Other services
Other professional services provided by OA Building Surveyors include:
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Update your browser!Other professional services provided by OA Building Surveyors include:
If your property is a listed building or lies within a conservation area, there are procedures to follow in relation to building works. It’s a criminal offence to carry out any work that requires local authority consent without obtaining it beforehand.
OA Surveyors can advise on repairs and alterations to properties of special architectural or historic interest. We use our extensive knowledge of materials and techniques to ensure that any such works are sympathetic to both the building and the area. We can tell you exactly what’s permitted without consent and, for works that require consent, we can submit the necessary applications to the local authority.
If a leaseholder or tenant wishes to carry out improvements or significant works to their flat or premises, they may require consent from the landlord to do so. Whilst structural alterations are usually prohibited under the lease, material alterations are normally acceptable.
A Licence for Alterations is a formal document providing consent for the proposed works, subject to various stipulations and covenants. Although consent must not be unreasonably withheld, the freeholder will want to protect their own interests and those of other leaseholders. They must ensure that alterations will not affect adjoining premises or have a negative impact on the marketability of the building as a whole.
OA Surveyors can act on behalf of the freeholder to produce a licence. We begin by reviewing documents such as the Specification of Works, floor plans and structural engineer’s report. Our involvement typically includes a site visit to consider the proposals in context. We ensure that any alterations comply with building and planning regulations and that the works are carried out in a safe way using the correct materials.
A Retrospective Licence for Alterations may be sought if a leaseholder has made alterations to the premises without the landlord's consent, but the landlord agrees to give retrospective approval.
In accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, we carry out condition surveys of asbestos containing materials and help clients keep their asbestos management plans up to date.
Asbestos can be found in many parts of a building, such as insulating boards on fire doors and around structural steel, in paints and textured coatings, on roof panels and around water tanks. Not all asbestos containing materials need to be removed and disposed of by a licensed contractor. Some can remain in situ as long as the risks are managed.
Although our surveyors carry out works in relation to the management of asbestos containing materials, we don’t produce asbestos surveys. We’re also involved in the process of removing asbestos containing materials when required to do so.
Our surveying team can advise whether a building project should be referred to the council before any work begins. If local authority consent is required, we work alongside qualified architects, planning advisors and CAD technicians to submit the correct application at the right time. We have a comprehensive understanding of local policies and building regulations to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.
Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural and historic interest, which need to be protected for future generations. Local authority consent is needed for works which will affect the character of a listed building such as an extension. Undertaking works without consent is a criminal offence.
Building regulations are the minimum standards for conversions, renovations and extensions. They help to ensure that buildings are safe, healthy and high-performing. Projects such as internal alterations often require building regulation approval but not planning consent.
Planning permission may be granted by the local authority to construct a new building, alter the appearance of an existing building or change its use. Whether a project receives consent is influenced by local plans that set out how an area can be developed.
For certain works, such as loft conversions and rear extensions, permitted development rights may apply. These rights are a more relaxed version of planning that save homeowners time and money. They don’t apply to commercial property, flats or listed buildings.
OA Surveyors work with Managing Agents to ensure that their properties comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. We review Fire Risk Assessments, specify required works and act as the Contract Administrator for these works.
Properties are reviewed on an individual basis to determine what measures are needed to comply with the legislation. Our involvement may include fire alarm installation, emergency lighting, flat or communal door upgrades or replacement, compartmentation works and timber treatment.
Landlords have a legal obligation to guarantee the safety of all those who reside on their premises.
OA Surveyors work with Managing Agents to ensure that the properties in their care adhere to health and safety guidelines and that any issues are addressed and rectified.
We’re often asked to review health and safety reports and advise on the practicalities of implementing the required works. This might include managing electrical hazards, replacing pathways, installing ramps or mending fire doors. We’re also involved in specifying the products and materials needed to carry out the works correctly.