National Social Housing Provider

This project included the following services:

• Stock Condition Surveys
• Energy Performance Certification
• Drawing Update Survey

RBA have an established history in undertaking stock condition surveys of various sizes and requirements. This survey was for a national social housing provider requiring a 100% survey although sample surveys can be undertaken where the data is extrapolated to the full stock list. This client required a 30-year cost profile to be created, EPCs to be generated and layout drawings to be created for their stock of properties in digital DWG format.

The portfolio contained a mixture of property types including bungalows, houses, low and medium rise flats, high-rise dwellings and sheltered schemes. It also included non-traditional construction dwellings, leasehold and shared ownership properties as well as additional related assets (garages, shops and play areas) that required specific consideration.

Prior to commencement on site, detailed collaborative discussions were held with the Client to fully understand the survey requirements, the data to be collected and required benefits and format for the deliverables. It also allowed time for the residents to be informed and for the survey team to be fully briefed about the project specifics. From RBA’s perspective, we are committed to provide the best possible service and know from experience that this is essential to a successful outcome. In this particular instance, we suggested a small pilot survey was undertaken first so that the client could provide feedback based on deliverable prior to the project commencing proper to ensure client satisfaction.

Due to the considerable geographic dispersion of the properties, surveyors were separated into sub-teams and a logical phased programme created. Constant contact was maintained with the survey teams to ensure their safety and to allow homogenous collaboration when queries were raised. This was through both telecommunication systems and our bespoke data collection system (EDGA) which enabled improved data quality, consistency and accuracy between the sub-teams.

Even though EDGA has built in quality control measures, all of the resulting data was validated though our rigorous quality management procedures included cross-checking with evidentiary photographs. The data was then collated into a report and an agreed schedule of rates applied to create accurate client estimated costs for both entire properties and for individual assets. The prepared cost report contained interactive analysis tools and contained all of the validated data (including desktop review findings), digitally linked photographs and Housing Health and Safety Ratings (HHSRS).  Schedules, graphs and charts are used to summarise the data and visually demonstrate the results.

Overall the project was on time, to budget and exceeded the quality expectations of the client.