Under this section, we deal with all kinds of surveys and reports which can be produced in-house by our highly trained staff. These range from SUNLIGHT/DAYLIGHT REPORTS to NOISE IMPACT ASSESMENTS,STRUCTURAL REPORTS and BUILDING SURVEYS, HOME INFORMATION PACKS and the generation of ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES.
SUNLIGHT / DAYLIGHT REPORTS
Daylight and sunlight issues should be considered from the outset of any building project. By carrying out relatively simple checks from an early stage in the design process, planning applications can be strengthened and supported and the possibility of abortive work elliminated. With careful planning the site development potential can be maximised without causing an unacceptable loss of light to nearby properties.
IN BRE 209, objective tests can be applied to determine the impact a development will have on a nearby property. Our reports can support or dismiss planning objections on the grounds of loss of daylight and sunlight.
Where planning permission has been granted, there could still be a case to have a development altered or to demand compensation if any legal right to light are infringed upon.
NOISE IMPACT ASSESMENTS
At the planning stage of any development (residential,. commercial, plant installation etc.) an environmental noise impact assessment may be required by the Local Authority.
A noise survey is generally required for planning purposes such as determining the exposure to noise of proposed residential sites under Planning Policy Guidance 24 (PPG24) or new plant installations. The results of environmental noise surveys are invaluable in providing advice in terms of noise control measures.
STRUCTURAL or BUILDING SURVEYS
Structural Surveys or Building Surveys, also known as structural inspection reports identify and provide a statement of the current condition of the structure with recommendations for any remedial works. A visual structural inspection would typically include for all internal rooms, cellars and roof voids; external walls, external roof and the surrounding areas to the property. Our engineers always check as to whether there could be underlying factors which could affect the property's structure such as leaking drains, large trees etc.
Common structural problems are:
Common repair work may include the following:
HOME INFORMATION PACKS (HIP's)
The introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) as a requirement for buying and selling homes in England and Wales has come in force from 1 June 2007. The primary legislation was originally detailed in the Housing Act 2004. The contents of the Home Information Pack produced by INTERARCHITECT.ORG include the following:
Additionally, for leasehold properties:
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPC's)
The certificates will give homebuyers and sellers A to G ratings for their home's energy efficiency and carbon emissions. They will tell them current average costs for heating, hot water and lighting in their homes, as well as how to cut costs with energy efficiency measures. Part of the energy performance review will advice consumers on which energy measures, ranging from thicker loft insulation right through to solar panels, could cut carbon emissions from their home and improve their energy rating. The government have stated that the introduction is due to the growing challenge from climate change and rising energy costs.... to improve energy efficiency ... and to help sellers and buyers to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also, the European Energy Directive requires that from 2009 all homes for sale should have energy certificates.