We are pleased to announce that we have recently, successfully completed surveys of the entire portfolio of School sites managed by Birmingham City Council, one of the largest education estates in the UK.

It has now been some 18 months since we embarked on this exercise, working closely with the Children, Young People and Families and Urban Design Departments. Over this period, our team of building surveyors have undertaken full Condition Surveys of the portfolio which includes 427 sites. The portfolio comprises buildings of differing construction forms from varying periods, including traditional Victorian schools, "CLASP" system-built structures from the 1960's and 70's through to contemporary buildings utilising modern methods of construction.

In all, our team have surveyed more than 15 million square feet of accommodation, carrying out a detailed assessment of the condition of each property together with defects diagnosis, in order to provide information for incorporation into the Council's Asset Management Strategy. Additionally, our surveyors collected and verified spacial information as part of a re-evaluation of measured survey information previously undertaken by others.

Whilst the survey exercise itself was undertaken utilising traditional surveying methodology, the resulting information has been analysed, collated and entered into a bespoke Asset Management system, known as "Technology Forge". This software is widely used by other Education Authorities, utilising an Intranet based platform. The output data can be utilised for future Asset Management planning, budgeting, investigation works and also allows the client the opportunity to assemble an accurate Asset Register.

calfordseaden provided all building surveying expertise, working closely in conjunction with mechanical & electrical engineers provided by Birmingham City Council. We believe this is an excellent example of true partnership working closely together with all organisations in the interest of successful project delivery.

Early issues for resolution included IT conflicts and inconsistent access arrangements. By working closely together, we were able to resolve these problems quickly, ensuring that the project was delivered to the highest standard, within budget and two weeks earlier than the agreed target completion date.

This could only have been  achieved through the supportive relationship between the two organisations, which is continuing into a further commission to undertake similar surveys of the corporate portfolio owned by the Council.

For further information contact:

Neil Hebberts

Birmingham office

T: 0121 454 1688 E: nhebberts@calfordseaden.co.uk