Existing Structures
Working on existing buildings: surveys, structural assessment, strengthening, conversion and change of use, refurbishment, concrete repair, listed buildings and demolition planning.
On an existing building the design starts with a question new build never asks: what is actually there, and what will it take?
Why this is harder than new build
The record drawings are missing, incomplete or wrong. Materials do not match current standards. Loads were taken from the rules of the day. And while the design is under way, the building is usually still in use.
So the survey comes before the design – and any statement about cost made before the survey is a guess.
From appraisal to demolition
Seven services that usually overlap on a project: from condition assessment through strengthening and change of use to demolition planning, when keeping the building no longer adds up.