KA6049 - Advanced Building Appraisal

You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical workshops, seminars and directed learning. The lectures will provide the theories and concepts that will enable you to carry out the practical surveying tasks using the latest surveying technologies. You will be shown how to use the instruments in small groups during the workshop sessions and develop your skills so that you can then book out the equipment and apply the skills independently. Teaching of professional and legal material will be supported by smaller group discussion and exercises in seminars.
If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for inspection, survey and appraisal. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

Your tutor will work closely with you and other students in a small group setting during the workshops, demonstrating how to use the equipment and giving formative feedback as you and your peers develop the skills to carry out survey tasks yourselves. Discussion with the tutors during group discussions in seminars will give feedback on the exercises carried out. The tutors have an “open door” policy for answering questions outside formal teaching sessions and you will be able to post questions on the module discussion board on the University’s e-learning portal where all students can benefit from the answers given. You will also have access to online resources including reading material and links to videos to support your directed study.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

• MLO1: You will be able to apply your knowledge of building construction and relevant legislation and regulations to the survey and inspection of buildings.
• MLO2: You will be able to appraise the impact of a building’s design, construction and condition on its accessibility, energy efficiency and fitness for purpose.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will be able to demonstrate practical surveying skills for accurate measurement and recording of buildings using modern surveying instruments.
• MLO4: You will be able to gather appropriate data, analyse it, draw conclusions, make recommendations and communicate these in professional reports. Professional report writing is particularly important for placement and graduate employability.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will be able to appreciate the importance of abiding by the RICS professional code of conduct and planning and carrying out building inspections in such a way that your own and others’ health and safety is safeguarded.

The learning outcomes will be tested by one assessment with two components;

Component 1 (50%):
You will be required carry out a Technical Due Diligence [TDD] Survey on a multi-storey commercial building. Prior to the inspection you will be required to prepare a risk assessment of how the inspection will be undertaken (ML05). During the inspection you will need to measure the Gross Internal floor area of the building and all floor to ceiling heights (ML03). Following the inspection you be required to prepare a professional TDD Survey report (ML04) which will address the following issues;
(i) The general condition and disrepair of the subject property (ML01 & ML02)
(ii) Appraise the energy efficiency of the building and provide reasoned advice as to how the energy efficiency can be improved (ML02)
(III) Assess the buildings compliance with the current Means of escape requirements. (ML01)
((iv) Assess whether the building services conforms and satisfies current legislative requirements. (ML01 & ML02)

For all the practical surveying tasks, you will be encouraged to work in small groups if possible, but you will make your own sketches and notes and submit an individual piece of work for each task.

Component 2: (50%) Party Wall Matter

You will be provided with a set of drawings and a list of proposed works from which you will be required to draft a set of notices as though you had been appointed as the Building Owners Surveyor. (ML01 & ML02)

Further details will be provided by the teaching staff which will move the matter into dispute, and you will then be expected to produce a draft Party Wall Award. (ML03 & ML04)

Finally you will need to provide a 1500-word report explaining your methodology and a rationale for the decisions you made with respect to the notices and the award document. You will need to demonstrate that (a) you understand the relevant sections of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and (b) you understand the impartial role of party wall surveyors. (ML04 & ML05)

A significant proportion of the site work for these tasks will be carried out during workshop sessions where tutor feedback can be given on work in progress.

Detailed feedback will be given on final marked submissions for both assessments

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This module prepares you for professional practice and provides you with a unique set of essential and transferable skills related to construction technology, design, legislation, and regulations together with practical surveying skills using the latest tools, digital technologies, and methods. Students will be expected to capitalise on the learning and academic experiences of the previous two years and apply previously learned skills and knowledge to the specialist areas that are taught within this module .The skills and abilities tested within this module can also be mapped to the core technical competencies on the structured training for the assessment of professional competence (APC) to become a Chartered Building Surveyor.
If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for inspection, survey, and appraisal to develop your skills and knowledge.