Recent publications

Citation

(2006), "Recent publications", Structural Survey, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2006.11024bae.001

Recent publications

This publication by Gareth Evans is solely about photographing buildings. It is for the busy surveyor, or other property professional, who wants fuss-free but high-quality pictures for reports, filing, emailing or web posting. Technical detail is kept to the minimum necessary. A glance at any property publication shows the importance of photographic images to the surveying profession. Many of these images have been taken by professionals. However, there is absolutely no reason why the surveyor, with only reasonable equipment, cannot produce excellent images which are capable of great enlargement and which will enhance a report, provide an aide-memoire, or can be attached to a database. This volume attempts to provide the minimum knowledge that a property professional should have in order to produce quality images. The author has concentrated on the practical requirements of the on-site property professional. The book is published by EG Books in paperback and is priced at £20.00.

Buying at Auction

With the growing popularity of property auctions among both buyers and sellers, RICS have launched Going once, going twice, sold to… – a new guide for those seeking to buy or sell property at auction. The guide contains expert advice enabling those with no experience in buying and selling property to get the most out of property auctions, be they owner occupiers, developers or investors. The guide contains inside information on the auction process, from both buyers and sellers’ points of view and outlines what to expect at property auctions. To order a printed copy of this guide or for other property guides visit www.rics.org/Property/Residentialproperty/free_public_leaflets or contact RICS Telephone +44 (0)870 333 1600.

The VAT and Property Guide

Written by Sean Finn this is the second edition of the practical guide on the VAT treatment of commercial and non-commercial property transactions and the impact of VAT on the structure of property dealing and investment. It is specifically aimed at those involved in the property and construction industry without a specialist knowledge of VAT and therefore appeals to surveyors, property agents, general property lawyers, solicitors, developers, and their advisors. Written by an expert in the field, this new edition reflects the substantial recent developments in VAT law in relation to property since 2002 which include relevant case law, the implementation of Stamp Duty Land Tax, various VAT orders and regulations and the new VAT disclosure rules and grouping rules, both of which came into effect in 2004. Continuing with the practical and user-friendly style of the first edition, this new edition includes further useful diagrams and checklists and new references to key external sources and legislation. Published by Legalease in paperback and priced at £39.95.

The Surveyors Expert Witness Handbook: Valuation

A handbook by Martin Farr on providing expert evidence on valuations of commercial properties – including civil actions, rent review arbitrations, lands tribunal cases and rating appeals. The object of this book is to provide the commercial property valuer with a general introduction to providing expert evidence in a litigation context, the rules, requirements and the pitfalls for the unwary. Particular trouble has been taken to emphasise the need for quality evidence based on relevant experience which is objective, unbiased, independent, and of sufficient quality to resist challenges before the courts, tribunals and arbitrators. EG Books publish this paperback at £34.00.

Construction Law

This ninth edition of Construction Law by John Uff provides comprehensive explanations of key topics and issues in a clear, concise tone suitable for both the professional and student reader. It guides the reader through the world of construction contracts, litigation, planning and environmental law, covering public and EU law, statutes, safety and building regulations. Extensively updated to reflect the fast pace of change in this field of law, specifically within the implementation and enforcement of construction law and the nature of contracts, it also includes updated contract forms from FIDIC and NECC. Published by Sweet and Maxwell in paperback the book is priced at £29.95.

Using the Building Regulations – Part M Access

Written by Melanie Smith and Mike Billington this series of books on individual Documents goes far beyond analysis of the Regulations and Documents themselves, and offers practical advice on using not just the traditional routes to compliance but also on the alternative approaches suggested but not explained in the Approved Documents. The advantages and disadvantages of each form of compliance are analysed in depth. This book examines in detail Part M on Access and takes the user through all the key stages of preparation, compliance, inspection and enforcement.

It is published by Butterworth Heinemann in paperback at £29.99.

CROSS Newsletter

This is the first newsletter published by CROSS (Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety) six months after their launch and is available at www.scoss.org.uk/CROSS/newsletters.asp It deals with seventeen concerns which have been reported in confidence and reviewed by SCOSS, the Standing Committee on Structural Safety. These together with the analysis of subsequent reports will be used to create a unique resource to help reduce failures and improve safety in buildings and structures.