A wide and varied experience in the built environment enables MLDE to carry out surveys, inspections and monitoring for structures of all scales. These include:
- Assessments of structures which have been damaged by vehicle impact, subsidence, settlement, fire or flooding including:
- Initial appraisals of structural stability and safety
- or the long-term monitoring and assessment of structural behaviour.
- Life cycle maintenance schedules for facilities management.
- Developing construction and maintenance packages with contractors and carrying out site duties during the construction phase.
- Invasive endoscopic surveys (instrumental for the inspection of non-standard construction properties – read more below).
- Structural condition surveys to aid mortgage applications, advise prospective buyers or reassure vendors in the sale of property.
- Assessment of party wall matters as a client appointed surveyor or an agreed intermediary (read more below).
- Drone surveys of roof and chimney structures to avoid the erection of scaffolding.
A network of local companies, contractors and specialist surveyors make it possible to extend our services to a holistic review of a structure or property. Drain surveys, ground investigations and measured surveys are amongst countless services provided by our longstanding partners.
Non-Standard Construction:
MLDE have the capability and experience to carry out both Invasive endoscopic, and non-invasive visual structural surveys of ‘non-standard construction’ house types. Mortgage companies often require a Structural Engineers report before lending on such properties, to ascertain corrosion levels within system-built steel-framed brick-clad houses.
Working with local contractors, MLDE have been able to carry out investigations to identify early signs of degradation and corrosion, reducing repair bills for clients. The findings from initial surveys and invasive investigations can then be used in the production of repair specifications and detailing of temporary works under one umbrella.
The team are familiar with a wide range of system-built houses including, but not limited to The TRADA, The Wessex, The Reema Contrad, Cornish Units and The Atholl.
Party Wall Services:
MLDE are experienced in dealing with Party Wall Agreements as defined under the Party Wall Act 1996. We are happy to provide services to Clients as an Agreed Surveyor (to draw up an Award on behalf of both owners) or to act as a Surveyor for one of the owners (to draw up the award in conjunction with another appointed Surveyor) to enable a fair and practical agreement to be reached.
Our structural engineering expertise and extensive knowledge of the construction industry allow us to represent our Clients in an efficient manner when dealing with the potentially complex issues concerning the Party Wall Act.
As an example, the Party Wall Act typically becomes triggered when the proposed building works entail any of the following:
- Building a free-standing wall or wall of a building up to or astride the boundary with a neighbouring property.
- Works or structural alterations to an existing Party Wall or structure.
- Excavations within 3 metres (sometimes 6 metres is applicable) of the neighbouring owner’s building or structure.
- Works to Party structures (This could be a floor or other structure that vertically separates buildings or parts of buildings with different owners, e.g. Flats).
Coming to an agreement with an adjoining owner under the Act does not remove the need to apply for Planning Permission and/or to comply with Building Regulations, but this can also be dealt with for a client in-house.
If you are looking to carry out works on your own property, or your neighbour is carrying out works that may satisfy the conditions of the Party Wall Act, get in touch to see how we can be of assistance.
