BOLTON COUNCIL

With ever increasing budgets cuts from central governments, local governments are under more pressure to ensure the funding received is used effectively to run and maintain their portfolio of assets and services.

In preparation for the new financial year Bolton Council enlisted the services of Stratus9 Consulting Ltd. to undertake a condition survey across their portfolio of properties to assist in the formulation of a 5 year maintenance plan.

Initially in collaboration with the council Stratus9 provided input and feedback into the software that had been developed to carry out the reports to ensure that it was fit for purpose for both the surveyors and the client.

The properties were a mix of occupied and unoccupied properties, access arrangements were made directly between the surveyor and the tenants to ensure the most effective communication and keys were provided where possible.

Upon attendance at each site a condition survey was carried out in real time using the client’s software package. Details of the condition of individual elements of the building fabric, structure, fixtures, fittings, and decoration were provided along with a photographic schedule, remedial advice, priority grading and a budget cost for the works. Detailed measurements were taken to enable the formulation of accurate, up to date plans in AutoCAD and a comprehensive mechanical and electrical register was compiled.

Once the surveys were complete the council were able to prioritise urgent works and plan for future upgrading and maintenance of the portfolio across the next 5 years.