APA were appointed as the Landlord’s Surveyor for the proposed internal refurbishment of a first / second floor duplex flat within a Victorian terrace house.
The works which included, but was not restricted to, minor layout alterations (which included minor structural works), installation of new hard flooring, creation of new wet areas, asbestos removal, and a full refurbishment.
Asbestos debris was discovered following APA’s requirement for the leaseholder to undertake an Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Survey (in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) prior to works commencing. This was removed by a licenced asbestos contractor and the completion report included in APA’s final sign-off document.
As part of the Landlord’s Surveyor role APA undertook interim inspections of the works as they progressed, this included, but was not restricted to the following:
- Initial on-site meeting with leaseholder to discuss proposals;
- Once the strip out is complete;
- Prior to the encapsulation of the waterproof tanking;
- Prior to the encapsulation of acoustic insulation;
- Prior to encapsulation of the structural works;
- When requested to address any complaints or unforeseen matters;
- Completion / sign off.
On each occasion APA provided sign-off to the leaseholder before they could progress (i.e. before they could encapsulate the waterproof tanking or acoustic insulation). For example:
- APA instructed the leaseholder to provide improved detailing around pipework in wet areas to ensure the installation was as per the manufacturer’s guidelines and requirements of the licence;
- APA liaised with the leaseholder appointed acoustic consultant to ensure the change of material would still provide adequate performance to meet the requirements of the licence; and
- APA ensured the leaseholder appointed qualified structural engineer signed-off the structural works prior to encapsulation.
The above is just typical of the thorough sign-off process that APA undertakes throughout the course of a Licence application.