In refurbishment surveys, the area and scope of the work will need to be agreed between the dutyholder and the surveyor. In these surveys there should be no restrictions on access unless the site is unsafe (eg fire-damaged premises) or access is physically impractical.
The level of intrusion will be significantly greater than with management surveys. It will include accessing structural areas, between floors and walls and underground services. Some areas may be difficult to gain entry to and/or may need specialist assistance or equipment.
Access arrangements need to be fully discussed in the planning stage and form part of the contract, particularly where assistance has to be engaged. Where access has not been possible during refurbishment and demolition surveys, these areas must be clearly located on plans and in the text of the report to allow the refurbishment processes to be progressive in those areas.
Any ACMs must be identified and removed at this time. It is now recognised that even with ‘complete’ access demolition surveys, all ACMs may not be identified and this only becomes apparent during the works phase itself.
Surveyors will need some knowledge of construction, be able to carry out the work safely and without risk to health, have the correct equipment to do the work and have the appropriate insurance.
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