This important new guide to dilapidations is written by a surveyor for surveyors and will also appeal to anyone else who needs to understand this often-complex subject. The TFT Purple Book shines a light into dilapidations' darker recesses, identifying the legal context, best practice, the background to how and why dilapidations is dealt with as it is, and addresses areas of legal uncertainty. This comprehensive guide also highlights important topics which are often overlooked. It aims to serve as a single point of reference from which the reader can develop a solid foundation of knowledge. It even considers cattle, children and 'chattels-vegetable' - and not many text books can make that boast. It includes chapters on: the classification of items; repair; reinstatement; the measures of loss; diminution valuations; supersession; engineering services; dispute resolution; interim dilapidations; break options; avoiding and minimising disputes; dilapidations in Northern Ireland; and dilapidations in Scotland. Opinion pieces are also included relating to: diminution valuations; the dilapidations protocol; and the roles of the building surveyor. The book accompanies the TFT Dilapidations Flowcharts and the TFT Two Step Approach to Supersession.

Technical Due Diligence and Building Surveying for Commercial Property is the first book to introduce the process of technical due diligence (TDD) and examine the role of the building surveyor within the commercial property sector. The book outlines the processes that the surveyor must go through when performing a TDD inspection and report and, most importantly, covers in detail the typical pathology and defects encountered during TDD. Performing a TDD survey involves collecting, analysing and reporting on a huge amount of information, often under specific contractual conditions. The book covers everything the surveyor needs to know in order to do a proper job and includes analysis of materials, life cycles and potential defects on an elemental basis, with detail on individual components where necessary. Coverage includes: • an introduction to the TDD process and types of commercial buildings encountered • chapters outlining the life cycle and defects of: structures, roofs, facades, finishes and services • hundreds of illustrations and photographs of defects, real-world case studies and suggestions for further reading • a final chapter covering legal issues and technical details. This book fills a clear gap in the literature and is the first fully illustrated book on TDD dedicated to commercial building stock. It will help students and professionals to understand the process, the science involved and the reasons why defects occur, as well as their evolution and long-term impact.

Back in print for the first time in years, the Watts Pocket Handbook renews its commitment to share industry knowledge by providing technical and legal information across a comprehensive spread of property and construction topics. Compiled by the Watts Technical Director, the Handbook provides specialist information and guidance on a vast selection of construction related subjects including: Contracts and procurement Insurance Materials and defects Environmental and sustainability issues Watts Pocket Handbook remains the must-have reference book for professionals and students engaged in construction, building surveying, service engineering, property development and much more.

Building Surveyor’s Pocket Book is an accessible encyclopaedia of matters vital to building surveyors. Well-illustrated with diagrams, pictures, tables, and graphs, it covers all essential elements of building pathology, building performance, and building construction terminology in a simple, accessible way for the practitioner and student. This Pocket Book provides a practical and portable reference text, working as a first-stop publication for those wishing to refresh their knowledge or in need of guidance on surveying practice. Working through fundamental principles in key practice areas, the book is not overly bound by the regulation and legislation of one region, and the principles can be applied internationally. This book is ideal reading for individual surveyors, practitioners, and students in building surveying, facilities management, refurbishment, maintenance, renovation, and services management. It is also of use for those interested in building forensics, building performance, pathology, and anyone studying for their RICS APC. Many other professions in architecture, contracting, engineering, and safety will also find the book of use when undertaking similar practice.

Property asset management requires both day-to-day oversight of rental properties and an ability to maximize the potential of the portfolio through forward thinking and practical planning. Successful property managers must be flexible and proactive whilst maintaining a robust knowledge of technical, financial and legal aspects of the leasing system. Property Asset Management is a practical guide to the key principles of successful property management, perfect for both student and practitioner alike. In this book, Douglas Scarrett and Jan Wilcox demonstrate how to successfully manage properties for the varying needs of clients ranging from individual property owners to large international commercial ventures. As well as the basic theory, Property Asset Management discusses the process of active management, the strategic objectives, performance measurement, and the key financial and operational information needed for high quality and comprehensive reporting to clients. This fourth edition has new chapters on corporate real estate and financial management, and has been extensively rewritten to incorporate recent developments in property management. Software screenshots are used to illustrate salient points and readers are provided with a thorough overview of the latest legal aspects of land ownership and tenancy arrangements. With everything you need for successful property asset management, this book both caters for the needs of RICS accredited and business courses and serves as a handy guide for everyday practice.

"What's the Crack?" When cracking is observed in a building the most common reaction is that it must be the foundations and that it must be serious. Many surveyors are nervous about diagnosing cracks. This is understandable, as the interpretation of cracks can be difficult to teach, with university courses providing little or no time for field experience. Yet by understanding one straightforward principle the majority of cracks can be diagnosed in just a few minutes. Linking this with a good knowledge of construction techniques, the factors that distort cracking patterns and the key features of common causes of cracking, almost all cracks can be diagnosed quickly and with confidence. Practical Guide to Diagnosing Structural Movement in Buildings provides a methodology by which cracks and movement in buildings can be diagnosed. Written in four parts, part one describes the key principles of movement and cracking. Parts two and three describe the main features of common forms of movement and the associated crack patterns. Part two covers causes other than ground or foundation movement and part three covers movement caused by ground or foundation problems. Part four briefly describes the techniques used to arrest further movement or repair damage cause by movement. Primarily intended for the relatively inexperienced surveyor or engineer and undergraduate students of surveying as a practical guide for use on site, it focuses on identification and diagnosis. It will not only help in correctly diagnosing the problem but it will also demonstrate a methodical approach to show and record how the diagnosis was reached – critical when giving advice to third parties. "What's the crack?" - In the vast majority of cases it's not foundation related and in most cases it's not indicating a serious defect.

Since the first edition was published in 1983, Building Surveys has been the core text in its field for students and professionals alike. Covering everything needed for initial inspections such as equipment, know-how and procedures to writing an accurate report, this book is a proven indispensable guide. It considers all the structural elements required when surveying a property for example, foundations, walls and roofs as well as what to look out for and how to deal with it. Legal considerations and recent cases are used to illustrate good working practice making this a comprehensive text to this important subject.

This book is a practical guide to the law of dilapidations aimed at general practice solicitors and surveyors.