In 1997, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) issued a leaflet entitled “Definitions for Building Inspections and Surveys” (see Appendix I). This definition applies specifically to England and Wales, but is also relevant to the rest of the U.K. The CIC is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Institute of Chartered Architects, the Institution of Building Engineers, the Institution of Building Surveyors, the Institute of Chartered Building Services Engineers, and the Institution of Civil Engineers, The Institute of Structural Engineers, and other organizations representing the major professional bodies in construction and real estate.
This book (Building surveys and reports fourth edition) covers both old and new construction methods. The subject is essentially dealt with under the elements of architecture, most of which are interrelated. It is assumed, however, that the reader has some knowledge of building technology.
Damage caused by floods and fires are covered in separate chapters, as they involve a variety of structural issues in diagnosing their causes.
Over the past 60 years, many new building techniques have emerged, using both new and traditional materials. Surveyors can no longer rely on a limited number of materials and must make decisions from a wider range of options. Building construction must satisfy the needs of various users and occupational factors. The surveyor’s task is to identify the performance requirements of the fabric in terms of durability and weather resistance. It is therefore essential to have a sound knowledge of the performance of the materials used as well as the structure of the building.
Description
This book provides a comprehensive guide for surveyors and architects on the steps to take when a client requests a structural survey. It covers all types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial. It includes numerous detailed sketches and photographs, and offers advice on how to diagnose defects. The appendices include examples of different types of reports.
We live in a time of change. Adapting buildings to different uses and extending existing buildings are commonplace. In these cases, measurements and building surveys are necessary. Chapters 3 and 4 describe some of the difficulties faced and give advice on how to avoid mistakes.