Roles Building Consultants Can Hold During a Home Renovation
If you're planning a home renovation, you may wonder whether you need a building consultant and what they do. While this is a general term, building consultants can perform several roles. Here's an overview.
Land Surveyor
A land surveyor may get involved early in the process of a building upgrade. These experts are responsible for knowing the exact boundary of your property by checking legal and historical documents. Rather than assuming the fence is in the correct position, a land surveyor will physically measure the ground to determine if this is the case. They can advise on whether your proposed renovation is within regulations and whether it's too close to the fence line.
The topographical landscape is also important to their work. They can map any rises and falls in the lay of the land and arrange for a soil assessment. All this information is necessary for the engineers and architects who are devising the plans for your extension.
Structural Engineer
The stability of any building is crucial, and a structural engineer's job is to make sure your renovation is sound. Taking the soil report into account, they can advise on what kind of foundations are needed for the proposed building. The engineer will oversee structural components such as walls and beams. Their input is vital to the initial plans, and the structural engineer is also involved during the building phase to ensure that integrity is maintained.
Building Surveyor
Many building regulations wrap around the construction of a new dwelling. A myriad of rules control different elements of a home. What kind of glass is necessary for floor-to-wall windows, for example? And how high does a balustrade need to be on a balcony or beside stairs? A building surveyor will be on top of the building codes. They'll monitor the construction as it evolves to make sure every aspect is compliant. This will avoid costly mistakes that may need to be undone and ensure that the building extension will pass the required inspections.
Project Manager
A building consultant can also act as a project manager and keep an eye on how the building is coming along. They can make sure that any set timelines are being met. If unexpected issues arise, they can liaise with everyone involved to solve any issues. A project manager can also help you deal with the local council. With a go-to person overseeing everything, you can relax knowing a central person is in control.
For more information, contact a company like TRIDENT BUILDING SURVEYING.