SURV07013 2019 Building Surveying

Produce a well constructed building survey report of a building.

Diagnose the causes of structural and non-structural defects in existing buildings and make recommendations for remediation works.

Demonstrate an awareness of the suitability and potential lifespan materials and details used in buildings and advise on maintenance requirements to prolong lifecycle.

Identify poor designs, details, site practices and workmanship on site for construction projects, describe the potential resulting defects thereof and advise on the most cost effective alternatives.

Calculate elemental U values, devise airtightness strategies, calculate BER ratings for buildings and advise of retrofitting solutions for building energy upgrades to Passive and NZEB standards.

This module will be delivered using a combination of live lectures and blended learning techniques. This approach is expected to address student-learning needs. A learning platform such as Moodle will be used to upload educational material (i.e. tutorial recordings plus supplementary reading material) and as a means of assessment (e.g. uploading
assignments and projects). This blended approach (lectures and pre-recorded tutorials) allows students work at their own pace.

Mid term summative and formative assessment.

Major summative project. 

Summative Final exam. Final exam is compulsory pass.

Repeat Project for submission to Autumn exam board and Final exam at Autumn repeat exam session

1. Building Surveying profession, preparation of Building Survey reports, Methodology when carrying out surveys.
2. Exterior of building, inspection of site boundaries with reference to deed/land registry maps.
3. Diagnosing defects in foundations, causes of cracking in buildings. types of settlement - causes & remediation.
4. Defects in ground and upper floors, Timber and concrete floor defects.
5. Defects in walls, masonry defects, render defects, retaining walls.
6. Defects in pitched and flat roofs - good design and site practices for defect prevention, chimneys, external joinery. External coverings defects.
7. Dampness in buildings - diagnosing condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp. prevention and remediation measures. Mould growth and interstitial condensation.
8. Defects in materials and remediation; Timber; dry and wet rot, insect attack, strength class, sizing, concrete and masonry.
9. Timber frame construction. Good design and site practices, workmanship and design details. Potential defects and correct implementation of fire regulations.
10. Conservation of fuel and energy; Part L, NZEB & Passive standard, Calculating U values, Insulation types and options for upgrades.Calculating U values. Cold bridging types and detailing. Air tightness strategies. BER ratings and associated software.
11. Building BER upgrades & Retrofitting to passive standards.
12. Maintenance & Facilities Management introduction.
13. Conservation and rehabilitation of old buildings.
14. Building surveys on large buildings.