In recent years there has been a great increase in interest for the creative reuse of redundant buildings, particularly amongst the rural community where traditional buildings formed part of a farm complex. The buildings may comprise brick or stonewall structures originally used as barns, cart sheds or livestock houses, which are not suited to modern farming needs. In addition to the reuse of redundant farm buildings, other recent refurbishment and extension projects undertaken by Symonds & Sampson LLP include schools, village halls, surgeries and residential properties. We also design new buildings including houses, bungalows and agricultural barns.
Specialist knowledge of traditional building techniques enables the firm to provide advice on building conservation. Old buildings perform differently from modern structures and must be treated properly. Those without strip foundations, for instance, move seasonally and require the softest and most flexible of traditional materials in their repair. Materials designed for the construction and repair of newer buildings are often inappropriate and damaging to older properties, such as cement based mortars and plasters. To this end David Meaden completed the Diploma stage of an MSc Degree Course in Building Conservation.
Our Building Surveying Department is constantly assessing the implication of any new legislation and implementing any action required. Consequently, we can provide up to date advice and assistance.
Symonds & Sampson can assist with:
- Architectural design, alteration, extensions, conversions and refurbishments including adaptations for the disabled
- Design of new buildings
- Computer Aided Design drawing work
- Building conservation works including refurbishment of Listed Buildings
- Planning and Building Regulations advice and applications
- Contract and project administration from inception to completion
- Schedules of condition and dilapidations
- Building defect analysis, disputes and litigation advice
- Structural condition (Building Survey) and maintenance surveys (residential and commercial)
- RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation
- Insurance valuations and claims
- Managing health and safety in construction under the CDM Regulations
- Party wall negotiations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996