Pre-Acquisition Building Survey – Liverpool, Merseyside

WHLBC PROJECT CASE STUDY

Pre-Acquisition Building Survey – Liverpool, Merseyside

A pre-acquisition survey was undertaken for a detached 1960s three-storey residential block of 12 flats in Liverpool.

Project Overview

Type of Survey:
Pre-Acquisition Building Survey

Location:
Liverpool, Merseyside

Type of Construction:
Circa 1960s detached three-storey residential block of load-bearing cavity-wall construction with a flat felt roof and solid ground floor.

Our client commissioned WHL Building Consultancy to undertake a pre-acquisition survey of a detached three-storey residential block containing 12 flats. The circa-1960s property is of load-bearing cavity-wall construction with a flat felt roof, solid ground floor and external parking and landscaped areas. The visual, non-intrusive survey reviewed the structure, external envelope, internal communal and residential areas, services, grounds, fire-safety provisions and matters requiring legal verification. High-level elements were inspected using a drone.

Key Benefits

Confirmed that the property was in reasonable structural condition, with no significant defects identified at the time of inspection.
Identified planned external repairs to the entrance canopy roof, mortar joints, concrete fascias, window ironmongery, seals and failed glazing units.
Highlighted mould and condensation around window openings, with improved ventilation and renewed perimeter seals recommended.
Flagged passive fire-protection breaches and non-compliant fire doors, requiring a Fire Risk Assessment and remedial works.
Set out further due diligence covering roof warranties, services certificates, heating replacement, CCTV drainage and asbestos records.

Conclusion

The survey provided the client with a clear understanding of the condition and the matters to consider before acquisition. Although the building appeared structurally reasonable, a programme of external maintenance and window repairs is required, together with measures to improve ventilation and manage mould. Fire-safety deficiencies should be formally assessed and corrected, while allowances should be made for ageing heating and hot-water equipment. Verification of roof guarantees, testing certificates and asbestos information, alongside a CCTV drainage survey, will support informed purchase and maintenance planning.