Martin Ralph Chartered Surveyors

This section covers:

Condition Surveys

DDA Audits

Fire Risk Assessments

Inspections

Party Wall Advice

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Condition Surveys
We have a great deal of experience in undertaking condition surveys of Public Buildings for Local Authorities. These surveys are usually undertaken on a cyclical basis to establish the general condition of the properties, the extent and nature of defects and the effect these defects may have on the building use. From the survey we are able to produce a schedule of remedial work required, prioritise the work and produce budget costings.

DDA Audits
The 1999 Disabled Discrimination Act has resulted in the Practice being requested to undertaken numerous D.D.A audits for large organisations including Local Authorities, Central Government Agencies and National Companies.

As DDA requirements vary from property to property, each DDA audit is tailored to suit the client and the property use. Following completion of the audit we are able to provide a schedule of works necessary to upgrade the property to meet the DDA requirements.

Fire risk assessments
The majority of the Fire Risk Assessments we undertake are for Local Authorities and Central Government Agencies on existing buildings. Requirements vary between types and use of the property and consequently each report it tailored to suit each occasion. Following the assessment and report we are able to, produce a schedule of the necessary works required to comply with current legislation, and if required obtain competitive tenders and manage the contract.

Inspections
We are often requested to undertake inspections of properties on behalf of Local Authorities usually in order to identify the cause of defects found in a property.

We are able to undertake defect diagnosis, recommend remedial repairs, produce a schedule of works and specification and obtain tenders for the remedial work and undertake the contract management.

Party wall advice
Since the Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force, there is a strict procedure to follow when building work involves a party wall or party fence wall.

The Act is designed to minimise disputes by making sure property owners use a surveyor to determine the time and way in which work is carried out. It is possible to use an ‘agreed surveyor’ to act for both property owners.

Martin Ralph are able to provide Party Wall advice and act as the Building Owners surveyor, Adjoining Owners surveyor or as a joint agreed surveyor.  Surveyors in the practice are members of the ‘Pyramus and Thisby Club’ an organisation for surveyors who undertake Party Wall work.