Finding the weak points in a roof terrace

Building Survey of a Top-Floor Flat with Roof Terrace, Hampstead, London NW3

The brief

A purchaser needed to understand the condition of a top-floor flat within a Victorian conversion, including the roof terrace and altered roof accommodation. Our inspection considered both the internal condition and the external details most likely to affect future maintenance.

Our work

The property showed no evidence of significant structural movement and was generally dry. However, split weathering at the terrace parapet and decay at a kerb corresponded with staining in the attic accommodation. Decking concealed parts of the waterproofing, while debris, ponding and a low threshold added uncertainty about drainage and junction performance.

The outcome

We recommended selective lifting of the decking, inspection of the concealed membrane and outlets, and repair of vulnerable junctions before internal decoration. The report also identified the documents needed to check the roof conversion, stairs and fire precautions. This gave the purchaser a focused list of investigations and maintenance obligations.

Scope and limitations

• Visual, non-intrusive inspection; decking concealed parts of the terrace waterproofing.
• The roof conversion, stairs and fire precautions were not verified against documents at the time of the survey.
• This account describes the issued survey only and does not claim completed repairs or a completed purchase.

The client is identified here by role only, and the exact address is not published.