Building Surveillance And Safety Precautions You Can Take

If you are a commercial property owner and are looking for ways to protect your investment, then total site and building surveillance is the way to go. Site investigations are essential to ensure the safety of the site and to mitigate potential risks. There are reputed building surveyors that you can hire to assess the safety of construction and make sure that all norms are followed while construction is underway.

What are the different ways to ensure safety measures?

Building surveyors are tasked with understanding the site on which you are working on and they analyse the measures taken by the engineers to mitigate risks like flood and drainage problems. When it comes to accounting for natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, there are many things you must consider before you build on a given site. Flood risk assessments are a type of survey that is done to assess the risk of flooding. With this type of survey, experts can advise you on how to manage flood risk and evaluate the flood potential of a topographical area. With the help of recent technologies such as computer modelling, you analyse different flooding scenarios and predict water levels that can arise due to excessive flooding. This information can be very important for any builder as it helps you install preventative measures into the design. The design should ultimately be compliant with insurance and be feasible in cost.

What can you do to mitigate risks?

In many parts of the UK, the Environment Agency requires flood risk assessments to be submitted without which a build or construction cannot begin. This is why these assessments and checks are important when you are planning on a build. Flood damage can be highly likely due to climate change caused due to unprecedented global warming. The impact that floods can have on property and livelihood is huge. It becomes the responsibility of builders to offer tailor-made flood resilience maintenance to properties they build. Innovative designs can help you carve a flow route by using modelling techniques. By using creative solutions, building inspectors and engineers can work together to implement a flood resilience design.

The Importance of Site Assessments on Construction Projects

Construction projects often need expert opinions from civil engineering professionals to tackle any structural problems. Before you can start on any building project, a thorough land investigation must be done. Site investigations aim to collect and assess data from a construction project to make sure that the land you are working on is safe. A site survey can include an investigation of groundwater conditions, the physical properties of the soil and rock underlying the site, and the mechanical properties and strength of the ground. Such an assessment minimises the risk involved in any engineering project.

Why is a site investigation important?

Before an engineer can design the best foundation for a structure, they must have all the information about the ground they will work on. The physical properties and texture of the soil is important factor to account for when building a strong foundation. Such considerations are important aspects to take into account before any proposed development. Building surveyors are an integral part of a building project. They can provide you with valuable advice on how to design a structure in accordance with building regulations.

Safety of building structures

Safety is the first priority in any project. This can be ensured by doing detailed site investigations on the land of the project. These reports are important for all engineers and building surveyors to design an economical and safe structure. Assessments like these can also predict possible difficulties that may be encountered during a project.  It allows builders to prepare remedial plans in case any alterations are needed in a design. The suitability of the materials that will be used on a building project will be greatly impacted by site assessments. To ensure that there are no unwanted or costly delays, planning ahead is the best course of action.

The Importance of Regular Site Inspections during Engineering Projects

Site investigations are an important aspect of any engineering project. They are critical to ensure that there is compliance on the field and that all safety protocols are followed diligently. Site inspections can be carried out by expert engineers or project managers that have years of experience in engineering projects. These regular check-ups also help to assess how far along a project has come and to make sure that there are no unnecessary costs or delays.

What kind of inspections can you expect?

Depending on the scale of the project and the type of expertise needed, there are different investigations that a site must go through in order to be deemed fit to be built on. For instance, a ground investigation is an important inspection where experts can inspect the different project sites to assure that they meet environmental and legal building codes. This investigation is important so that it does not hamper the integrity of the builds that will take place later on the site. Building surveyors also play an important role in preparing structural surveys. Any project must follow certain rules and regulations in order to be used by the public. This includes fire and safety hazards reports, foundation heave, walkways inspections, and disabled access.

Why is it important to have regular inspections?

Regular site investigations make builders and engineers accountable for the structures that they design and build. They also ensure that the infrastructure that is being developed is safe for the general public to use. At the same time, it does not impact the natural environment in the area drastically. Building surveyors are responsible to ensure that building regulation and followed. It also opens up builders and designers to think imaginatively to tackle any design flaws and ensure that the final design is safe for the general public to use.

Getting The Best Out of Your Building Project

 There are many things to consider before starting a new construction project. The aspects involved are considering the land, making the foundation suitable for your building, and seeing to your construction with proper construction materials. Consulting with various civil engineers and structural engineers will help you achieve the right result: A really attractive property.

Assessment Of the Land

Land assessment involved the consultation of geologists, who often can be hired from private firms. Geologists tend to assess the appropriate land quality based on soil, bedrock, and general conditions of the area to determine the land's suitability for the foundation of your project. Usually, local zoning maps will have a good picture of which areas are suitable for building. The zoning maps may be obtained from the local land use department to confirm if the land you want to construct has any other restrictions.

Consulting With Civil Engineers

Civil engineering is often used in the construction of public property; however, civil engineers’ services may be rendered for more private properties. Civil engineers' responsibilities include site planning, drainage design, sanitation planning, planning in such a way that erosion and sediments are under control, and handling these permits as well. These all have to be in line with local building laws, therefore making your project more legitimate. Civil engineers will have you covered on the aspect of obtaining permits for all of the above.

Consultation with Structural Engineers

Structural engineers have three responsibilities: building technically sound structures, tracking the progress of construction projects, and choosing appropriate construction materials. Structural engineers often have responsibilities that involve very basic components of the project, such as calculating the pressures, stresses, and strains of various components. Structural engineers simulate the project's design with software such as computer-aided design technologies (CAD). Structural engineers also work with geological engineers to determine the ground conditions for construction.

Much work goes into building construction and is facilitated by multiple teams of people to achieve the vision of those who design that building. 

What are the Roles of Various Building Contractors?

 Hiring contractors are contingent to several factors. Based on the parameters of the building, you can hire building surveyors, principal designers and layout experts to fulfill the different needs for the site. A principal designer is mainly responsible for evaluating the safety risks and management of the building. Building surveyors are responsible for design, construction and repair of the structure. Layout experts provide process optimisation and automation based on the materials and analyse advanced techniques. Read on to know the roles you can expect from different building contractors.

Principal designers for pre-construction

During the pre-construction stage of the building, a principal designer is required to analyse safety management. According to CDM, 2015, principal designers are responsible to plan for such implications that may occur after construction has commenced. This can include ground contamination caused due to incorrect piling method. Their role includes planning, monitoring and coordinating to implement means of eliminating health and foreseeable health and safety risks. Along with this, principal designers are also responsible for collecting all requisite information from the client and to coordinate with the other contractors for a smooth and swift construction process. Thus, when you hire principal designers, it is essential to communicate and divulge any information relating to the prior health risks related to the structure before the construction process begins.

Building surveyors for restoration

Even after the construction of a building is completed, you’ll need a detailed analysis of different components of major systems. Building surveyors provide you succinct advice on the maintenance and restoration requirements of the structure. They analyse the condition and determine the shortcomings of the buildings before preparing a detailed report. Building surveyors also prepare the essential documents you’ll require for tender purposes. However, you need to ensure that the surveyor has the required certificates, skill-set and experience to conduct the inspection. Once you’ve made your choice, you can rely on the surveyor to get the job done within the prescribed duration and on the pre-decided budget. Hiring these professionals ensures that the structure stays sturdy for a long period. They also implement sustainable means to restore the building while maintaining its original aesthetics.

Overview on Building and Surveying Services

Professional building and surveying teams can conduct structural surveys and condition surveys across any sector. They manage the procurement and delivery of works that come along with their survey work. Companies offer both chartered and experienced building surveyors who are highly specialised in their fields and accredited to numerous professional organisations. Whether it’s a single defect on a property or a major multi-site programmes, they ensure that all receive an equal level of attention and quality service.

 

Structural Surveys for Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Buildings

 

Structural building surveyors prepare and deliver structural reports across a variety of sectors. Their expertise and ability is extensive and includes expert advice on issues such as foundation settlement, condition of building elements, flood damage, fire damage, etc. They have remarkable experience in preparing condition survey reports that can assist in the valuation and development of abnormal cost allowances. They also follow up their initial reports to prepare remedial work schedules, appoint contractors, supervise the works and liaise with insurers.

 

The Role of Principal Designers and their CDM Advisory Services

 

Principal designers have an important role to play when it comes to Construction (Design and Management). It is a legal duty of clients to appoint CDM Advisory Services for construction projects. They ensure that they fulfil the obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulation 2015. They demonstrate capability and competence by being registered members of the Association for Project Safety.

 

The Role of Project Managers in Planning and Engineering Buildings

 

Project managers have the skill and focus to ensure that building projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. Their goal is to fully achieve and satisfy the intended purpose. They successfully deliver solutions with genuine benefits across all areas in both the public and private sectors.

Structural Survey: Types of Surveys

If you are a prospective homebuyer, a house survey will help you to identify and highlight potential problems you might face later. The survey is carried by expert building surveyors and usually covers the external and internal condition of the property, its structure, and services. It is important to get a proper survey done before you stretch your money to buy your dream home. Read on to know more about structural surveys or house surveys.

Full Structural Survey

You can get the services of expert structural engineers if you are worried about the structure of the building or if you are buying a period property. The survey will give you all the information to decide whether you should go ahead with your decision. A full structural survey covers information on defects and options of repair and maintenance. It is wise to opt for a structural survey if you plan to buy a larger property or if you are carrying out major renovations.  The cost of the survey depends on the size of the property and the location. Engage experienced and professional building surveyors as the report is vital to your financial health.

Valuation Report

A valuation report provides you information on whether the money you agreed to pay is worth it or not. You can have a desktop valuation where you get comparison reports based on the locality. Alternatively, building surveyors can get into the property and provide you with a report. However, a valuation survey will not highlight any structural problems as structural engineers would do.

Condition Report

Condition reports are designed for conventional homes and newer properties. It provides a concise report on the condition of the property and details of immediate liabilities. This type of survey should be opted for only if you are confident about the state of the building.

Homebuyer Report

A homebuyer report will give you information offered by a condition report along with a market evaluation and estimated insurance cost.

The Importance of a Principal Designer as Per the Law

As per the CDM or the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, a principal designer is required before construction work starts on a project. This person has a lot of responsibilities and legal duties. The responsibilities begin during the pre-construction phase with the appointment of all the designers required for the project. He or she is responsible for the health and safety of the workers and the project.

 Taking Care of Health and Safety

The main responsibility of the principal designer is to coordinate matters relating to health and safety. This aspect has to be considered right from when the design and technical aspects are decided and also when estimating the time required to complete different stages of work. They have to be on top of the project and would need to identify any risks in the future as well as prevent any foreseeable risk with regard to maintenance and cleaning.

 Advising the Client

As part of his duties, the principal designer will advise clients and coordinate with them. He will manage all the designers and ensure they comply with all regulations. He would also need to coordinate with the principal contractor. Communication skills are very important as this role requires information to be gathered from the client, which is then passed on to contractors and designers and vice versa.

 Increasing Demand for Building Surveyors

As a number of buildings and older properties are being refurbished, the demand for building surveyors has seen a rise. Surveyors offer advice on the different aspects of construction and design, such as restoration of old properties or refurbishments, repairs, and maintenance of buildings. They not only find out if structural faults exist, but they also offer solutions. They are qualified to assess the feasibility of new projects or the suitability of a building for different purposes. They also can advise on property laws and building regulations besides health and safety matters.

Services Offered By Consulting Civil Engineering Firms

 Along with their chief responsibilities of designing the project and ensuring a timely delivery, Consulting Engineering firms also perform two key services: Building Surveys and Flood risk Assessments.

Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) 

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is a critical part of your planning application without which your plan will not get validated. Many developers and architects ignore the importance of an FRA and keep it pending till the last available moment. It is quite important to ensure that this part of the planning gets completed in the initial stages itself to avoid delays and cost overruns.

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) basically looks at the risks posed by flooding to the project side and recommends actions to improve the safety of the project and surrounding area. An FRA is mandatory if your project site is over one hectare in size or if it is situated in a Flood Zone. Your consultant engineering

Building Surveys

A building surveyor is responsible to identify and advise repairs, maintenance, and restoration options for existing buildings or buildings with historical importance. Apart from this, the building surveyor must also ensure that projects are completed on budget and to schedule. Preparation of scheme designs with costings, programmes for completion of projects and specification of works, organising documents for tender, determining the condition of existing buildings, identifying and analysing defects, suggesting proposals for repair, etc. also included in the list of responsibilities.

The major part of a building survey involves the management and supervision of maintenance of buildings, dealing with planning applications, assessing and designing buildings to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and advising on the health and safety aspects of buildings.

While selecting a Consulting Engineering firm for your project, ask if they provide these critical services as well.

What Is the Scope of a Civil Engineer and Principal Designer?

Civil engineers and principal designers are both involved in planning and designing buildings and structures. While both do similar functions, let us discuss below how they are different and unique in their scope.

Civil Engineers

In order for a project to be successful, it should involve some key personnel with specific knowledge and experience. Civil engineers are specialised in preliminary surveys, measurements, planning site activities, execution of projects at the sites, execution of structural design, quantity surveying, supervision, material procurement, billing, construction safety, and structural detailing of steel. All activities required for the physical construction of a property are carried out under the supervision of the civil engineer. The civil engineer is the one who turns a design into reality. Civil engineers will be guided by the principal designer’s outlines and dimensions.

Principal Designer

The principal designer is responsible for the overall planning, structural drawing, architectural designing, utilisation of space, application of building bye-laws, application of principles of science, interior design, aesthetics of the environment, and appearance. Principal designers use their creativity to incorporate into building designs. A good principal designer will always consider the practicality of the design so that it can be built more economically and quickly. Principal designers initiate the project through the architect’s drafts. The principal designer makes the floor plans while the civil engineer chooses the material used so that it can function as intended.

The function of a principal designer is to focus more on the spatial functionality and aesthetics, laying more emphasis on artistry, look, feel, and functionality of the design. The civil engineer, on the other hand, concentrates on structural elements of the design, making sure that the structure can endure severe conditions. While some of the duties of civil engineers and principal designers may overlap, a good relationship between both professionals will make the construction job more effective and successful.

The Different Stages of a Construction Project

 A construction project can be divided in to three parts. Firstly, the pre-construction phase where all the planning and designs take the centre stage. Secondly, the construction phase, where the focus is on building up the structure according to the plans and designs from the first phase. The last phase in a construction project is the post-construction phase where one can actually see the project be put to use and building surveyor analyse the quality of the build. Let us look at these phases in detail.

Phase 1- The Pre-construction Phase

The pre-construction phase involves architects and civil engineers who lay out designs and explain them to the clients and the contractors. The Construction (Design and Manufacture) Regulations 2015 mandate that in every construction project involving more than 1 contractor, a Principal Designer must be appointed to make provisions for the health and safety of all on-site.

Phase II- The Construction Phase

The construction phase is when the plans are executed using brick and mortar. The Principal Designer is tasked with formulating a plan for the health and safety of everybody working on site and around the site. This involves listing out the safety hazards on site and coming up with methods to protect those around from possible hazards. For instance, if the construction project involves the use of asbestos, it should be covered up for the safety of everybody on site.

Phase III- The Post-construction Phase

Once the construction is done, the only thing remaining is to ensure that the structure can be used for the intended purpose. A building surveyor is usually hired to conduct an analysis on the quality of the construction and to suggest methods in which construction issues may be resolved.