Bristol Warehouse Survey: Example project

• Two members of our Bristol commercial surveying team, visited the site to carry out the survey.
• Findings were summarized overall and by unit, where appropriate.

Overall

• Electrical installations and lighting needed to be updated across all the units to meet emergency escape lighting requirements.
• A fire alarm system was not present, and we recommended that it be installed as a priority.
• Roof repairs were required, including cleaning of coverings, sealing and replacement of roof lights, and clearing of gutters. Localised repairs were also recommended for certain units. We noted a number of corroded metal cappings and damaged panels that needed to be replaced.
• In addition to these short-term repairs, we also advised the client that upgrading the roof in the medium-to-long-term, while costly, would improve the thermal efficiency of the building and improve its energy efficiency rating.
  • As a medium-to-long-term upgrade, we recommended that the cement board roof covering be overclad with a thermally improved composite roofing system or replaced entirely.
  • Because these roof replacements and improvements to the building fabric would be expensive, long-term guarantees should be sought for materials and workmanship.

By unit

• The units were occupied by different tenants, and the condition of each unit varied considerably.
  • One unit was in a fair condition, but minor repairs and refurbishments were noted and detailed throughout.
  • Two of the units had been combined. Internally, concrete blockwork and fixtures and fittings were in poor condition and needed repair and refurbishment. Externally, roof junctions were corroded and needed repair. We also found evidence that the guttering had leaked, and recommended that the gutters are sealed/lined and repaired.
  • One of the units had suffered because routine maintenance and refurbishment had not been carried out.
    • Complete internal refurbishment was recommended.
    • Doors, shutters and window casements required overhaul or replacement, and we noted that electrical installations were dated.
  • The final unit was in fair condition, but again had several areas that required refurbishment.
    • Our surveyors also noted that bespoke heavy lifting equipment had been installed, which was bolted to the concrete slab. Removing the equipment and reinstating the floor slab would be costly. We recommended that the lease was inspected to understand whether a Licence to Alter was appended.