Building Consultancy Service
Premier Build also offers a building consultancy service. We have seen numerous instances where there is a problem with a building and a succession of builders, surveyors and architects have each presented their findings - and quite often implemented what they have thought to be the solution. When the 'solution' is found to solve nothing, the building owner is left with the problem, often having parted with a considerable sum of money.
In such situations, we are happy to work on a consultancy basis, to do an in depth analysis of the problem and recommend the solution. We will then be happy to quote for the implementation of the solution, along with anyone else who is asked to tender.
Background
Premier Build director Peter Seels has a strong and very rounded CV in the building industry. Awarded an honours degree in Civil Engineering, Peter project managed a wide range of building and civil projects including motorway construction, both road and bridge building., for a major national company.
To broaden his experience Peter completed architectural plans for house extensions and loft extensions for private clients. Encouraged at the success of this work he moved into property development, buying properties for refurbishment and resale. In 1984, Peter became a registered NHBC house builder and in 1985 formed Premier Build and has completed new builds to contract and also speculative builds for sale, house extensions, loft conversions and refurbs. The niche of the building industry in which Premier Build is now strongest is house extensions, re-designs, rebuilds and refurbishment.
A Qualified Builder's Practical Approach
We quite often find that architects and surveyors view a building problem differently to a qualified builder with a raft of building experience. Some are so strongly focused on Building Regulations and Control that their analysis becomes restricted, inhibiting ‘out of the box’ thinking’. As a result their solutions are sometimes wide of the mark, or simply not cost effective. A vastly experienced builder will often have been faced with something similar and will also take a much more practical approach.
Correction of Water Ingress Causing Dampness in Enfield.
This house was suffering water ingress from an outside source due to the outside ground levels being too high. Builders and surveyors had thought it was caused by a plumbing leak which had been ongoing on for a long time. On this basis the property had been repaired – twice – at a total cost of £100,000.
When the floors started lifting again, we were approached and we suspected that the ground levels could be playing a part. The rear decking was lifted and the source of the damp was clearly visible.
Premier Build was asked to undertake the remedial works. A new drainage system externally and a cavity membrane tanking system internally was installed to deal with the ingress of water which was causing the problem.
Damp Problems Correction in Chelsea.
Here, two surveyors and a large building company had been asked to correct deal with dampness in a ground floor study room of this large house. The bath in the bathroom upstairs was suspected. Some leaking pipes were found and replaced, the bath re-sealed, the study ceiling replaced and the room redecorated.
Then the problem returned and Premier Build was called in. We correctly identified the cause of the damp problem to be outside. A downpipe had been disconnected and the water was allowed to run into a large elevated planter. No allowances had been made for the drainage of water from this planter and the water was finding its way into the house, causing the dampness. Appropriate drainage was installed for the planter – and the problem resolved.
Wall Cracks in Brentwood
This resident was concerned about cracking he had noticed in the external and internal walls to the rear elevation of his house. He was worried in case it was subsidence related and wanted advice on whether or not he should contact his insurance company. Premier Build have visited to analyse the problem.
We suspect that an inadequate pad stone had been constructed under the end bearing of a recently installed universal beam. The gentleman is arranging for removal of the plaster so that a thorough inspection, investigation and recommendation can be made.
Leakage in Plaistow, East London
Premier Build were asked by Cunningham Lindsey, loss adjusters, acting on behalf of Aviva, to locate the source of a leak that had caused considerable damage to three flats in Plaistow, East London.
Two surveyors and three builders had previously been unable to find the true cause of the leak. Detailed and systematic investigation identified the causes as a leaking soil pipe. Premier Build were asked to undertake the remedial work and the problem is now resolved to the customers satisfaction, and relief.
Water Ingress, Hampstead, North West London
We were called in by Cunningham Lindsey, Loss Adjusters and AIG Insurers. The brief was to investigate and report on the causes of the water ingress that was damaging the front of the property. We reported back and agreed a price to carry out the remedial works.
