module specification

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape the Built Environment while also developing the essential skills required of a Building Surveyor. The module introduces you to the key principles of Building Surveying, focusing on both the theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

You will focus on the intersection of Building Surveying, Law, and Planning policies. You will explore dilapidations, examining the legal and practical aspects of assessing property conditions, breaches of lease obligations, and required repairs at the end of a tenancy. The module also covers Property Law, including ownership, leases, land rights, and contracts, alongside an in-depth study of the Party Wall Act 1996, outlining legal requirements and procedures for building works that affect shared walls or boundaries and dispute resolution between property owners.

Additionally, you will examine land-use regulations and the planning application process, learning how planning authorities influence building adaptation, refurbishment, and the complexities of obtaining planning approval. The module will also address key construction regulations, such as Building Regulations, net zero, and climate targets. You will look into building surveying in historic heritage structures, ensuring that any repairs, renovations, or adaptations comply with conservation standards. Also, you will learn about the types of building surveys, how to identify defects, and how to assess the condition of buildings. In particular, you will explore the basic causes and potential solutions for issues such as damp, structural problems, and building services.

Throughout the module, industry engagement is a key component. You will develop the skills necessary to prepare detailed reports, using both qualitative and quantitative data to communicate your findings effectively. You will also be introduced to a variety of building projects, through site visits and project-based learning.

This serves as a core module for your professional development in Building Surveying, preparing you for more advanced modules in Level 6. By the end of this module, you will have a thorough understanding of Building Surveying principles, including the assessment of property conditions, dilapidations, and repairs, alongside the legal frameworks that govern Property Law and construction practices. You will also be able to navigate planning policies, apply relevant regulations, and ensure compliance with legal and industry standards in building projects.

The module syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading materials alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the Built Environment. Topics will include:

• Ethics and professional responsibilities of a building surveyor (LO1)
• The role of building surveyor in refurbishment, adaptation and retrofit projects (LO1)
• Building Regulations, Law of Dilapidations and Party Wall Act (LO2)
• Planning policies and planning approvals in adaptation and refurbishment projects (LO4, LO5)
• Building condition and structural surveys, dilapidation reports, defect analysis (LO2, LO3, LO4, LO6)
• Identification of common defects, their underlying causes, and the necessary remedial actions (LO2, LO3, LO4, LO6)
• Adaption and retrofit of historic buildings and structures (LO4)
• Sustainable practices in Building Surveying, environmental impact, building certification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies (LO5, LO6)

A blended and technology-enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical activities, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Contact sessions will encourage students to discuss ideas and consider a variety of case studies from the UK and around the globe, alongside surveys, walking tours, and self-directed studies of buildings and building types.

Workshops and seminars will be held, during which students will engage in practical activities, making use of staff-directed and student-researched case studies to explore this rich subject area.

The module will introduce students to a variety of building vernaculars, materials, and techniques using case studies from around the world. Discussions and debates will be had to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences to help the students to develop a deep understanding of building pathology and refurbishment in context, and undertake authentic formative activities to gain an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities present in this highly-relevant area of Construction, Surveying, and Design.

Problem-based learning will be used to encourage independent learning through proposing a problem related to subject buildings. The problem(s) will be complex and with more than one right answer, challenging the students to work individually and in small groups to develop solutions, thereby developing their problem-solving abilities. Staff will act as facilitators throughout these activities. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis in building surveying.  Throughout the module, student outputs will be reviewed and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities to receive forward feedback.

The Building Surveying Principles module will contribute to your Professional Development Journal (PDJ) by enabling you to document and reflect on your understanding of fundamental surveying concepts, techniques, and practices. As you engage with the module content, you will identify key learning moments, challenges, and insights gained from practical case studies and theoretical discussions. This reflection will allow you to track your progress, develop your professional competencies, and critically assess how the knowledge gained aligns with your career goals. The module will also help you recognise areas for further development, guiding your ongoing learning and career progression in Building Surveying.

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key principles of Building Surveying, including both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

2. apply legal requirements to develop dilapidation surveys and address party-wall disputes in various project scenarios.

3. analyse and assess building pathology conditions, identifying defects and breaches of lease obligations, and recommend necessary repairs.

4. navigate planning and conservation policies in relation to historic buildings and structures.

5. apply building regulations, net-zero targets, and climate goals to enhance sustainable practices in retrofit projects.

6. prepare evidence-based reports using both qualitative and quantitative data, effectively communicating findings and solutions for building surveys and construction projects.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of Building Surveying techniques, refurbishment, adaptation and building retrofit. There are several books that cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list. There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS). Many of the books you have on your reading lists for other construction technology or building science and structures modules will also prove useful in this module.

You will be directed to resources throughout the module, for which CIS will be your key resource, in particular information published by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) around building defects and remedial work, and sustainable refurbishment of buildings.

Here is the Talis link to the online reading list:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/5A7767AA-BF22-5151-6090-97CDF8ADBED4.html?lang=en-GB&login=1