Contract planning in Egham
Documented building context
The January 2020 appraisal describes Egham's historic High Street as a linear settlement with narrow-fronted, deep plots. It records a continuous built frontage and later amalgamation of some plots into wider buildings. This helps explain the variety in the street, but does not establish the present division of ownership or the structure behind a particular frontage.
The appraisal describes the residential streets north of High Street as consistently two-storey, with detached and semi-detached houses. It notes narrow side spaces giving access to gardens and side doors, and distinguishes narrow-fronted houses from double-fronted forms. These are recorded characteristics of that part of the conservation area, not a current survey of every house or extension.
The appraisal records red brick alongside yellow and buff brick, contrasting brick details and rendered or painted finishes. It notes that render can be confined to a principal elevation while side and rear walls remain exposed brick. That difference is part of the documented local palette, not proof of a defect or of identical wall construction throughout a house.
The Egham appraisal describes varying roof lines on High Street and Station Road North, with buildings of similar storey counts differing in overall height. For a client, this is a reason to identify the actual roof and upper accommodation rather than assume a view from the street reveals the whole arrangement.
Egham tender and contract decisions
The deep High Street plot should appear in the contract drawings with its actual front, rear and intermediate buildings. Identify any amalgamated premises and the limits of the employer's instruction. The historic plot pattern does not establish present ownership or a continuous internal layout, so obtain the current survey and documentary information before asking contractors to price access and phasing.
For houses north of the High Street, use their own wall, roof and alteration records. Separate brick repairs from render treatment and show which elevation each item covers. A proposed change should retain the relevant drawing, designer's decision and JCT instruction, with measurement and programme evidence sufficient to explain the assessment.
What should the Egham tender and completion file make clear?
Before roof work begins, define temporary weather protection and the inspection stages at concealed junctions. Keep any necessary permissions separate from the building contract itself. At completion, reconcile the accepted details, required documents and remaining work against the actual schedule. The appraisal's historic account cannot demonstrate that a particular alteration was authorised or that every part of a deep plot was included in the appointment.
Appointment
HCS cannot act as independent contract administrator where HCS is the contractor.
Local Sources Checked
- Egham Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal - Part 2 — Egham Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal January 2020, part 2: paragraphs 4.6.1–4.6.4, printed 43 (PDF 14); 4.7.1–4.7.2, printed 47 (PDF 18)
Nearby contract administration
Accountability
Provider
Hampstead Chartered Surveyors & Building Consultancy — RICS Regulated Firm No. 923064
Other Egham surveying services
Need a RICS survey quote in Egham? We confirm a fixed fee after scoping. Call 020 7101 4590, email enquiries@hampsteadcharteredsurveyors.co.uk, or inspect our redacted RICS Level 3 sample reports. Sample reports.