FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions. |
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There are 8 entries in the FAQ.
Pages: 1
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| What is a Building Surveyor ? |
 | Building Surveyors are highly trained professionals who provide professional services to commercial companies, construction clients, central and local government, private individuals and property related consultants. Offering expert advice on all aspects of land, property and construction they are central to decision making on all property and construction matters. Building Surveyors work in many areas of construction and property and no description of the services provided can be exhaustive enough. Building surveying firms, for example, are involved in areas such as project management, planning and expert witness. Building surveyors also work in building control departments of local authorities or specialized areas such as conservation. |
| Why choose a Chartered Building Surveyor ? |
| Chartered Building Surveyors are those who successfully obtained membership to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors or the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland following intensive training and continual assessment in this area of professionalism. Chartered Building Surveyors are therefore recognised and accredited by these, and other professional organizations. Chartered surveyors are also required to hold full professional indemnity insurance in accordance with guidelines set out by the Society of Chartered Surveyors. |
| How do I choose the right Chartered Building Surveyor ? |
| Quite simply by reputation. F. Bradley & Co. come highly recommended by major lending institutions, estate agents, solicitors and clients due to our experience, expertise and quality of service.
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| I am buying a second hand property. Why should I employ a Chartered Building Surveyor to carry out a structural survey ? |
| Buying property such as a new home or as part of an investment portfolio is likely to be the single biggest investment that most of us will ever undertake. Although the property may match all of your requirements, how confident are you that there are no hidden surprises. Structural defects, hazardous materials, penetrating or rising dampness, building regulation non-compliance etc. are among a number of issues which can have serious implications on the property in question. It is essential that all such issues are identified prior to purchase to enable the purchaser to make an informed and calculated decision. Even the cost of repairing small defects can run into thousands of euros and it is prudent to ensure that you are aware of all such defects and associated repair costs prior to purchase. Chartered Building Surveyors are specifically trained in this area. |
| During the residential Building Survey, what items are inspected ? |
| The survey carried out is normally of a visual nature unless prior arrangement has been made for opening up works. The areas of the property inspected will normally include... - Roof Coverings and Construction
- Chimneys, Pots, Flaunchings and Flashings
- External and Internal Walls
- Windows, Doors and Ironmongery
- Floors and Floor Finishes
- Insulation and Ventilation
- Heating – Boilers, radiators, thermostats, flues, fireplaces etc.
- Plumbing – Tanks, cylinders, pipework, lagging, fixtures, fittings etc.
- Electrical – Sockets, switches, cabling, fuseboard, fittings etc.
- External elements – Boundaries, surfaces, drainage, gullies, AJ’s etc.
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| I am building an extension. Do I require planning permission ? |
| Not necessarily. Small scale domestic extensions can be constructed without the need for planning permission provided that the extension complies with various conditions including limitation on size, location, height, usage etc.
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| What is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)? |
| The purpose of the EPBD is to promote improvements in energy performance of all buildings including homes, commercial buildings and public buildings. It will do this by informing consumers and enabling them for the first time to take the energy efficiency of a building into consideration in choosing and improving a property. The Directive requires that when buildings (residential and non-residential) are constructed, sold or rented, a Building Energy Rating is provided by the owner to the prospective buyer or tenant, similar to the energy labelling of household appliances. |
| When is there an obligation on builders/building owners to have a Building Energy Rating for a dwelling ? |
| (1) Newly constructed dwelling (from 1.1.2007)
When the new dwelling is offered for sale “off plans”: a provisional BER certificate must be produced by the vendor to potential buyers or tenants, based on the pre- construction plans; and when the same new dwelling is completed, a BER certificate must be supplied to the purchaser, based on the plans of the dwelling as constructed (to take account of any design changes during construction).
When a new dwelling is built for a specific owner-occupier: A BER certificate must be procured by the person commissioning the dwelling, prior to taking up occupation of the dwelling.
(2) Sale or letting of an existing dwelling (from 1.1.2009)
A BER certificate must accompany an offer to sell or let an existing dwelling by the vendor or by the landlord or by their agent (e.g. auctioneer, estate agent, solicitor). |
What is a Building Surveyor ?