Building Pathology and Defects
ABOUT building pathology AND DEFECTS
At the core of building pathology is the investigation, diagnosis and remediation of building defects. Buildings have always been subject to defects, some of which are more common than others. Diagnosis can sometimes be straightforward, but in most cases an in-depth knowledge and understanding of buildings is essential to provide the assistance and special techniques required. Many building defects are the result of poor workmanship and/or the failure to carry out essential repairs. In order to recommend the best repair and future maintenance for a building, the true cause of the defect must first be identified. This involves carrying out an inspection, which may be intrusive, and it is often the case that the owner of the building is unaware of the cause of the defect.
Advice Carter Jonas can provide around building pathology and defects
Once instructed, our work usually includes inspection, analysis and reporting on:
- Water penetration (dampness and ingress)
- Condensation
- Timber defects
- Defective detailing and finishing
- Movement and cracking
- Concrete and deleterious materials
- Curtain walling, cladding and glazing
- Heritage and conservation
- Building services issues
Following an inspection, we analyse the survey data to determine the cause of the defect. For our clients, we produce a report which includes photography from the inspection, a description of the defect and clear proposals for remedial action. It goes without saying that if we are unable to identify the cause during our first inspection, we will advise on next steps, often including a recommendation for further monitoring of the building or issue.
Why choose Carter Jonas to provide you with building pathology and defects advice?
Our building consultancy professionals are located in Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Oxford, Leeds and London. Our designated teams contain highly qualified and experienced chartered building surveyors who consistently provide a professional, effective, and personal service.
Technical expertise is essential to identify the cause of building defects and the remedial measures required. Our professionals have many years of experience in every aspect of building pathology. With an extensive range of clients and projects, we have a broad knowledge of different defects across many different types of buildings from industrial units through to commercial offices and historical buildings. We take a holistic approach to building pathology and defect diagnosis. We consider it essential to find the source of damage and track it back logically to identify the initial cause. This means that we remedy the defect at its core and can provide considered advice to our clients to ensure that the building does not suffer any further deterioration.
Richard Love is a Partner, Head of Building Surveying in our London Commercial Team. Richard joined from Watts Group PLC where he worked since 2010, most recently as director in it's project consultancy group. Richard's role is to provide building consultancy services, including relocation management, contract administration, design, strategic procurement and conservation advice with our clients.
Career Highlights:
Ealing Town Hall:
Full external restoration of Grade II Listed Victorian Gothic town hall building. The project arose from a survey identifying incidences of dangerous stonework and the project incorporated extensive masonry repairs, reroofing, redecorations, stained glass replacement, access improvements and drainage improvements. Works on site were delivered over an eight month period during which the town hall remained fully operational.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists HQ Relocation:
Project management services in respect of all aspects of the HQ relocation for this prestigious medical college. The relocation centred around moving into a 50,000sq ft 1980’s office building and delivered a comprehensive strip out and refurbishment including the creating of canteen and catering facilities, conference space, library including antique book collection and sublet space. The relocation was delivered in 9 months (inception to completion) and Richard also handled dilapidations matters on exit.
Career developments
Being appointed to the board overseeing the expansion of the Carter Jonas Commercial Division, which took place in early 2017. Also, managing the expansion of the Architecture and Building Consultancy team. The service line has doubled the number of specialists working within it in the last two years, becoming the largest team within the division. Further growth plans are currently in place for the next few years.
Matthew is a Chartered Building Surveyor in the Chapel Place office. Matthew has undertaken various Building Surveying services to a diverse portfolio of clients, including Royal Mail, Salvation Army, Winchester Working Men’s Housing Society, Aurora Fashions and Network Rail.
His primary skills cover: Schedules of Work, Schedules of Condition, Party Wall matters, Planned Maintenance Repair and Refurbishment Contracts of various properties, Schedules of Dilapidations, Insurance Valuations , Fire Insurance Valuations, Contract Administration, Defect Diagnosis and Prognosis, Statutory Consents, Budget Costs and Pre-acquisition survey.
Career Highlights:
- Shortlisted for Young Surveyor of the year in 2016.
- Leading on Party Wall matters for whole Thameslink project over 5 year period.
- Defending dilapidations claim on behalf of Tenant, resulting in a reduction of the Landlord’s claim from £4.9m to £1.45m
Career Highlights:
- Securing a portfolio insurance assessment in 2016 for over 150 assets in Greater London and Scotland.
- Delivering a £700,000 CAT B fit out to fifth floor offices on Paternoster Square overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral in the Summer of 2015.
- Providing Lead Consultancy advice to major financial institution for CAT A refurbishment of 20,000 sqft offices in central Bath.
- Building consultancy
- Commercial Tenant Advisory
- Commercial property and asset management
- Commercial Landlord Advisory
Matthew Ellams is head of our project management team. He has considerable experience within the sector and has worked across a wide range of projects, servicing many different types of clients.
Keith is a Partner in the commercial team and is based out of our Cambridge office.
Keith is a Partner in the commercial team and is based out of our Cambridge office.
Career Highlights:
- Project Management of the UK’s first retrospective fire pressurisation system on Grade II* listed tower building.
- Conservation and Restoration of Grade II* listed 18thC Summerhouse.
- Award Winning Conversion and Refurbishment of a Grade II listed farmhouse and range of traditional barns into a mixed use development.
Keep Informed
Sign up to our newsletter to receive further information and news tailored to you.