Oxfordshire Listed property Dilapidations

Introduction to dilapidations:

RWS were appointed to complete a dilapidation condition survey on a property in Oxfordshire.  Some queries had been raised by tenants within the property and some concerns were voiced as to the safety of pedestrian foot traffic below.

The building was a mid-terrace 17^th century 3 storey property with no access to the rear and limited access to the sides of the property and it stood in a prominent High Street position. Standard Dilapidation survey was commenced documenting the condition of the property and remedial works that would be required and urgency of certain aspects.

After the initial site visit it was deemed advisable for a Structural Engineer to visit the property.  RWS work closely with a local structural engineer who attended site and provided a report based on their findings and recommendations which included:

• Works to structural masonry on the front and side elevations
• Works to lintels above openings
• Replacement structural roof timbers
• Replacement structural floors
• Tying in of masonry walls

 

RWS developed these recommendations into a scope within the client’s budget to repair the building and ensure it was in a safe and structurally sound condition, without compromising safety or quality.  Some temporary works in the terms of shoring was required and MEWP access to make urgent temporary repairs.

Obtaining Local Authority approval:

As the property was a Grade II listed building, RWS used their internal design team who specialise in dealing with listed and conservation works consents.  Regular site meetings were held with the Local Authority Officer to discuss the materials and scope of works to gain approval and consent.

Once the works were approved by the Local Authority Conservation Officer, RWS could get to work with the dilapidations and refurbishment.  This included a vast range of internal and external works, many skilled tradesmen were required from Bricklayers to Roofers and all specialisms in between!  RWS carefully selected the team with a history of working on listed buildings and within conservation areas.

Specialist materials:

RWS used a specialist brick matching service who visited site and took samples of the original 300 year old bricks.  This was use to find us a modern suitable brick to be approved by the Local Authority,

A handmade red brick was chosen which was spectacular in appearance, and though previous repairs to the property were substandard using engineering bricks, we tried to rectify these issues as much as feasible to tie the new into the old brickwork which surpassed the requirement of the Local Conservation team.

Rebuilding of the 300 year old brickwork walls was a delicate task.  With so many damaged bricks in the façade and trying to save as many of the original bricks as possible and then tying the new into the existing, took some time and effort.  Finding a colour match for the existing mortar was a challenge, but our brickwork team found a perfect match for the lime mortar mix.

Remaining works to the façade included repairing the traditional sash windows.  They originally didn’t work and, on survey, were at risk of total failure and collapsing into the street below.  Luckily the windows could easily be removed.  An on-site workshop was created and the original windows were saved and refurbished.

Internal works began by temporarily supporting the third floor from below, leaving access for facilities tenants were using on the second floor.  The entire floor had moved away from its original position after years of gradual movement.  The building had to be restrained in terms with the structural engineer’s rectification details, then the floor was rebuilt in a traditional method to meet the requirement of the listed building consent including replacement floorboards and lathe plaster ceilings.

Adjoining rooms were showing signs of many years of neglect, some lintels internally had failed due to a defective lead gulley and required extensive replacement.  Luckily new lintels were easy to source and will prove the test of time and last for many years to come and, after carrying out refreshment works to these areas, Tenants were amazed by the transformation of the area which was once inutile.

Though this refurbishment was a long and tedious project which involved a lot more parties than a standard dilapidation and refurbishment project, RWS delivered the project on time and within the client’s budget.

Working on a listed building requires strict regulation, Working on listed buildings