Summary

Inspecting, the second book in Melville and Gordon's Inspections and Reports on Dwellingsseries, provides the inspector with everything he or she needs to know about every conceivable type of dwelling. Complete with explanations of how to determine the construction of external walls, how to assess exposure conditions and how these relate to each other and over 450 captioned colour photographs in support of the text. The book provides detailed explanation of a variety of building materials, including over 150 types of stone and quarry locations, as well as issues surrounding the conservation of cob, witchert and hardwood timber framing, and thatched, stone and lead roofing. The authors provide detailed advice on ground movement, foundations and the trees that might cause a danger and also the contrasting views on the dangers of the presence of radon.

Desirable attributes in the surveyor are discussed such as qualifications and necessary insurance cover, both in respect of liability for his/her work and own person. Court cases determining the scope and level of inspection are given full consideration and there is a concentration on ascertaining, particularly in regard to age, the materials and forms of construction that make up each part of a dwelling, the structure, finishes, services and surroundings and their condition, all by means of sight, sound, feel and smell.

All those engaged in inspecting, whether studying to qualify, newly qualified or experienced will benefit greatly from reading this book.