A good survey will help you identify your priorities for repair and help you plan work to save your building from costly repairs and even demolition. This guide will help you with planning and budgeting – but you get what you pay for!
Get quotes for the survey from at least three architects or surveyors. Ask all those quoting for the same thing so you can make a good comparison of prices.
You will most probably want:
- A description of the current condition of the key parts of the tenement.
- Digital photographic proof of disrepair.
- Identification of works which are essential or urgent rather than just desirable.
- An estimated cost for carrying out all the recommendations in one package of works.
- Suggested alternatives for phasing work over say the next five years, with costs, prioritising Health & Safety; reducing further expensive damage; keeping the building wind and weather tight with acceptable level of maintenance.
- A maintenance plan to ensure the building does not deteriorate further in the future.
Once you decide to go ahead with work, your next step will be to find an architect or surveyor who can help you by:
- Planning work so you get the best deal for your cash.
- Preparing specifications and tenders to find contractors experienced in the type of work you want done and get quotes for the same quality of work.
- Managing the building works and co-ordinating builders and other specialists.
A Basic Maintenance Schedule
Every year
- gutter cleaning
- inspect and carry out minor reactive repairs to roof slates
- Check flashings on the roof
- Check harling and render
- Check chimney heads and pots
- Check TV aerials and fixings
Every 2 years
- Overhaul door entry systems
- Repaint doors, windows, gutters and downpipes
Every 5–10 years
- stair painting
- mastic around windows
- repair felt roof coverings
Contact us -
- Housing Improvement Officer – Bute and Cowal, Union Street, Rothesay PA20 0HD Phone: 01700 501332
- Housing Improvement Officer - Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay, Burnet Building, Campbeltown PA28 6ED Phone: 01586 559090
- Housing Improvement Officer – Helensburgh and Lomond, The Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre, East Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 7PG Phone: 01436 658867
- Housing Improvement Officer – Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Municipal Buildings, Albany Street, Oban PA34 4AW Phone: 01631 567935
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