Month: February 2016

• My Work and passion 

My work is entirely down to observation not just looking but really seeing  a building.

A detective charged with the duty of tracking every relevant exterior defect and determining the internal implications with respect to decay

Before even attending site, my research is everything 

Listing issues, contact with local conservation officers and special interests groups should always be established.

 Health and safety implications related to the general structural condition of the building are gravely serious issues  and again investigation parameters would need to be established before attendance to the site.

 

TO WORK ON A LISTED BUILDING WITHOUT APPROPRIATE PERMISSION  CAN BE A CRIMINAL ACT.

If ever in doubt  CHECK 

 

My site process begins with an exterior walk to assess the general layout and condition of the structure and to assist in forming a three dimensional view of the relevant exterior issues.

I would normally focus on defective rainwater goods ( gutters downpipes, surface drainage and roofing ) as these would be a good indicator of potentially problematic internal areas.

( see photographs below )

 

 

 

Typical concealed decay in brickwork pockets caused by defective exterior rainwater goods

Every exterior detail on a building  is part of a picture that becomes an interior story during exposure works.

This story will often also include a detailed  photographic narrative which can be kept as a permanent record and lodged with the relevant conservation body .

Having provided a health and safety plan (HSP) including risk assessment and method statements (RA/MS) I would carry out the necessary remedial treatments to P.C.A. (  property care association )  B.W.P.D.A. ( British would preserving and dampproofing association) standards .  All materials would be covered by the control of substances hazardous to health  (C.O.S.H.H.) This would normally produce a long term insurance backed guarantee.

To work on any project big or small, is to attain an intimate  knowledge of the structure which remains with me long after the project is over.

As far as practicable I would ensure reinstatement to the original builder’s vision, to enhance and not to alter it, with minimal impact on the building Itself .
Most importantly I see my aim as to dispel myths and put minds at ease

Jonathon Lewis 

 

I have been working in building restoration and specialist timber surveying for nearly 40 years

I have worked as the courts expert in  insitu michology / beetle infestation and dampness related defects in historic and modern buildings . Historic and modern building methods and materials.
Treatment (methods and materials)of fungal decay/ beetle infestation in historic and modern buildings

Expert in timber frames structures , ancient and modern commercial and residential

I have undertaken an historic record of listed buildings for English heritage and Welsh equivalent for permanent record

10 years representation on remedial treatment committee section of the British wood preserving association ( now the PCA) devising standards for materials and application methods

Chelsea hospital refurbishment consultant

Holborn magistrates court conversion into hotel
consultant / contractor

Wilsden magistrates conversion to residential
Consultant / contractor

Greyhound hotel Dorset
Consultant /Contractor

350 listed building refurbishments with JD wetherspoon supervising specialialist surveyor consultant/contractor

Working over the uk including Scotland and western isles.
Familia with numerous regional building techniques and styles

CLIENT LIST

Ministry of defence
MOD ( ministry of defence security approved specialist)

Pizza express

Heathrow airport

Tavern pubs

JD wetherspoon

Church of England

Salvation Army

United synagogue

U.K. Spiritualist church

24 month secondment PJ Livesy oversee develop of 200 unit conversion of listed building in to residential
Secondary conversion of ancient water mill into residential .
Consultant surveyor on conversion of Lancaster moor hospital in Lancashire to 400 residential units

English heritage
Heston house

Portsmouth sailors mission , conversion to hotel

In addition
Approximately 3000 residential surveys
Over 36 years buildings ranging from new build to 900 years old
Barn conversions

Expert witness with court recognised expertise in uk , e.u.
and North America .
Member institute of wood science
Guest lecturer at Buckingham college of furniture manufacture.
Arbitration reccomended expert in disputes between contractors and clients. Specific knowledge of long term guarantees and legal responsibility
Expert in related health and safety , risk assessment , method statements (COSHH , RA / MS)

 

 

After nearly 40 years in the insitu remedial timber treatment industry I have a real desire to share my experience of investigating, assessing and eradicating dry rot  in buildings ranging from from the Victorian two bedroom terrace to the listed Historic Manor House  or monument.
My aim is to remove the fear and help people to look after their homes with a few simple guidelines that in the long run may save their biggest investment or the loss of a valuable historical monument due to dry rot .
My work takes me all over the UK and North America and in future blogs I will take you into the full range of my investigations and experience .

I will also be helping you to deal with insurance companies and interpretation of policies  with respect to making successful insurance claims related to dry rot

 

look out for future blogs about long-term guarantees issued by Remedial treatment companies and making claims

 

 

I’ve learned a thousand lessons , so you don’t have to

Jonathon Lewis CTIS ( certified timber infestation surveyor)

Associates institute of wood science

Member of the PCA property care associatio

Committee member insitu timber treatments and formulations