Re-roofing, lead replacement, refurbishment of the existing sash windows, brickwork structural repairs, chimney rebuild and external decorations.
Project Overview
Fox Associates was appointed as lead consultant for the external refurbishment to this early 19th century Grade II listed town house.
We completed the roles of project manager, building surveyor, contract administrator, cost control manager and principal designer.
We also obtained listed building consent and conservation area approvals for the project.
Before our appointment, the client had received speculative quotes for unsuitable and unspecified works by non specialist building contractors.
We reviewed the quotes, surveyed the building and subsequently specified works suitable for the true needs of the property, also saving the client many tens of thousands of pounds.
Our early appointment enabled us to survey the building extensively, advise and specify the most suitable works for the property, based on the use of traditional materials and building techniques.
We also advised on and tendered the project to specialist building contractors.
Although the building had been re-roofed approximately 30 years previously, the works were sub-standard and had been completed without the use of traditional materials or building techniques.
Substantial lead box gutters and cornice detailing, essential for the preservation of the property, had been previously completed without knowledge of appropriate lead working techniques.
The property had subsequently been suffering from failure of these elements, unknown to the Client, for many years.
The works also included the re-building of a traditional Crow’s step gable and a chimney which had deteriorated through sulphate attack from flue gases passing through the earlier, unlined chimney.
Our substantial experience of works to historic buildings enabled us to specify works using traditional materials and building techniques.
Our early appointment enabled us to protect the client’s financial interests by advising on the unsuitability of speculative quotes from general building contractors, surveying, specifying, competitively tendering, using suitable contracts, tightly controlling expenditure and extensively monitoring the works.
In our role as principal designer we also ensured the works were completed safely, without accident or incident and as per the requirements of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 for domestic clients.
The project was a great success for the client and has preserved the historic building for many generations to come.
How we differ from our competitors
As a chartered building surveying and project management practice, we are clearly differentiated from the rest of the market by our enhanced technical knowledge and professional standards.
We are regulated by the RICS, the world’s leading professional body for qualifications and professional standards in construction, property, land and infrastructure.
