All of these eras have their own inherent problems and therefore a broad knowledge base is required. Old buildings are thermally inferior and draughty, and yet they can flex and breathe like modern buildings can’t. Modern construction has many benefits – not least massive improvements in energy performance – and yet buildings are brittle and need careful management of ventilation and vapour control to avoid condensation and other associated problems.
Defects can arise through ineffective design, poor workmanship or a simple failure to maintain. Sometimes the very act of ‘improvement’ can inadvertently lead to defects as modern materials sit uncomfortably in older surroundings. Over the past year I’ve seen cavity wall insulation which has blocked air bricks and caused sub-floor timber decay; and loadbearing timber windows of sound condition removed and replaced with upvc, causing fractures around a bay window. Defects arising out of good intention to bring older buildings into the present day, but with adverse consequences.
With modern buildings come modern defects and the challenge for building surveyors in the future will be evolve with the new, whilst keeping an eye on the old. Buildings will never stop throwing up conundrums and there will no doubt be new generations of surveyors inspired to solve them.
Do you have any questions for our Defect Doctors? Contact us
Kevin Bashford BSc (Hons) MA PgDip MRICS
Kevin is one of our very experienced Associate Building Surveyors. He joined MacConvilles in November 2006 having completed his Post Graduate Degree in Building Surveying and Chartered in 2010. He brings with him many years of knowledge and skills gained working as a carpenter and builder prior to becoming a Building Surveyor.
Kevin is part of the Conservation & Heritage team providing specialist services for conservation, restoration and repair of historic and listed buildings.
