Building Surveying
Services

It is essential that access audits are conducted by a “suitably competent person.” Our team of auditors are members of the Chartered Institute of Building and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, ensuring we are perfectly placed to assist you.

The Concertus team of building surveyors has extensive experience in conducting detailed reports that review a range of access requirements. Below is a list of typical considerations:

• Pedestrian routes
• Street furniture
• Approach to buildings
• Car parking
• Setting down points
• External ramps and steps
• Handrails
• Entrances
• External and internal doors
• Access control
• Internal ramps and stairs
• Surfaces
• Lifts
• Wayfinding
• Lighting

The quality of learning and teaching spaces plays a crucial role in inspiring students and driving school improvement.

Our team of surveyors has significant experience in producing BB103 area assessments and space utilisation surveys for the education sector. A BB103 assessment is a valuable tool for academies or Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) to understand whether existing spaces are being used effectively, document pinch points, and plan for future needs.

A space utilisation survey or BB103 assessment can be used to:

• Evaluate space capacity and suitability for learning.
• Enable strategic decision-making.
• Plan for expansion projects.
• Leverage physical spaces for revenue generation.

Our Building Surveyors and Building Services Engineers offer detailed analyses of a building’s condition and structural integrity. Using mobile assessment technology, we provide objective and comprehensive information about your premises.

This information is presented in a report format, using a standard grading system to enable fair comparisons across sites and to prioritise improvements effectively.

A condition survey provides a complete picture of your premises' material state, highlighting necessary maintenance and improvement issues. Our reports are often used to prioritise Schools Condition Allocations (SCA) or support applications for Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) grants.

Condition Surveys can be conducted for existing assets or properties under consideration for purchase.

Our surveys include:

• A detailed narrative of findings.
• Condition grades for individual premises.
• Recommendations for remedial works or replacements.
• Full costings.
• Identification of associated risks and priorities.
• Additional benefits, such as potential energy savings.

Our Clerk of Works plays a critical role in ensuring construction projects meet the required standards. We monitor projects to ensure work progresses on schedule and adheres to agreed-upon specifications.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring project progress.
• Inspecting the quality of materials and workmanship.
• Identifying and reporting defects.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual funding programme for eligible academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary-aided (VA) schools. It addresses significant condition needs, including health and safety issues, building compliance, and the maintenance of buildings in poor condition.

The CIF process can also support a limited number of expansion projects.

Our Building Surveyors have extensive experience assisting academies and trusts with CIF applications. We use our expertise to prepare robust submissions, supported by our bid-writing services, to improve the condition and performance of your buildings.

We provide end-to-end support, from initial condition surveys to the development of application documentation. Our Building Surveyors also manage and deliver projects that successfully secure CIF funding.

For further details on the CIF process, visit the Condition Improvement Fund - GOV.UK or contact Concertus for assistance.

We provide professional project management and contract administration services from inception to completion. This ensures the high-quality delivery of schemes across both existing services and bespoke disciplines. Our approach supports the development, execution, and successful delivery of projects.

Our expertise extends to the management of demolition and enabling works projects. We provide a full range of services, from offering advice to producing comprehensive project documentation and managing the entire process.

Our collaborative approach ensures intelligent and considered delivery, enabling us to achieve all project objectives successfully.

Working collaboratively with our clients, we provide expert advice to develop a robust framework for successful project delivery. We add value by addressing immediate requirements while anticipating additional elements that may not yet have been considered.

Our services encompass the entire project life cycle, from initial surveys and preparation of relevant reports to the development of project briefs, design stages, and through to delivery and completion.

Compartmentation surveys are crucial for ensuring building owners comply with statutory requirements and current fire safety regulations. These surveys also confirm that the property provides the necessary protection in the event of a fire.

Our experienced team has conducted numerous compartmentation surveys and is ready to assist you today.

All our surveyors are fully trained to use the appropriate equipment to identify the type and thickness of glass, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

We have the technical knowledge and expertise to ensure that the correct materials, techniques, and statutory consents are adhered to when working on heritage projects.

We provide support with the assessment and valuation of rebuilding, restoration, and renovation costs for properties to ensure accurate insurance coverage.

Our team offers comprehensive site and building measurement services, including the production of detailed 2D and 3D information to support your project requirements.

We offer professional services for Party Wall matters, including expert advice on the process and implementation of procedures for both building owners and neighbouring property owners.

We work closely with clients to conduct surveys of their buildings and assets, providing valuable insights into the condition of their properties and identifying the work required to address improvement needs.

Our approach considers short, medium, and long-term perspectives. We produce comprehensive records, schedules, and programmes, enabling clients to effectively plan the maintenance and care of their properties and assets.

Our building surveying team has extensive experience in supporting clients with planned capital maintenance programmes. By interpreting condition data, we help develop planned 3-5 year programmes and deliver projects seamlessly as part of our full range of services.

Our Building Surveying team offers expert assistance to help you obtain planning and building regulations approval for your project. We can provide professional advice or manage the entire application process for the proposed works, ensuring compliance and a smooth approval process.

If you own a school or public sector building with a flat roof dating back to the 1980s or earlier, we strongly recommend undertaking a RAAC survey. At Concertus, we are proud to have experienced Chartered Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Institution of Structural Engineers, and the Institution of Civil Engineers, enabling us to conduct thorough RAAC surveys.

What is RAAC?
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight, porous form of concrete commonly used in schools, colleges, and public sector buildings from the 1950s to the mid-1990s. It is typically found in roofs (both pitched and flat) and occasionally in walls and floors. RAAC is weaker than traditional concrete and can pose significant structural risks.

The Department for Education has issued guidance for educational establishments, which can be accessed via their website.

A Concertus RAAC survey includes:

• A site visit to identify the presence of RAAC.
• A detailed technical report with findings and recommendations.
• A plan for remedial works.
• Support in preparing strong CIF funding applications, if appropriate.

A schedule of condition is an essential document that provides an accurate record of a property’s condition at a specific point in time. It typically covers both the interior and exterior, including structural elements and fixtures, and highlights areas of disrepair.

This report is particularly valuable when construction or building works are planned near your property. It allows you to determine whether neighbouring works have caused damage and provides a basis for requesting repairs.

Concertus surveyors conduct thorough inspections, documenting issues such as damp, cracks, staining, holes, discolouration, deterioration, and general disrepair.

Following the site survey, our Building Surveyors will deliver a detailed report that includes:

• Text descriptions of defects and disrepair.
• Photographs and video evidence.
• A description of the property, its location, and surrounding land.
• Details of tests performed.
• Architectural drawings, where applicable.

To support both landlords and tenants in understanding their dilapidation liabilities, we take a holistic approach that leverages expertise across all disciplines. This ensures a comprehensive assessment and schedule that addresses the complete fabric and infrastructure of your building, providing clarity and actionable insights.