Case studies

Building surveying

Onslow Avenue Mansions

The Faraday Building Surveyors were asked to arrange full external repair and redecoration of a client’s mansion block, where there were expected to be difficulties associated with construction of scaffolding on a neighbouring property. Faraday were able to liaise with neighbours sensitively and take account of justifiable security and health and safety concerns, whilst all the while ensuring that all parties were kept fully informed and the project satisfactorily completed.

Faraday surveyed the full building, prepared the specification of work, obtained tenders and monitored the work on site. The project was complicated by the need to obtain individual instructions from flat owners on repairs to their windows and doors, following the lease terms.

The work was finished on time, safely and within budget, and led to additional client’s instructions to install new ornate cast iron railings along the full frontage of the building when scaffolding was removed.

Client’s comments:
“Many thanks to you and all Faraday staff that worked on our projects. Not always easy with some of our neighbours and indeed, residents as well! However the results have been excellent”.

St John’s Wood Court

The first major project for this client was a large external repair and redecoration project, where access to the building had to be maintained at all times and where scaffold construction above and around the main entrance and car park had to be carried out safely and with minimum inconvenience. Working with the contractor and client, we ensured the work was carried out without disruption to residents and visitors and the project was completed on time and to budget.

Client’s comments: 
“At our AGM last night, we spent some time in discussing the project referenced above. Our intention was to check for any outstanding issues. I am pleased to report that none were identified and even happier to let you know that the Residents Association members asked me to pass on their congratulations for satisfactory completion of a project which we believe has worked very well. We appreciate the professionalism which Faraday has demonstrated throughout the entire process and view this as a model for future activities. Well done and keep up the good work”.

Rivermead Court

Since taking on Rivermead Court as an instruction, Faraday have advised on capital expenditure, prepared numerous specifications for continual major internal and external work and overseen many projects. This has included project managing major asbestos removal, water valves and supply pipework renewal and re-roofing projects. Additionally, we have overseen major flat alterations projects, including full refurbishments back to the structure, ensuring that the building and our clients’ interests are fully protected.

Client’s comments:
“In 2006 we were looking to replace our existing managing agents and we count ourselves lucky to have found Faraday who were then fairly newly formed. When we signed up with them, we were, I believe one of their earliest clients and we have never had any regrets. They provide all aspects of property management for us, including building surveying, and we are very happy with the standards and level of service which we receive”.

Queen’s Club Gardens

The Building Surveyors at Faraday have had professional experience of advising and working on major projects almost continuously for over ten years at this Estate. The latest cycle of six years of external repair and redecoration work is in the process of being completed, and Faraday have been instrumental in advising on and updating our Client’s 10 year Capital Expenditure Plan, thus enabling the Client to prudently plan for essential non annual works required in the future.

The updating of this plan enables the client to consider costing and works including for the upgrade of internal common parts, changes to lighting, smoke detection and emergency lighting as well as future external repairs to roofs and elevations of all 33 blocks on the development.

We have also project managed numerous smaller projects over the years, including the installation of ornate cast iron railings to the perimeter of the central gardens on the estate, as well as dealt with professional neighbourly issues, regarding access and party wall matters.

Client’s comments:
"We have engaged Faraday Property Management since their formation in 2006 having worked with a number of their surveyors for over ten years. They provide our company with surveying services mainly in the control and supervision of major building contracts but also on relatively minor matters such as lessees' applications for flat alterations. We have always found their work to be satisfactory and that they have acted in a helpful and constructive way."