design flair and property expertise.
They can take away much of the stress involved in keeping track of a build and take on board many of the time-consuming or challenging areas which you might find hard to manage alone.
On top of this their advice can bring a peace of mind to clients which should not be underestimated.
This is because whether they are overseeing a small house extension, a conservation for a listed building or a major new office block, they can answer any questions you have at any stage of the project.
Some of what we do
Here are just some of the ways we can help you manage your project:
1. Building surveys. We can carry out full building surveys prior to the purchase of a building, or to establish the condition prior to major works.
2. Boundary disputes. We can assist with boundary disputes with the identification of boundary lines and can offer considered and practical advice on how best to proceed.
3. Planning searches. We can provide planning searches prior to the purchase of a second hand property. This involves carrying out a detailed inspection in the relevant Planning Authority to determine the full planning history of the property in question.
4. Planning applications. We can help you with planning applications which must be submitted to the Local Authority before work is carried out.
5.Health & Safety. We can guide you through all aspects of your health and safety duties and ensure everyone is adhering to the rules.
6. Paperwork. We do your paperwork, including producing and submiting applications for things like your Disability Access Certificate (DAC) which is required for new buildings or when undertaking alterations in buildings other than dwellings. We can also arrange certificates of compliance which demonstrate that works have been undertaken in accordance with any statutory applications. This will include, where necessary, Planning Permission, Building Regulations, Fire Safety Certificate Application and for Exemption from Planning.
7. Measured surveys. We can carry out a measured survey to provide existing layout plans and elevations and give accurate floor area readings.
8. Maintenance. We oversee maintenance works involving refurbishment, building alterations, recladding, roof replacement and window replacement. But we can also look at preventative maintenance – a service which provides for the renewal of building elements before failure.
9. Schedule of Condition. We can prepare a schedule of condition – a report prepared on an existing building prior to any development works been carried out adjacent to or nearby.
10. Defect analysis. We look at defect analysis which means we diagnose construction defects and recommend successful remedies.
Choose us
As well as strong technical skills, building surveyors need to have strong people skills and the highest levels of integrity.
Clients, whether a large corporation or an individual member of the public, need to have the utmost confidence in the impartial advice given by us.
At Dayle Bayliss Associates we are happy to take time out to answer your questions and explain how we can help you. Just give us a call.