CPD Conferences Ltd is also able to offer bespoke courses at your site.  These courses would be tailored to meet individual company requirements and could be based on papers delivered at previous CPD Conferences training courses.  Please see below a list of papers given in the past that will provide a flavour of what is available.  Please contact us if you would like more information or if you would like to discuss your own requirements.

Building Regulations - existing case studies and future challenges
By John Palmer

An overview of the Building Regulations and the Approved Documents, focussing upon their practical implementation and the impacts upon design and construction standards. 
Utilising case study information the most common issues are discussed, explained and explored. A discussion regarding the scope and limitations of Building Control will be included within this case study analysis, with a summary of the Approved Inspector and Local Authority roles and differences. Finally, this is followed by a discussion of how the Regulations are likely to evolve in the future, particularly with the impact of the Grenfell tragedy and the subsequent Hackitt review

Timber Frame Building - A Modern Method of Construction
By Brian Margetson

Often cited as the sustainable form of construction, coupled with speed of erection on site, timber frame housing continues to increase its market share, with a predicted market share of 33.9% by 2020. This paper sets out to inform building professionals of the advantages and disadvantages of using timber frame buildings, how to optimise its benefits, along with guidance on the inspection of properties built with this technology. The means of ensuring successful and competent site construction is also set out in this informative and interesting paper.

More than just a wall – The Party Wall Act
By Christopher Magowan

An overview with case studies of some of the peculiarities of the Act with focus on what surveyors are presented with on the ground when dealing with day to day party wall matters. The presentation will touch on common hurdles that a surveyor may have to negotiate such as boundary disputes, adverse possession and easements.

Planning Policy affecting the Historic/Heritage Environment?
By David Hornsby

The paper provides a critical approach to how the National Planning Policy Framework  (2018) works in relation to listed buildings and other designated heritage assets such as conservation areas. David Hornsby is an RICS Accredited Building Conservation Chartered Surveyor and specialises in the survey of historic houses, including Country Houses throughout the UK. His speciality  also includes the preparation of heritage statements and other associated support documents for Listed Building Consent Applications and Appeals in relation to all types of historic properties as well as representing clients who find themselves on the wrong end of enforcement action. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has tightened  policy in relation to the historic environment and introduces terms such as "significance," harm to significance" "the setting of a heritage asset"  "public benefit" and differentiates between two types of harm in the form of "substantial harm" and "less than substantial harm." The paper aims to provide delegates with an understanding how the NPPF can impact on surveys in relation to properties which are listed buildings, or buildings located in conservation areas.

Japanese Knotweed: A Guide to Identification
By Jason Harker

Japanese Knotweed is rapidly becoming Britain’s most invasive and destructive weed, and yet little is known about how to correctly identify it. Failing to correctly identify Japanese Knotweed can be a devastating error for many professionals within the property sector. This course covers everything you need to know about Japanese Knotweed, including; how to identify it throughout the seasons; the treatment methods used to eradicate it; the reporting process; and the legal implications of Japanese Knotweed being present on a site

BIM in (Our) Practice
By Chris Fry

Our presentation will take you on a stroll through the impact BIM (Revit in particular) has had within our practice from a basic grasp of the fundamentals but concentrating on a set of worked examples. A short precis of BIM as envisaged in the ‘real’ world of SME business, taking the Bew Richards Wedge and our position within it leads on to set of illustrated projects. The scope of work will cover residential schemes in various guises of standalone apartments and houses, together with large scale masterplanning work and commercial property.

Green Infrastructure Resilience
By Pete Wharton

How do we ensure our streets continue to provide benefits in creating places and space that we want to reside. The importance of early engagement, communication and collaborative working to successfully plan and manage natural infrastructure through the design and planning process. I will review specific case studies of success and failure.

Diagnosing the Causes of Structural Movement in Low Rise Buildings
By Brian Margetson

Much has been written about the process of investigating the causes of movement in low rise buildings. Many Property professionals will come across evidence of structural movement when carrying out general condition surveys. Evidence of such movement will, in most cases, profoundly affect the nature of advice given. This paper sets out to aid the professional faced with structural movement on a one-visit property survey, who is required to provide some indications as to its seriousness. There is a strong emphasis on forensic analysis of the evidence of movement through a series of case studies, along with thoughts on any further investigation required.

Averting Disaster: A Case Study
By Chris Shaw

A disaster is the last link in a chain of events.  This presentation and Paper form a case study of how a partial collapse of a building was saved from becoming a disaster.  It contains a forensic analysis of the events leading up to the partial collapse, and shows how the first link in a chain of events for a building or aviation disaster can occur many years before the disaster actually happens.  It includes an assessment of what to look for when carrying out a survey / inspection of a building, and how a developing chain of events can be identified before it becomes a disaster.  Chris is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer who has been dealing with damaged buildings since the 1970s.

Elevated Imagery for Surveyors
By Allan Ballard

A discussion of the benefits and challenges presented to surveyors with the today’s different technologies available for acquiring detailed overhead images.

Drone technology:
The Facts and the Myths.
What you can do, and what you can’t do.
How to train and qualify as your own operator.
See some of the technology on display.

Carbon Pole:
Advantages of the carbon pole, versus the traditional cherry picker.
What you can do, and what you can’t do.
Limitations of the pole.
Equipment demonstration.

Achieving and Sustaining Compliance with the Fire Regulations - The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
By Pete Moulson

Common Misconceptions: A fire is never going to happen to us! Why do I need you? I can do the Fire Risk Assessment myself! We’ve never had a fire during these last 25 years, why should I do anything but the minimum? How much does it cost? Fire Compliance, what’s that? Reputational Risk, what a load of old TOSH…

Just a few misunderstood thoughts and comments which must be overcome to avoid the full impact of non-compliance with the Fire Regulations becoming a reality.

Pete Moulson is an experienced and accredited Fire Risk Specialist having operated within the Fire Industry for over 36 years quite a proportion of which was with the Fire Authority. Sadly, since the introduction of the new Fire Regulations in 2005, Pete spends quite a bit of his time helping organisations who have fallen foul of the law for non-compliance. Attendance at this talk will greatly assist the attendees create ‘Peace of Mind’, ‘Best Practice’ and ‘Cost Effective Solutions’ for their organisation.      

Ground Engineering Solutions
By Gary Morton

Ground Engineering Solutions covers the use of the Ischebeck Titan injection anchor system as micropiles, geothermal energy piles, ground anchors, rock bolts and soil nails.
Our presentation explains the installation techniques, benefits of self-drilling, ground improvement and corrosion protection through steel type, crack width limitation and sacrificial metal. We also give examples of previous projects including embankment stabilisation, basements, tower bases and tie back anchors in marine environments.

Boundary Disputes - the role of a Surveyor!
By Julia Stolle

Boundary disputes costing thousands of pounds in legal and surveyors' fees are often fought over a few centimetres. Uncertainty about the position of the original boundary, discrepancies between the existing features on the ground and the Paper-title documents or the limitations of Land Registry Title plans are common problems. A situation can easily escalate and people often don’t know where to get the right advice.

This talk will guide you through the complexity of boundary and right-of-way disputes. It will highlight the importance of the legal and surveying experts working closely together so that expensive litigation is avoided.

Historic Buildings - a one day course
By Bob Hill

The course is an introduction to historic building construction and is delivered from the perspective of a surveyor undertaking a building survey on an historic house within the size range up to about 8 bedrooms.  It will be delivered in much the same way that such a building would be approached on site by trying to understand its age, type of construction and obvious faults.  

The aim of the seminar is to enable surveyors to:

Have a basic understanding of dating and construction of historic houses.
Be able to understand some of the range of the traditional building methods and materials used in the UK
Understand some common defects in traditional buildings, and how to differentiate significant failures from old construction.
Have an understanding of how surveying an historic building differs from that of a modern house.
Be able to make understand the appropriate recommendations on the necessity of repair or conservation work and what if anything should be done.
Consider the delivery form of reports in a form that properly explains the building under consideration and is understandable by those who read it
Receive 6.5 hours CPD

Insurance: Procedures and Opportunities for Surveyors and Engineers
By Graham Woodall

The first part of the presentation will define and explain the various types of insurance that might be relevant to the construction professional and the meanings of many jargon expressions used by the insurance industry. The second part will outline ways in which professional surveyors and engineers can derive business and therefore an income stream by having the insurance industry as clients.

Ever been on Time Team? What do archaeologists really do, and why?
By Graham Keevill

You may not be wholly surprised to learn that I get asked the first question a lot. There's no doubt that a certain TV programme has raised the public profile of professional archaeology considerably. Whether or not Time Team gave a 'real' picture of how we work may be more open to question. This presentation will look at why and how archaeological projects are carried out in England today, and will explore how surveyors are likely to come into contact with archaeologists. We will look at legislation, planning policy nationally and locally, and of course the different types of work we do - above as much as below ground. I will use many examples from my own recent and current projects from around the country.
 
The Role of the Surveyor in Reducing the Number of Fires in Thatched Roofs
By Charles Chalcraft

There are between 100 - 150 major thatched property fires every year.  Many of these are preventable.  This presentation provides surveyors with the specialist information they will need when surveying thatched properties.    It outlines the background, the principal causes of fire in thatched roofs and their prevention.  The application of this knowledge when built into the Home Condition Survey, the RICS Building Survey or RICS Home Buyers Report will help to reduce thatch fires, and raise awareness of maintenance that is not happening at the moment.  This is an extract from the Understanding Thatched Roofs course.

Defects by Decade: Exploring how Defects have brought about improvements in Design
By Brian Margetson

The domestic home, as a product, has evolved over the centuries in response to changing lifestyles and emerging technology. Unfortunately, some changes and innovations have caused performance problems. This paper examines some of the key changes in house design over the last couple of hundred years and confronts some of the structural problems they have caused.

Arches, Lintels, and the new British Standard
By Chris Shaw

Arches and lintels are commonly used to span openings in the walls of buildings.  This Paper examines the different types of arches and lintels, their ability to provide structural support, and their sensitivity to external events.  A rule of thumb assessment for arches and a design for sustainable lintels is included.  The Paper also looks at the new British Standard for lintels.  Chris is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer practising as a Consultant, and has many years experience in dealing with arches and lintels.

Earth Dwellings & their Failures Revisited
By Chris Shapland

A refresher guide to failures, repair and necessary management and the future.  The very nature of an earth building makes it very vulnerable to catastrophic failure when subjected to excesses of moisture.  This presentation will provide surveyors, architects, engineers etc with an illustrated and practical guide to interpreting potential risks of future failure. Also covered will be how to guide current and potential owners in monitoring, managing and repairing such dwellings.

Flood Risks and Financial Costs
By Peter Webster and Robert Hamilton

This presentation covers the effect on valuation of the property, insurance cover and claims, relating to damage caused by flooding or potential damage.  The effect of punitive excess requirements of some insurers on value of property.  Unusual risks such as thatched roofs, timber framed buildings, listed buildings and conservation areas.  Reinstatement or rebuilding cost and how to protect the insured from the aggressive tactics of Loss Adjusters in the event of a claim.

The Law on Dilapidations
By James McAllister

The law of Dilapidations is a growing area of dispute between Landlords and Tenants with claims ranging in value from a few hundred pounds to millions. Understanding the complex legal and surveying principles in this area is fundamental when acting on behalf of either landlord or tenant.  This presentation will cover a background to the law with specific emphasis on identifying actual covenant breaches, understanding the standard and scope of repair, analysing common express obligations and working within the Dilapidations Protocol all with updates on relevant legal cases along the way.

Fire Safety in Blocks of Flats: Lessons to be Learned from Lakanal House
By David Ware

This presentation will look in depth at what went wrong at Lakanal that resulted in the deaths of residents who were not in the room of origin.  It will look at the importance of passive fire protection and ensuring the internal linings of buildings are suitably protected. It will also look at the importance of competent persons being involved in both organising maintenance and those who carry it out. I will also discuss the impact of residential sprinklers and where they should be recommended in existing blocks of flats. I will finally discuss the issue of the stay put policy and when this strategy is not appropriate with an overview of communal fire alarms.

Subsidence Damage Claims - Arboricultural Solutions
By David Mahon

Low rise buildings on shrinkable clay soils are vulnerable to movement and structural damage due to moisture abstraction by trees and other vegetation groups.  Over the last 10 years domestic subsidence claims number between 28,000 to 55,000 costing the insurance industry £140M - £400M annually.  A significant proportion of these claims relate to the influence of trees and other vegetation groups.  Using case studies, the presentation will discuss tree related subsidence damage, investigations and technical evidence, options for vegetation management and other arboricultural solutions, statutory controls and the legal position.

Maintaining Period Properties
By Ian Rock

Ian Rock assesses some of the maintenance challenges that face owners of period properties and highlights some serious concerns about how the surveying profession reports defects in traditional buildings. In this entertaining and very visual presentation a number of worrying new threats to old buildings are flagged up.  A Chartered Surveyor by profession Ian has published a number of best-selling books in the Haynes series including ‘The Victorian House Manual’ and more recently ‘Period Property Manual’.

An Overview of Woodworm Infestation and Fungal Decay
By Ross Allan of Timberwise

This paper gives an overview of the life cycle of beetle and fungal attack, how infestation and decay manifest themselves in buildings. We will give tips on how to identify the different species and how to determine if there is activity or not. We will also look at the various courses of action/treatment to eliminate the problem.

Internet Marketing for Property Professionals
By JJ Heath-Caldwell of Local Surveyors Direct

This presentation gave an update on how the Local Surveyors Direct system has been helping customers to find Surveyors, Architects, Structural Engineers and other property professionals.  Developments on the internet and in particular changes in the Google search engine were discussed. 

Low Carbon Ground Floors For Housing: A Case Study
Chris Shaw, Consultant

This Paper described the design and construction of the world's first fully integrated super insulated flexibly detailed hybrid reinforced concrete ground floor slabs for a housing development, which incorporated 'underfloor heating' within the structural slab.  The design provided a low cost low carbon floor which was fast and easy to construct without specialist labour.  It was significantly cheaper more sustainable than a beam and block floor design.  Chris is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer practising as a Consultant.

Boundary Disputes
By Carl Calvert, Lawyer and Chartered Surveyor

This paper covered the role of an Expert Witness relating to Boundary Disputes.  In particular; Civil Procedure Rules 1999, Expert Witness rules (Expert Witness Institute), Practice directions.  The difference between a legal boundary and a physical boundary?  What is the best assistance a surveyor can give the courts on boundaries?  Carl specialises in boundary and rights of way disputes in England and Wales, and in copyright and other Intellectual Property matters in 'Common Law' countries and the EU.

Party Wall Disputes
By Stuart Frame, Barrister

This paper was primarily aimed at those practising as party wall surveyors. It discussed the applicability of the Party Wall etc Act where no initiating notice has been served, and in particular the use of retrospective awards. Surveyors' duties in administering the Act was examined, with some of the difficulties that arise in practice being considered.

The Uses of Lime Mortar
By Bob Bennett MBE

The earliest recorded use of a ‘Cement Mortar’ dates back 5600B.C.  Modern O.P.C. (Ordinary Portland Cement) has been very popular over the last 100 years but does not have the same characteristics as Lime Mortar, particularly with relation to breathability and expansion.   Modern cement has been extensively used for external render until comparatively recently when a better understanding of Lime Mortar has once more brought it back into use.  At the same time the use of Lime Plaster for internal finishes has also become popular particularly when refurbishing old buildings.

Understanding Mineral Paints (Breathable Paints)
By Mark Womersley of Womersley's Ltd

A modern paint with a completely waterproof surface is often assumed to be ideal for all requirements however there are some situations where the results can be rather disastrous.  This presentation will provide a good summary of breathable mineral paints together with their uses on both inside and outside projects, on old and new buildings.  The information provided will help you to avoid compromising new wall build ups and renovation schemes.  Particular emphasis will be on old buildings and the need to specify suitable paints with appropriate properties.

Thermal Improvement Techniques for Old Buildings
By Simon Ayres of  Lime Green Products Ltd

About 40% of the UK housing stock is of solid walled construction, this amounts to 4.4 million houses that were built before 1920.  Often built of lime mortar these buildings are of a vapour permeable construction and so function differently from modern cavity walled houses.  With many of these old buildings being cold and energy inefficient there is often a desire to thermally upgrade them. However, the latest research shows that many of the current refurbishment methods will lead to real problems.  This paper will focus on thermal improvement techniques and the specification of breathable materials for old buildings.

Subsidence and Other Cracks
By Mike Royall of 1st ER Surveys Ltd

An engineer’s insight into subsidence – what causes it, how to identify it, and what to do about it.  Mike Royall has been handling subsidence problems for over 20 years.  This talk will explain how to identify subsidence and distinguish it from settlement, how to deal with insurers and loss adjusters,  why investigations are required, what type of investigations are required, when monitoring is recommended, and details of typical remedial works and repairs.  And those other cracks – we will look at other cracks, what causes them, and how to distinguish them from subsidence cracks.

Buildings Behaving Badly (Acoustics)
By Alan Saunders of Alan Saunders Associates

Approved Document Part E (Resistance to the passage of sound) of the Building Regulations 2003. 95% Compliance in less than 7 years: What’s next? Previous versions of this document were flawed and not vigorously enforced and some of the ‘deemed to satisfy’ constructions didn’t work very well. Since there was no requirement for sound insulation testing upon completion, there was some very poor workmanship in the residential housing market. ADE 2003 introduced pre completion testing for conversions and for new build properties in 2004. The Association of Noise Consultants proposed a testing scheme to the Government which was approved by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This paper describes the scheme and its implementation.

Air Conditioning Energy Assessments
By Adrian Ogden of CPl

The paper will cover the legislative requirements, implementation and enforcement, based on the EU Performance directive. What are the benefits and how does an inspection result in energy savings? A practical look at how an inspection can provide energy saving information that has a tangible payback. Case study of an air conditioning system inspection, which provides useful information on what to look for when accessing the efficiency of air conditioning systems.

Party Wall Pitfalls
By John Hughes of The John Hughes Law Practice

This paper is a Lawyer’s view of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 presented with reference to a number of case studies from the last few years. It will cover: Origins of the legislation; When and to what does the Party Wall etc. Act apply; The award - what can Party Wall Surveyors do, and not do; Rights of access; Costs and expenses - who pays and for what?; Appeals to the County Court; Consequences of ignoring the Act - the Court process.
 
Modern Methods of Masonry Repair
By James Plaskett of Helifix

This paper aims to educate the specifier in the common causes of masonry failure and how such structural faults can be reliably repaired and strengthened. It also addresses the benefits of concealed non-disruptive repair methods with regard to cost effectiveness, aesthetic impact, project timescales and design implications.

Treating Buildings after Water Damage
By Andrew Bussey of Smithers Purslow (Chartered Surveyor)

Andrew Bussey fronts the Chartered Surveying team at Smithers Purslow who provide specialist services looking at buildings damaged by water (flooding, damp penetration and burst pipes).  This presentation will cover a number of case studies, starting with the initial examination and interaction with the involved parties followed by discussion of the requirement to strip back to the optimum level.  Drying processes and certification will then be described before an explanation of appropriate repair processes to buildings, including methods to leave them more robust to any future damage should it ever occur.  The session will conclude by looking at typical projects that have gone wrong and defects that ensue if properties are not treated correctly.

The Challengers of Carrying Out Restoration Work on old Structures
By Bob Bennett MBE

This paper covers a number of case examples encountered by Bob Bennett over a long career of working with old buildings and in particular the careful approach needed when dealing with traditional lime mortar verses modern concrete.  Case examples will also include the cleaning of ancient stone work in Winchester Cathedral without damaging historic wall paintings;  removal of bitumen from the copper covering on the Statue of Liberty; removal of paint from the Stone Henge monument.

Structural Inspection of a 1920s Admiralty Jetty
By Colin Feltham (Chartered Engineer)

This paper outlines the approach taken to plan a structural inspection for an usual requirement.  The brief from the client will be discussed followed by method statement and risk assessment. Initial inspection and the possibility of using internet mapping sites.  Structural evaluation and consideration of the need for computer analysis.  Building Regulations and British Standard Codes of Practice and Eurocodes.  Insitu testing, intrusive testing and laboratory sampling.  Assistance on site and the risk of working alone.  The provision of budget costing for remedial or improvement works.

Managing the Client (Managing Construction & Engineering Projects)
By Peter Webster of THEA Solicitors (Solicitor).

Peter Webster is a solicitor and mediator who has specialised in construction and engineering law since he qualified in 1999.  His talk will be aimed at surveyors, architects and engineers who have to manage clients as part of a professional team (whether the lead or otherwise), or as contract administrator on a small job.  The client may or may not be an owner or occupier of the building, and may or may not be in a direct contractual and/or personal relationship with the professional.  Peter will illustrate the challenges of client management from cases he has been involved in, under six headings:  1. unusual material (rammed earth);  2. unusual constraints (hospital ‘heating season’);  3. unusual conditions (subsidence and party walls);  4. unusual contract (client’s attempt to dictate working times);  5. unusual client (lay person left big property in will in need of development);  6. unusual weather (engineering against wind causing cladding to clatter).  There will be an opportunity to share stories of your own challenging clients and to ask questions at the end.

Asbestos Awareness Training Course
By Alec Smith of Artisan Surveyors

This course is a key element for any individual who may come into contact with asbestos containing materials (ACMs) through their line of work. These individuals include building services managers, electricians, engineers, all tradesmen and many more. There is a legal duty for employers to ensure that their staff all have sufficient training to ensure that they do not become exposed to asbestos fibres.
Attendance on this course will help employers to meet this requirement by explaining the effects of asbestos on the health of individuals, the types of material likely to contain asbestos, the location of these materials within buildings, and procedures for minimising the risk of asbestos fibre release.

Overview of the Party Wall Act
By Alex Frame

Overview of the Party Wall Act followed by a presentation of many of the common misunderstandings which occur when interpreting the Act in the application to real situations. In particular discussion of notices, line of junction-legal boundary issues, third surveyor selection and fees.

The Right To Light
By Alastair Gill of Drivers Jonas Deloitte

There is often confusion between daylight, sunlight and overshadowing studies for planning submissions and the common law right of light. This presentation will clarify the two separate processes. The first section will describe, with reference to the BRE document 'Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: a Guide to Good Practice' when a daylight and sunlight analysis will be required and the format it takes. The second section will look at the statutes and case law relevant to rights of light, how rights of light are acquired and what impact they can have on the development of nearby properties.'

CDM (Construction Design & Management Regulations)
By Jill Thompson of JT Consulting

This paper will cover: Objectives of CDM 2007, Structure of CDM 2007, The Trigger for Appointments, Role of the Client under CDM 2007, Role of the Designer under CDM 2007, Competency / Co-operation and Co-ordination.

Environmental Surveys (Bats etc)
By Lindsay Carrington of Lindsay Carrington Ecological Surveys

Professionals working in planning and development related industries are increasingly encountering the requirement to consider the impacts of proposals on the ecology of and within the vicinity of a site (regarding bats, birds, insects etc). Initially the aspects of ecology such as protected species legislation, survey effort and mitigation schemes can seem difficult to negotiate within the planning process. This paper aims to explain why ecology needs to be considered in planning applications in terms of the governing legislation and policy and to provide an account of best practice in dealing with the most commonly encountered issues.

Waterproofing
By Ian MacLennan of MacLennan-LSE

This paper covers the implications of the British standards for structural waterproofing and how to avoid design liability whilst protecting the client’s interests. Also covered are the myths about waterproof concrete and the advantages of cavity drain systems. Asphalt and asbestos roof repairs, waterproof roof repairs and the latest ultimate deck and green roof systems.

Loft Conversions: The Good, The Bad And The Downright Scary
By Ian Rock

The Buildings Regulations for loft conversions have recently changed. Ian Rock MRICS, author of the Haynes Loft Conversion Manual, explains what's new, with a step-by-step case study showing how to convert a modern trussed rafter roof - arguably the most challenging type of roof. Ian also shows photos of botched jobs to send shivers down the spines of even the hardiest professionals.

Sustainable Construction: A Case Study of the ‘Monet’ Bridge
By Chris Shaw, Consultant

This paper is in two parts. The first part answers the question; Sustainability – What is it? The second part is a case study of a ‘Monet’ style bridge built over a river. The construction of this bridge was carefully planned using state of the art sustainable methods. Sustainability was the key requirement for the design, construction, maintenance and eventual removal of the bridge at the end of its life. Chris is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer who has used the sustainability techniques on building projects for many years.

Invasive Weeds: A Barrier to Development, Environmental Catastrophe or Manageable Nuisance?
By Alison Downer of Thurlow Countryside Management Ltd

This paper reveals the dangers of allowing invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed to remain untreated. This can lead to damage to hard structures, public health issues and further liabilities can also be incurred if the plants are allowed to spread to adjacent properties. Current legislation, identification, effective methods of eradication and pitfalls are described, allowing the Property Professional to understand all pertinent issues when they encounter invasive weeds on sites on in the future.

Basment Waterproofing using Cavity Drain Membrane
By Chris Burbridge of Delta Membranes

For several decades the incorporation of Basements into residential schemes has been neglected. Today with increased land prices and shortages of large building plots the domestic Basement is now back in fashion. This paper demonstrates how modern basement waterproofing techniques can be employed to create dry usable basement spaces for both new build and refurbishment situations.

Earth Buildings and their Failures
By Chris Shapland of Peninsula Properties

Earth buildings were constructed on random rubble plinths, the plinths being constructed to a height of sufficiency to allow external and internal evaporation through breathable finishes. The more recent use of cement renders and non-breathable finishes often drives dampness into the base of the earth wall and this does on occasions produce catastrophic failures. This paper is illustrated with examples of building failures and gives guidance as to 'what to look for'.

Durability of Reinforced Concrete
By Chris Shaw, Consultant

Incorrect positioning of the reinforcement in concrete costs £550 million a year in the UK, and is a world wide problem. The strength, durability and fire resistance of the structure are adversely affected, resulting in premature failure. This paper shows the problem, the causes, and the solution. Chris is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer and developed the system to solve this problem now published as British Standard 7973.

Identifying Leaks in Flat Roofs
By Tommy Tyrrell of RAM Consultancy

Below a flat roof we can easily see the result of a leak in the waterproofing membrane but how do we find the actual leak? There are several testing techniques that can identify where rainwater may be entering. This paper gives an overview of the possibilities and the advantages and disadvantages.

The rise of geospatial data and access to environmental information from the internet - Impacts for the property professional
By David Dixon of Land Mark

Google Maps and Microsoft Live have made mapping familiar to us all.  This paper looks at the impact of internet mapping, the sources and applications property professionals use mapping for now and what are the likely future developments.  Barely a day goes by without the mention of the environment in the news. Professional bodies such as the Law Society and RICS produce guidance advising how their members should deal with the issues and advise their clients.  We look here who is doing what currently and at what information can be ascertained easily from the internet and/or alternatively from the environmental market place.

Drainage CCTV Surveys  
By David Brewster of Auger Solutions

Drainage problems or subsidence often result in the need for a drainage CCTV Survey.  What are the situations where this can be a good option, how much can be achieved and what are the limitations?  This paper gives a thorough overview of what is involved and what sort of results can be expected.  David Brewster is a Structural Engineer and is Managing Director of Auger Solutions and Brewster Associates.

Does It Really Matter If There Is A Tree Near A Building?
By Chris Overbeke, OMC Associates

Trees are commonly highlighted in building surveys for no other reason than the fact that they are there.  As a result we lose a lot of trees where removal may not be necessary.  This presentation examines some of the factors that determine whether trees really do pose potential threats to buildings.  Chris has been an Arboriculturalist for 10 years as a Consultant and as a Local Government Officer.

Arches Over Openings
By Chris Shaw, Consultant Engineer

Arches are commonly used to span openings in the walls of buildings.  This paper examines the different types of arches, their ability to provide structural support and their sensitivity to external events.  A number of case studies are presented and a rule of thumb assessment is included.  Chris Shaw is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer with many years of experience.  

Boundary Disputes, Private Right of Way and Adverse Possession
By Carl Calvert, Consultant

The new Land Registration Act 2002 came into force on 13 October 2003 and the Land Registration Rules 2003 now apply.
The questions that fall out of this are:  
I have a Land Registry Filed Plan – does it really show me the legal boundary?
I occupy more land than shown on my Plan – is it mine?  
My neighbour has a right of way over my land – how wide is that way?  
The use of land surveying, mapping, photography and other documents is succinctly explained in this paper, with reference to boundary disputes.  Carl Calvert is a Chartered Land Surveyor and part-time university lecturer in law for Geographic Information Systems.

Conservatory Subsidence Problems
By Mike Royall, ER Surveys

Construction of most conservatories takes place without the need for conformance to building regulations.  Many installers of conservatories carry out excellent work however some don’t.  This paper looks at a number of case studies examining the problems that sometimes result and the solutions to these.  Mike Royall is a Civil Engineer with a great deal of knowledge of conservatories and in particular associated subsidence.

Asbestos In Buildings
By Jonathan Grant of Gully Howard

The HSE’s ‘Don’t Take the Gamble’ campaign, which is taking place between September and October, targets ‘dutyholders’ within the small and medium enterprise range and facilities management.  The campaign demonstrates the HSE’s commitment to the ongoing management of asbestos.  Using case studies this session will review current legislation, identify where asbestos-containing materials are typically found and highlight the difficulties in surveying a building for these materials.     

Bricks and Brickwor
By Kevin Gamble of Baggeridge Brick

Long term durability of brickwork is dependant upon a number of factors. Choosing the correct brick and good detailing are key factors in ensuring that the brickwork remains attractive throughout it's design life. This paper looks at brick selection, brickwork design and detailing and highlights cause and remedial action for most common types of staining.

Lintels Over Openings
By Chris Shaw, Consultant Engineer

Lintels are commonly used to span openings in the walls of buildings.  This paper examines the different types of materials used for lintels, their historical use and advantages / disadvantages, and the defects associated with lintels and their use.  Chris Shaw is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer with many years of experience. This paper follows on from the paper on Arches given earlier in the year.

Condition Surveys of Historic Buildings
By Stephen Bond of Tuffin Ferreby & Taylor

Condition surveys of historic buildings and sites often present the surveyor with different challenges to those experienced with other building types.  Often the surveyor is confronted with materials, building elements and components that are in some way or another unusual or unexpected.  Using a range of case studies, this session will look in a practical way at some of the potential pitfalls that may be encountered and seek to develop an appreciation of the art (and science) of surveying historic structures.

Woodworm Infestation and Fungal Decay
By Tim Clarke of Timberwise

A wide range of insects and bacteria are constantly attacking the wood inside buildings.  This paper gives an overview of the life cycles of beetle and fungal attack and goes on to show how decay and infestation presents itself in structures.  Tips are given on how to identify the different species together with a discussion on the various courses of action that can be considered to eliminate the problem.

Timber in Historic Buildings
By John Williams of TRADA

In the restoration and maintenance of historic buildings special attention must be given to the timber components.  Are they structural or non structural?  Most old timber will have suffered some level of decay but is the timber still strong enough to do its job.  Can it be preserved for reasons of conservation or does it need replacement in order to keep the building standing?

Avoiding Subsidence of Low Rise Buildings in Areas of Abandoned Mine Workings
By Ian Caldwell, Caldwell Consulting

The legacy of past mine working in the UK poses many problems to both brown field and green field sites.  This paper discusses the history, geology, technical aspects and design solutions to overcome these problems.  Ian Caldwell is a Chartered Engineer with years of experience of inspecting existing buildings and designing new structures.

Resolving the Challenges of Historic Sites
By Bob Hill, Wessex Archaeology

Building on historic sites can be fraught with difficulty if there is the possibility of archaeological remains.  However, with the right approach the perceived problems can be turned into unique benefits.  Bob Hill is a Chartered Surveyor with years of experience of advising on problems associated with historic sites and old buildings.

Damp in Historic Buildings
By Bob Bennett MBE, The Lime Centre

Old buildings often suffer with damp but it is seldom an historic problem.  Alterations both internally and externally, using inappropriate materials, often create damp problems, as does raising flower beds or repointing a lime mortar wall with cement.  Bob Bennett is a masonry consultant and co founder of the Building Limes Forum.