Pre-Acquisition Building Survey of a Pub in Bristol
Brief: Our client was taking on the lease for a Bristol pub and requested a pre-acquisition survey.
Property: Traditionally-constructed pub with three stories, including the cellar. Situated in a urban terrace.
Instructed by: Prospective tenant.
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Project specification
- Our client was taking on the lease of a pub in the north-east of Bristol and wanted a survey before the leases were signed.
- The lease was a full repairing and insuring lease. Therefore, the client requested a full structural survey so that they could understand what they were taking on.
- They also planned to use the survey report to negotiate on the terms of the lease regarding any major issues.
- Our client asked us to assess the structural integrity of the cellar and an external wall. They also wanted us to comment on the source of a known leak.
Key survey findings
Our Bristol RICS surveyor‘s report contained numerous observations.
- Exterior
The aged signage with corroded fixings is a health and safety hazard. The fixings should be removed and replaced.
Part of the roof is constructed of profiled asbestos sheeting, which is in poor condition. It should be removed by an Arca registered asbestos contractor in the short- to medium-term.
- Interior
There is potential asbestos in the textured ceiling finishes. This is not harmful as long as it is not disturbed, but it should be tested and replaced if found to contain asbestos.
The hatch to the cellar is not secure, which is also a health and safety hazard. The wooden steps down into the cellar are in poor condition and need to be repaired.
The ceiling joists are rotten and need to be replaced.
The insulation in the roof is old and insufficient. The loft hatch has not been insulated.
There are several areas where fire protection is inadequate. The gas meter housing is inadequately fire rated, and there is a lack of fire detection throughout the building.
The latest Fire Risk Assessment should be requested and reviewed prior to any works being undertaken.
- Overall
The building is in poor decorative order and has not been well-maintained. It is recommended that approximately £90,000 is set aside for internal refurbishment, £50,000 for roof replacements, repairs and insulation, and further sums for window replacements, damp remediation, heating upgrades and basic repairs.
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