Difference between Architects and Engineers report

[twinkle toes]

A quick question for anyone in the know. Is there a difference between an Architects report and an Engineers report or are they on and the same? A bit wet behind the ears when it comes to building regs.

 

[threebedsemi]

A typical 'condition survey' is what is generally requested when a property is being transferred. This can be carried out by an engineer or architect who has PI insurance, and it's name is generally interchangable between 'Architects Report', 'Engineers Report', 'Condition Survey' etc. It will generally exclude any inspection which will require 'opening up' of existing structure and is in essence a visual survey.

Such a report, if carried out properly, should pick up on any visual structural defects, non-compliance with building regulations, and general defects, and should be treated as a snapshot of the buildings general health at the time.

There is also what is generally called a 'Structural Survey' which is more invasive, and is generally only requested if serious questions are raised by the initial survey.

It should be noted that historic buildings in particular should be only be inspected by engineers or architects with experience in working with these buildings, as a much greater range of defects are possible than with a recently build property.

 

[onq]

Engineers come in two flavours:

Structural and Civil - Part A and also competent to deal with roads design.

Mechanical and Electrical - heating and services - Parts J&L etc/

Neither are competent to inspect oursite of their competences IMO.

There are twelve building regulations in all and a swath of planning matters to certify.

Use people within their competence for best results.

General wide ranging survey on planning and building regulation compliance by an Architect.

Specific road access, structural, mechanical, heating and other services investigations by an Engineer if and where required.

Beyond this there are; -
(i) BER certification, which is a specialist discipline
(ii) passive house certification, which is a specialist discipline.
(iii) assessment of the site itself, where a certified site investigator is required re drainage
(iv) assessment of health and safety issues.

ONQ.

[broken link removed]

All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.