Other Surveying Services
In addition to our primary disciplines, Kirkham Board's experienced and competent staff can also provide consultancy in the following scopes of works:
Environmental / Sustainable Construction
We have experience in working within the parameters of the BREEAM process, and wherever possible, promote the use of sustainable solutions on all types of contracts in order to improve delivery in the built environment.
Historic and Listed Buildings
We are well versed in working on historical and listed buildings, liaising with various bodies such as Conservation Officers, English Heritage, The National Trust, and The Heritage Lottery Fund so that correct permissions are attained and the works are carried out in a sympathetic, appropriate and respectful manner.
Party Wall Matters
We are able to provide advice on the Party Wall Etc. Act 1996, acting as Surveyor or Agreed Surveyor. A brief explanation of the Party Wall Act is below:
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was introduced to govern disputes between property owners where work must be carried out which affects a party wall or involves excavating close to a neighbouring building.
A party wall is a wall shared by two properties, such as the wall which divides with a pair of semi-detached houses or properties in a terrace.
Before any work which falls within the scope of the Act can be undertaken, a notice must be served on any affected adjoining owners, and their written consent obtained. Should they not wish to give their consent they must appoint a Surveyor who will work with the Surveyor appointed by the party planning the works to agree an 'Award'.
Note - This also applies to certain excavations undertaken within 3m/6m of a neighbouring building.
DDA Matters
We are able to undertake Access Audit surveys to ensure that 'Service Providers' are complying with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
Kirkham Board provide tailored advice on matters such as the level of accessibility to Service Users, WC facilities and the like, in the form a fully costed report which provides solutions and recommendations to ensure compliance.
NB. The DDA requires that compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act should be by 'Reasonable Adjustment'. We feel that we have sufficient knowledge of the Act to determine what is 'reasonable'.
Statutory Applications
We have sound knowledge of the Planning process and have made numerous Planning Applications for all forms of buildings and uses, including 'standard' applications, as well as applications for listed building consent, advertisement consent, and conservation area consent.
We have been successfully involved in difficult negotiations with various Local Planning Authorities on contentious sites, and have a good relationship with all of the Local Planning Authorities in the area.
Kirkham Board are also experienced in compiling and submit planning appeals.
We are able to submit Building Regulation applications, either through the Local Authority, or via an Approved Inspector. We are also able to prepare SBEM calculations.
Commercial Energy Performance Certificates
Kirkham Board Associates are now fully qualified CIBSE certified Low Carbon Energy Assessors (LCEA) of commercial buildings.
When is an energy performance certificate required?
From January 2009 it became a mandatory requirement for all new commercial buildings, and all commercial buildings sold or leased to a prospective buyer or tenant to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC's).
How long is an energy performance certificate valid for?
An EPC is valid for up to 10 years, unless a newer EPC is produced for the property, in which case only the latter is valid.
What happens if my building does not have an EPC?
The penalty for failing to make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant when selling or letting non-dwellings is fixed, in most cases, at 12.5% of the rateable value of the building, subject to a minimum penalty of £500 and a maximum of £5,000. There is a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied. The EPC will still be required.
The assessment of your building
Your building will be assessed with consideration given to the building's construction, use, age, and building services specifications.
Kirkham Board use SBEM calculation methodology and Designbuilder simulation modelling software to generate an EPC; this includes an Asset Rating of the building on a scale of A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. Your EPC will also be accompanied by a recommendation report, which provides recommendations on how the energy performance of the building could be improved including an indication of the payback period of these recommendations.
Kirkham board associates's EPC services
Kirkham Board Associates aim to visit your building and undertake a thorough site survey with minimum disruption within 72 hours of instruction and to professionally produce and register your EPC with the Government register within 48 hours of inspection.
As an Approved Level 3 & 4 LCEA, Kirkham Board Associates can also submit the relevant documentation to Building Control to satisfy Part L requirements.