Surveys and Feasibility
A survey is most useful when the estate team knows which decision it needs to support. Define the uncertainty about condition, capacity or proposed use, then choose an investigation scope that makes its limits and the information needed for the next stage clear.
Assessment and the project brief
Provide the operational requirement, estate records and known restrictions. Explain which decision follows the report and the technical or cost detail needed, so the survey brief is proportionate to that purpose.
What the work includes
- Set out the question and evidence needed to answer it.
- Examine existing reports, plans and operating information.
- Arrange suitable survey disciplines and attendance requirements.
- Assess possible approaches, constraints and further investigation needs.
- Explain findings and the recommended next project stage.
Important decisions
Visual inspection, intrusive investigation and specialist testing serve different purposes. Agree the task and access limitations before attendance. Feasibility identifies practical directions and prerequisites; it does not automatically supply a finished design or a fixed price for construction.
How the project proceeds
- Establish the decision and define the investigation brief.
- Review records and coordinate access to the premises.
- Inspect, measure or test within the authorised boundaries.
- Compare options and identify questions still unresolved.
- Describe the further investigation, design or delivery steps needed.
Working in occupied properties
Agree attendance with the operating team and record inaccessible areas. Before including intrusive tasks, establish isolation, protection and reinstatement arrangements. Limits on what can be inspected must remain visible in the resulting advice.
Budget and programme factors
Price follows survey depth, disciplines, tests and access equipment. Explain the assumptions and uncertainty behind early feasibility allowances. An appropriate investigation can avoid developing a design on information that later proves incorrect.
Completion and handover
Distinguish observed conditions, assumptions and missing evidence in the report. Connect recommendations to the decision being considered, and retain location references so later design and tender work can use the findings accurately.
Projects across sectors
Education estates need varied premises and occupation limits considered. Industrial buildings need plant and process interfaces examined, while property managers need findings suitable for owner decisions. Explore other settings in the sector catalogue.
Locations covered
The location directory records North East England coverage including Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham and areas across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside. Identify the premises and local operational contacts within a multi-site investigation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a survey and feasibility study?
Surveying gathers information about an installation or property. Feasibility applies relevant evidence to assess the practicality of options and the requirements for taking them forward.
Can one survey cover every technical issue?
Not necessarily. Different questions can need separate disciplines or tests. Define which matters the brief addresses and where another specialist investigation will be required.
Does a feasibility budget equal a contractor quotation?
No. Early allowances reflect the evidence and assumptions then available. A developed construction price requires a more fully defined package of physical work.
What happens if an area cannot be accessed?
State the restriction and how it limits the decision. Further attendance or investigation can then be arranged; an inaccessible area should not be presented as inspected.
Useful guides
Prepare with the guide to building-condition surveys and the property-condition checklist, identifying useful records and the questions that need investigation.
Related work
Continue through cost planning, design and build and capital works. Browse projects, services, maintenance, the sector range and coverage information.
Discuss surveys and feasibility
Send the property records, desired outcome and decision to be supported when you contact Black & White Facilities. Explain what information is available and where access is restricted.
Discuss your requirements