Recent publications

Citation

(2011), "Recent publications", Structural Survey, Vol. 29 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2011.11029daa.004

Recent publications

Recent publications

Article Type: Recent publications From: Structural Survey, Volume 29, Issue 4.

The future of UK house-building

New RICS research on low-cost, sustainable design and how it could help ease housing crisis has been launched. Traditional building methods must make room for more cost effective and sustainable designs if the UK's growing housing crisis is to be alleviated, according to an independent research report, commissioned by RICS, into the future of UK house-building. The research highlights a series of low-cost housing solutions which could significantly ease national shortages and ensure that affordable housing is more readily available to both local authorities and first-time buyers. By making use of off-site construction methods, recycled materials and innovative structural design, homes can be constructed swiftly and cheaply with less impact on the environment. Many of the designs can be easily segmented and extended, eliminating the need for costly renovation work, and enabling them to evolve as the needs of the occupiers change. UK house-building has long been associated with expensive, time consuming methods and can mean that environmental standards are difficult to maintain. More innovative, modern off-site and modular designs are not only extremely cost effective, but can be constructed with ease in a very short period of time. Furthermore, many major mortgage providers are already willing to lend against these structures, which has been a problem in the past, meaning that first-time buyers could find them a highly practical way of getting onto the property ladder. The report, funded by the RICS Education Trust and written by Dr Chris Goodier of Loughborough University is available at: www.rics.org/ukhousebuilding

The sustainable self

Sub-titled “A Personal Approach to Sustainability Education” this book is written by Paul Murray and published by Earthscan. The Sustainable Self is a resource for lecturers, trainers, students and professionals of any discipline who need to teach or learn about sustainability. The book presents a complete “curriculum” for effecting a personal transformation towards sustainability, showing you how to align your personal and professional actions with your values and beliefs. Full of activities that can be done individually or in groups, it is supported by additional online resources including downloadable worksheets and a directory of sustainability organisations. Recommended readings at the end of each chapter enable readers to pursue areas of personal or professional interest. Available in Paperback at £16.99 (ISBN 9781849712408) or Hardback at £60.00 (ISBN 9781849712392).

BCIS guide to daywork rates

This 25th edition of the Guide to Daywork Rates is the industry's most respected pricing source. It has over 1000 rates dating back to 2001, so it's an invaluable resource for contractors, surveyors and consultants. Fully updated for 2011, it lists the new daywork rates for 58 grades of operative, from general builders to specialist heating and ventilation engineers. It takes into account the various wage increases across England, Wales and Scotland and its rates have been calculated in accordance with the various “Definitions of Prime Cost of Daywork” agreed between RICS and the contractors’ trade associations. The guide is priced at £70.00 and can be ordered via: www.bcis.co.uk/site/scripts/retail_product_browse.aspx?product_id=972

Design of structural elements

Published by Routledge for the design of concrete, steelwork, masonry and timber elements to British Standards and Eurocodes, this is the 3rd Edition of this popular textbook by Chanakya Arya. An accompanying solutions manual is available online.

Available in paperback (ISBN 978-0-415-46720-9) at £29.99.

Building surveys and reports

Providing a thorough treatment of all the key issues relating to surveying buildings, this book provides guidance on building survey work for typical residential, commercial and industrial buildings, with advice on how to diagnose a wide range of defects. It considers both modern and older construction methods, together with new and traditional materials. The particular problems of alteration and renovation work are discussed, with guidance on how to carry out measured surveys. A separate chapter covers survey problems after flood and fire damage, and the legal section takes account of recent developments in case law relating to inspections and surveys of properties.

This new edition continues to provide a thorough treatment of all the key issues relating to surveying buildings, dealing with the problems that surveyors are likely to encounter when inspecting buildings. The author is James Douglas, the publisher Blackwell and the price £35.99 (ISBN: 9781405197618).

Ethics and professional conduct for surveyors

All RICS members have to abide by the RICS Rules of Conduct. Written by Christina Hirst, an experienced RICS trainer (and author of APC: Your practical guide to success) this accessible book explains RICS’ requirements in the areas of professional conduct and ethics, offers practical ways of applying the RICS Rules of Conduct and includes examples of good and bad practice. The book is priced at £28.50 and available from RICS Books.

House-builder's Bible

This new edition has been completely redesigned with new tables and improved illustrations. Mark Brinkley, the author, is an experienced house builder and renovator and much of the detail in the book is drawn from trade experience. The ninth edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect recent changes in prices, Building Regulations and other legislation. It also includes an expanded green building section, more information on extensions and a snagging list. It's an ideal companion for anybody, self-builder or professional, who wants to know more about building well and on a budget. Published by Ovolo Books Limited (ISBN 9781905959440) at £25.00.

Building maintenance price book

Building Maintenance Price Book 2011 is available in a handy, go anywhere, ring bound format, with essential information on labour and material costs arranged in easily accessible trade sections. It also offers: alternate pricing options for carrying out excavations or breaking of materials by hand or mechanically, more extensive prices for finishings. Available from the Building Cost Information Service (+44(0) 870 333 1600) at £139.

Part L 2010 – where to start: an introduction for house builders and designers

The overall aim of the October 2010 changes to Approved Document L is to achieve a 25% improvement in CO2 emissions. In collaboration with the Zero Carbon Hub and supported by DCLG, the Modern Masonry Alliance and the UK Timber Frame Association, this practical guide looks at the implications of the changes to the Building Regulations and explains ways for new homes to meet the revised Part L. Featuring four typical house types, the guide compares a number of approaches for house builders in achieving compliance in practice. The report is available to download from: www.nhbcfoundation.org/Researchpublications/WheretoStartNF28/tabid/444/Default.aspx

Surveying historic buildings

The Second Edition of Surveying Historic Buildings by David Watt has been published by Donhead. This best-selling book has been fully revised and updated to include valuable new case studies and examples which help to demonstrate the common problems found in older buildings. It features many additional photographs illustrating the decay mechanisms and individual issues associated with damp, timber decay, masonry defects, roofing problems and many other aspects. The book begins by summarizing the basics of surveying practice, including the inspection, assessment, defect diagnosis and monitoring of defects. It then examines the building elements, discussing their construction, typical faults and their diagnoses. This section provides specific advice on assessing industrial monuments and features concise inspection checklists for ease of reference. In the final section, the author looks to the future, considering the specific challenges faced by property professionals when employed to survey historic buildings. The book is accompanied by comprehensive appendices, including sample survey forms, and a list of useful contacts is followed by an extensive bibliography. This book will be of particular interest to conservation officers, surveyors, architects, archaeologists and planners. Available direct from the publisher at www.donhead.com, the book is priced at £48.00 (ISBN 978 1 873394 67 0).

Bribery act 2010: new guidance published

The Bribery Act received Royal Assent in April 2010. The Ministry of Justice in September 2010 issued its consultation on guidance to assist commercial organisations to understand the measures in the Act and also the importance of putting in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery being committed. The consultation ran until November 2010 with the guidance due to be published in early 2011. However, the Ministry of Justice delayed publishing that guidance and explained that further work was being undertaken on the guidance to make it as practical and comprehensive as possible for commercial organisations. The Ministry of Justice has now (30 March 2011) published that guidance which can be viewed at: www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/bribery-act-2010-guidance.pdf