Orpwood Associates not only provide a range of surveys to suit a wide variety of needs, but also ensure that each survey report provides the vital information for the client to base his or her decision to acquire, retain, or reject a building.

Building Surveys

Apart from the identification of structural defects, disrepairs, poor design and workmanship, and a lack of compliance with building legislation, we can assist clients on a range of issues relevant to their acquisition such as:

• The provision of budget costs for repairs, alterations and to bring the building into statutory compliance.
• Advise on the feasibility of adapting the building for a specific use or its suitability for extension
• Advise on legislative concerns such as the need for asbestos management, DDA Audit, or an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

We also provide advice on the need for specialist inspections, for example of the electrical installation by NIC.EIC and ECA approved contractor, or the heating and plumbing installations by a CORGI registered engineer. We will arrange these on your behalf, and explain the significance of the inspection results.

Condition Surveys

The accurate recording of a building's condition at a particular time in its life is a skill at which we are well practised. Our service can be tailored to meet the client's particular need, whether it is to record the condition of a group of buildings for asset management purposes, to record the condition of a building prior to adjacent demolition or tunnelling operations commencing, or to limit the extent of repairing obligations under a lease.

Defect Diagnosis

We have considerable experience in the investigation, and diagnosis, of constructional defects and disrepairs. These range from defects in masonry and concrete, subsidence and the effect of trees, and problems of water penetration and timber decay. In addition, we can advise on liability, and warranty and insurance claims.

Feasibility Surveys

With our knowledge of architectural design, construction legislation, building costs, and construction techniques, we are ideally placed to advise clients on the feasibility of a potential development, whether this is an extension, a change of use, or the construction of a new building.