The Different Responsibilities of a Building Surveyor

Building surveyors assess the state of buildings and ensure they are safe to use. They are called upon to check public buildings, commercial properties, and domestic buildings. They examine the buildings and determine if there is a need for improvement or alterations. They are usually part of the construction team and advise builders and architects on maintenance procedures and safety protocols to be followed. In their role as safety analysts, building surveyors carry out structural inspections and internal inspections of plumbing and electrical work to ensure that they all meet safety regulations.

Quality Controllers

Building surveyors work as quality controllers of buildings and ensure that housing and living environments are acceptable and meet certain standards. They check that the buildings are energy efficient and conform to environmental standards. They are often called upon to help with planning permission applications and to get maintenance agreements and demolition licenses. Building surveying is usually undertaken to check the physical condition of a building, such as if there are any defects or issues and the potential for future problems.

When a building surveyor checks out a property, he will look at the roof, walls, partitions, ceilings, woodwork, and staircases, amongst others. They will check out guttering, doors, joinery, chimney stacks, and other features too. They will examine the services such as heating, gas, oil, and electricity, as well as check boundary walls, decking, fences, outbuildings, and the grounds.  Building surveyors are expected to make impartial assessments of the buildings they survey.

Site Investigations to Check Out the Land

Site investigations are needed to determine how the properties of rock and soil will respond to planned development. Site investigation will help to plan the foundation and substructure design. This will also help to determine potential risks to humans and the environment by contamination or in other ways. The underlying geology and hydro-geological properties are investigated along with susceptibility to groundwater flow and levels. The presence of methane and other gases that could be harmful to the planned development is also checked. The four stages in site investigations include the planning stage, a desk study, a walkover survey or site reconnaissance, and the main investigation and reporting.

 

The Advantages of Site Investigations

 When it comes to construction projects, whether small or large, residential or commercial, a majority of problems encountered can be attributed to unforeseen ground conditions. To avoid problems and delays in a construction project, it is paramount to conduct site investigations.

What is a site investigation?

A site investigation is a process of gathering and analysing data related to any potential hazards at or below a construction project. Here, a geotechnical engineer checks the soil composition at the construction site, as well as the strength of the rock and soil, among other things, there. Site investigations are an elemental part of foundation design conducted to avoid future failure of the foundation and to ensure the safety of the construction.

The results of the investigation have to be reported to the Principal Designer of the project. A Principal Designer is a person or group in charge of managing, planning, and supervising health and safety during the pre-construction phase of a project.

What are the advantages of site investigations?

 It helps minimise or prevent future damage

Construction of any kind built on a problematic foundation is bound to experience damage sooner or later. A site investigation will reveal any risks associated with the soil at the site. Once the risks and issues at the site are revealed, suitable solutions can be then found.

 It helps engineers and project designers decide on the appropriate construction materials

It is crucial to decide which materials are suited to the soil at a construction site. When the wrong materials are used, it can lead to cracks on the walls and floors of the structure soon after the construction is finished. This is determined through a site investigation with the help of a soil test.

 It enhances the safety of the construction project

Perhaps, the most important advantage of conducting site investigations is that it helps determine just how safe it is to go ahead with the construction project. Without an investigation, builders may construct on certain soils that prove hazardous to the labour workers, nearby buildings, and future visitors or residents at the site. 

Importance Of Site Investigations

Site investigations are necessary before construction begins during the pre-planning phase. During this time, they collect information about the site, assess it, and report it to the concerned authorities. A principal designer plays a vital role in the assessment. The collected information helps them to generate a report regarding the topography, physical ground conditions, and soil and rock properties. They are also able to assess if there are any hazards present at the site. There are different stages in site investigations, such as reconnaissance, in-depth site investigation, data and map study, and, finally, laboratory testing. This investigation is an essential part of any construction project as it helps them to create a design that is structurally strong and durable.

 

Comprehensive and Accurate

Site investigations are required for every project. If another construction is going to happen at the same site, the earlier investigation can be used as a reference, and a fresh investigation has to be undertaken. Non-destructive testing methods are used, such as drilling, boring, taking samples, and testing to determine the properties of the surface and sub-surface materials. It is important that these investigations are comprehensive and accurate as they will determine the safety and longevity of the project that is being planned. Failure to do a good geotechnical investigation can result in foundation failure.

Functions of a Principal Designer

A principal designer is required for a construction project that involves more than one contractor. He has to manage all the aspects of the project, including the health and safety of all the employees. He is the link between the contractors and designers and is responsible for bringing together all the information obtained pre-construction. He is usually appointed early during the design phase and, if not definitely, during the early construction phase.

Qualifications Required

The principal designer must be technically qualified. He must have good knowledge of health and safety skills as well as sufficient experience. The experience should be in proportion to the complexity of the project. He also must have organisational abilities as he is the link between all the different segments of the project. During the design process, he ensures that all potential risks are taken into consideration.

 

Road Design and its Importance in Civil Engineering

Road design specialists have an important job of providing their clients with the necessary guidance and information with respect to the impact a proposed development can have on a road network. They keep the clients updated regarding any highway improvements which may need planning approval and have early dialogues with the Highways Authorities to offer the clients the best opportunity for obtaining a positive planning outcome.

 

Specialists are individuals who are very experienced in understanding the regulatory nature of this sector. A principal designer is also a road design specialist. They can add immense value by delivering cost-effective solutions in the facilitation of a development plan.

New paradigms in road design are focused on improving road user safety, comfort and convenience while meeting the needs of societal mobility, health, and safety.

They work in the following areas: -

●        Traffic Surveys

●        Traffic Assessments

●        Travel Plans

●        Swept Path Analysis

●        Junction Design

●        Access Road Design

●        Highway Adoption

●        Highways Act Agreements

●        Highways Expert Witness

 

Role of a Principal Designer

The role of Principal Designer falls under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015. It’s the legal duty of clients to appoint a Principal Designer for most construction projects. Their role is to make sure that the Regulations affecting them and other designers will be satisfied. Invest in a company that employs several staff who can demonstrate capability and competence, being Registered Members of the Association for Project Safety. Their functions include the following: -

 To plan, monitor, manage, and coordinate the health and safety of workers in the pre-construction phase by taking into consideration relevant information about their present health and safety file.

To advise and help clients in gathering pre-construction information, and provide the information to designers and contractors to carry out their duties.

To work with other designers to eliminate foreseeable health and safety risks or at least take the steps needed to reduce or control those risks.

To establish good communication, co-operation and co-ordination among everyone involved in the pre-construction phase with their work wherever required.

To stay connected with the principal contractor to keep them informed of any potential risks that will have to be controlled during the construction phase.

What are the benefits of hiring a competent building surveyor?

A building surveyor is an all-in-one service provider who helps ensure a safe and sustainable construction based on your idea. Building surveyors are responsible for advising the clients on the design, construction process, the materials used and maintenance and repair of buildings. Here are some benefits of hiring a competent building surveyor. Structural reports in Yorkshire and other places in the UK are prepared to determine the structural condition by analysing and evaluating foundation, framing, and other construction systems.

Ensuring efficiency in completion

When a construction project begins, it has several stages of planning, construction and completion. Competent building surveyors supervise and assess the entire construction process to ensure that the building is developed safely with high quality materials. This saves you the hassle of regular maintenance without the fear of compromising on safety. A building surveyor also ensures that the construction project is completed within time and does not go over-budget. Thus, they prepare scheme designs that are inclusive of completion programmes, cost outlines and the specifications of work necessary for that project. They will further advise you on the environmental impact, the energy efficiency and the sustainability of the overall construction. Building surveyors are also well-versed with the legalities involved in construction of different sites. Therefore, they take care of all necessary legal requirements in the construction as and when the need arises.

Ensuring due evaluation

A competent building surveyor can work alongside a structural engineer and analyse the structural report to better plan the construction. Structural reports in Yorkshire and in other places in the UK are developed after a thorough inspection of different parts of the property made accessible to the structural engineer. These reports also contain essential recommendations that suggest repair and regular maintenance of specific parts of the property. These reports highlight different elements of the property that are partially or completely unsafe. It also makes the builder aware of sections that have cracked walls, damage caused due to water and subsidence of foundations. A well-written structural report helps the building surveyor in understanding the structural defects based on the detailed description. Structural reports in Yorkshire or elsewhere will also include cost-efficient modes of remediating these defects along with an outline budget for the entire construction process. This expedites the construction process and allows the building surveyors to make an informed decision.

Safety Of Projects with Structural Engineers

Structural engineering helps to ensure that our infrastructure and buildings are all safe to use. Structural engineers are responsible for bringing about solutions to structural challenges such as construction in earthquake, hurricane, or flood prone areas. It is their innovation and creative thinking that helps to address the question of creating structures that can endure environmental disasters. Companies that are involved in structural engineering in Yorkshire and other parts of the UK take on stimulating and difficult projects and help to provide cost-effective solutions.

Backbone Of Construction Projects

Experts in structural engineering in Yorkshire or elsewhere in the UK are the backbone of all construction projects. They provide solutions that are aligned with the hopes and aspirations of the clients. Structural engineers are expected to be flexible, adaptingto the requirements of the terrain, and also reducing the impact of construction projects on our planet. They are responsible for ensuring that big and small construction projects are durable and stable. Structural engineers help to build communities and bring people out of isolation. Structural design involves analysis and creativity. Structural engineers work in tandem with civil engineers.

Civil And Structural Engineers Working In Tandem

Structural engineering is also a part of civil engineering. Professionals in civil engineering in Yorkshire and elsewhere in the UK are dedicated to improving communities across all sectors. While civil engineering is concerned with the designing, construction, and upkeep of big and small projects, structural engineering ensures that these structures have sufficient structural strength and integrity to make them safe and durable. Civil engineers have to ensure their structural design is stable before giving vent to their creative imaginations.

Check Safety and Load Criteria

Experts in civil engineering in Yorkshire and in other parts of the UK also analyse the structural design and the strength and quality of the different materials that are going to be used for construction. They have to make sure that it is strong enough to bear the load it has to carry and that it meets all economic specifications. All designs have to strictly meet safety criteria and design conventions too. Another important responsibility is ensuring the construction projects are able to withstand adverse environmental conditions.

 

What Do Building Surveyors Do?

Building surveyors perform one of the nation’s most critical functions, i.e., to ensure that a high standard of living is available to all. These are the functions that a building surveyor performs:

 

·      A safety analyst - A building surveyor will carry out structural and internal inspections to ensure that all elements of a building, such as plumbing and electrical work, satisfy the safety requirements.

 

·    A quality controller - Building surveyors ensure that the buildings are ready for human habitation. They aim to raise the world’s housing standards out of poverty and improve everybody’s living environment.

 

·  An energy specialist - It’s a surveyor's job to make sure that buildings conform to energy standards regulations and are energy efficient.

 

·  A project manager - A building surveyor is to possess strong project management skills to organise buildings and maintenance processes. Their job is to finish projects successfully on time and within budget.

 

·   An administrator - There are a lot of housing administrators who need help with demolition licenses, planning permission applications, maintenance agreements, and other paperwork.

 

Site Investigations and Their Objectives

 

Site investigations or Sub-Soil explorations are performed to obtain information about the subsurface conditions of the site that is proposed for construction. Soil exploration involves determining the soil profile at the site by taking soil samples and determining the engineering properties of soils and potential hazards beneath the soil.

 

Following are the objectives of site investigations or subsurface explorations.

 

1.     To get information about the soil’s order of occurrence, bearing capacity and engineering properties, and the rock strata.

2.       To get to know about the location and level of the groundwater table and its variations.

3.       To select suitable construction equipment and soil improvement techniques.

4.       To predict potential problems of foundations and their solutions.

It is important to know the functions of a building surveyor and what happens during site investigations prior to starting a project. Finding reliable professionals who are experts in their niches will reduce much of the stress and strain of a building project. Therefore, get in touch with experienced professionals who have worked in the industry on several projects. 

Role of Structural and Civil Engineers in a Construction Project

Every construction site requires certain kinds of engineers that help at different stages of the process to ensure stability and longevity. Some categories of such engineers include structural engineers, building surveyors, civil engineers, and geotechnical engineers. Here we shall discuss the role of structural and civil engineers in construction projects.

 

Role of structural engineers

 

Structural engineers are pertinent to construction projects as they help in determining the strength of the project, durability of the building, and gauge the safety of the structure based on the drawings and the materials proposed. Some tasks that are undertaken by structural engineers include converting lofts, fitting solar panels, removing chimney breasts, building extensions, and modifying load-bearing walls. Apart from that, these engineers also help in compliance with regulations for the construction site. A structural engineer is trained to assess the external factors that put extreme force on the structure and gauge if it can withhold the same. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your house, you’ll need the expertise of structural engineers. These professionals assess any existing damage in the building and the factors that could have caused it. They can also evaluate the damage caused due to natural elements like wind, water, and fire and provide appropriate solutions to protect your house.

 

Role of civil engineers

 

Civil engineers are indispensable to construction projects. These professionals are trained to plan and monitor sites to ensure the safety and compliance of the site. Once the civil engineer is provided the as-planned drawings for the site, they interpret the same and create a bar bending schedule sheet. This sheet contains information relating to the diameter for different parts of the structure, its cutting length, the steel required for the proposed design, and the total length and bending shape of the structures. Once this stage is over, the civil engineers will allow the work to the labors and duly explain the requirements of the site for a smooth construction process. After the construction process begins, the engineer regularly runs several tests to ensure the quality of the materials and the adoption of the design as per the proposed drawing.

 

Why Should You Hire Building Surveyors And Site Investigators?

Building surveyors and site investigators are crucial to the construction process. From carrying out safety checks to inspecting the quality of the material used, these professionals are imperative at each stage. Here are a few reasons why you should hire building surveyors and site investigators.

The role of building surveyors

Building surveyors play a crucial role in helping with the construction process of a building. They ensure construction standards by examining the blueprints developed by the architect. This ensures that there is ample provision for requisite fire prevention, plumbing, wiring, and drainage in the building. Along with this, the building surveyors also handle the compliances and issue necessary certificates at different stages of the construction after due inspection. Once the project is complete the surveyor issues an occupancy certificate to the owner of the building after complete inspection of the structure. Building surveyors also keep a close watch on the quality of work carried out by the contractor. Thus, any defect or sub-par work will duly be noted and rectified by the building surveyor. This ensures that the work is being carried out by the contractor in accordance with the blueprints. Further, if you are buying a pre-constructed property then these surveyors can figure out underlying defects that could lead to potential hazards.

The role of site investigators

Site investigators are responsible for conducting pre-construction investigations on a building project. When site investigations are conducted at an earlier stage it can significantly reduce the potential damage to the structure. Thus, if the structure shows a weak foundation during the investigation, then the investigator can highlight this factor and provide methods to develop a suitable foundation for the structure. These investigators help you understand the kind of engineer you might require for the job. Furthermore, initial site investigations can also help in determining the materials that would be required for the project and may even require tests for certain materials to determine its capability for the project. Site investigations also help in determining the requisite legal compliances for the project, thereby saving costs of the construction process.

Principal Designers - Managing The Safety And Health Risks In A Project

A principal designer is in charge of a project where there are many contractors involved.  They are responsible for managing all the risks to safety and health throughout the duration of the project.  They provide designers and contractors with the pre-construction information they need to carry out their duties.  They help control or reduce inevitable risks with the help of the other designers on the project.  Road design is the outlining and designing of a road construction project with 2D and 3D schematic renderings and drawings.

Qualities of a Principal Designer

The principal designer’s work begins in the pre-construction phase itself, even as the design takes place.  They should technically be a designer and have the health and safety skills that are essential for a principal designer.  They must be knowledgeable and experienced in order to be able to carry out their responsibilities efficiently and correctly.  Technical knowledge and the ability to coordinate with all the different people involved in the construction process is necessary for a principal designer.  Being a member of professional bodies is an added advantage as is proof of continued professional development.

Compliance with Regulations

The role of a principal designer is essential as per the CDM or Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.  This is a legal requirement.  The principal designer has to ensure that the client is compliant with all regulations.  These regulations ensure that the risks to those who build, use, or maintain building structures are reduced.

Factors To Consider for Road Designs

A good road design is very important to make your roads useful and most importantly safe.  It should make roads environmentally sustainable.  Roads should be designed in such a way that it is responsive to the requirements of those who use them and the communities and towns through which it passes.  It should also result in the efficient use of resources and greater economic strength.  The road design should take into account the surroundings of the road.  In rural areas, for example, the aesthetics of road design should enhance and not mar the landscape.  It should be functional and make a positive contribution to the society dependent on it.

What Is The Purpose Of Site Investigations?

Even after a building is constructed, it needs regular inspection and maintenance for retaining its stability and longevity. Building surveyors are trained to inspect the soil and rock formation of the area in order to gauge the safety of the building. Here’s why site investigations by building surveyors are essential for the safety of the site.

It reduces damage

Before you decide to construct a building, it is essential to know whether that ground will be able to hold construction of that size. Building surveyors carry out extensive tests on the soil in order to ensure that your building is not constructed on a weak foundation. The surveyors also provide solutions that can help to tackle the flaws in the site. They can provide a proposed design and treatment methods for such sites to prevent any damage to the building. However, if the site cannot withstand the proposed design of your building, then the surveyor might suggest you look for another location.

It enhances safety

Sometimes, the ground for the project might be weak, thereby posing a threat to the workers and the neighbouring constructions. Thus, when site investigations are conducted before the construction commences, it provides a better idea about the safety of the building. The building surveyor conducts a desk study first and then moves on to a walkover survey in order to gauge the stability of the slopes and the strength of the soil. The investigation also ensures that the proposed design meets the requirements of the local and state construction guidelines.

It is cost-efficient

Whether it is a new building or an old site that needs remodelling, site investigations can save costs by testing the quality of the ground. If the soil of the construction requires treatment, then the same is adjudged by the building surveyors, and treatment methods are advised. This ensures that you do not end up with a building that has a weak foundation and suffer the costs later. It also saves the cost of frequent maintenance that would become a necessity for construction carried out on weak soil.