Repairs and Improvements
Property is generally our most valuable asset and must be maintained in good condition to protect that value. Most buildings will require repairs during their life. Deterioration can occur due to age, wear and tear, structural issues, inherent construction faults or damage by the elements. Many problems arise as a result of moisture in one form or another, be it from weather exposure, damp proofing failure or leakage of pipes or fittings.
Repairs and Maintenance
Timely repairs and maintenance can prevent more serious problems developing. This might include regular redecoration to timber elements such as windows and doors, attending to water ingress or rising damp, servicing mechanical installations, overhaul or replacement of roof coverings or masonry repairs.
In certain cases unplanned works are required due to sudden and unexpected damage, such as escape of water, flooding, fire, storm, subsidence or lightning. Such events are commonly covered by the buildings insurance policy.
Defect Analysis
On occasion the cause of a particular problem, or the best remedy, may not always be immediately obvious. Our Surveyors have a great deal of experience in defect analysis, identifying the underlying cause of building problems and advising on appropriate remedies. The correct diagnosis of a problem in a particular property will assist in providing a “best value” solution, giving benefits relating to time and cost.
In addition to our wide understanding of building defects, we also have many years of experience in dealing with buildings insurance claims and works to heritage buildings; our Surveyors have been retained to advise on many of the Island’s historic Churches for the last 30 years, in addition to numerous other listed buildings.
Enhancing your Property
Alternatively, or in addition to repair or maintenance, owners may wish to consider improvements to their property to enhance the use through upgrading works, extensions and / or alterations. Improvements can add value to or extend the useful life of a building and can include upgrading to satisfy modern user requirements, thermal performance and energy efficiency. Any improvements should warrant careful consideration and review to produce an accurate brief and indication of budget so that the building owner is best informed at the initial stages.
Advice from our Surveyors can range from resolution of a particular building defect to more comprehensive involvement including developing detailed proposals to a scheme which can be taken forward. This will include, where appropriate, Planning or Heritage Permission and Building Control approval.
Experience and Services
We are of course also considerably experienced in the construction of new dwellings, taking account of our years of experience in traditional or contemporary design and construction.
As Chartered Building Surveyors with over 35 years’ experience in property matters we can assist in all aspects of the construction process from minor defects to larger scale repairs and improvements. We can also offer architectural design and construction detailing for extensions or new dwellings, preparation of specifications, obtaining tenders, budget management and contract administration throughout the project until completion.
Lovell Ozanne can also provide the following services: