We provide an independent remedial surveying and consultancy service for building owners and occupiers, property managers, developers, builders, architects, surveyors, engineers, insurers and loss adjusters.
At a competitive price, we will carry out a minimally invasive investigation of your property, and provide expert independent and environmentally sound advice on cost-effective long-term solutions. Our work is supported by in-house and external specialists and laboratory services, and can be covered by guarantees or collateral warranties.
Our Story
Geoffrey Hutton and Michael Rostron met as research scholars at the RIBA at the start of the 1960s, when it became clear to them that the building industry was in dire need of more and better information on the new materials and systems being used in construction. They therefore set up in partnership as Hutton + Rostron to produce information such as the British Gypsum White Book.
Because of this, they were soon being approached to investigate and provide independent expert opinion when building materials and systems failed. In particular, investigating and advising on failures of cladding systems and curtain walling.
In 1975, Hutton + Rostron moved their offices into Netley House, which is an historic building owned by the National Trust. This had severe damp and decay problems, including extensive dry rot. Hutton + Rostron therefore employed a number of young biologists and scientists to investigate the cause of these problems, and quickly came to the conclusion that dry rot and timber decay was not caused by a lack of ‘chemical remedial treatment’ but was a symptom of a chronic problem of inadequate maintenance and refurbishment, resulting in chronic problems of moisture penetration and damp within the masonry.
Based on this work Hutton + Rostron started to provide independent investigation and remedial advice on historic and refurbished buildings as well as failures to new builds. Hutton + Rostron was called in by English Heritage to provide independent advice on the repeated failure of remedial treatments and conservation works at Brighton Pavilion, in the early 1980s. This showed that the problems were due to failure to prevent water penetration and allow long term drying; and Hutton + Rostron instigated the long-term monitoring of buildings to allow cost effective management of these processes.
In 1987, Tim Hutton joined Hutton + Rostron and applied his experience and training in comparative pathology and environmental science to the investigation and remediation of building failures. This resulted in the concept of the ‘environmental control of timber decay’, which showed that isolation of timber elements from damp or potentially damp masonry and provision of adequate through and cross ventilation with fresh air would prevent decay, even if damp conditions persisted or further water penetration occurred. The application of the principals of comparative pathology also resulted in the development of the subject of ‘Building Pathology’ and Building Diagnostics, and Hutton + Rostron held a series of international conferences on the subject from 1989 to 1993.
Since that time Hutton + Rostron has provided cost effective independent expert investigation and remedial advice in investigation of failures or defects in buildings of all ages and types throughout the UK and abroad; and has been the market leader in the UK on the application of principals of Building Pathology and the environmental control of damp and decay related problems. In particular, H+R provides investigation advice on problems supplement to fire and flood, and problems resulting in issues with the health of building occupants, as well as decay and damage to building materials
Get in Touch with H+R
For more information contact our team on 01483 203221 or request a call back by clicking on the button below.
Testimonials
I have known and seen work undertaken by Hutton+Rostron for over 20 years. I have always been impressed by their professional approach and depth of knowledge in the field of building surveys and pathology.
When it comes to seeking expert advice on the condition of the timber in an old building we turn to Hutton+Rostron whom we know we can rely upon to give a thorough and efficient appraisal which we can then use to develop the scope of the repairs.
We have worked with Hutton + Rostron over many years now, and find them knowledgeable, professional, helpful and practical. They understand both the needs of historic buildings and the forces driving their alteration, which means that their expert advice is always framed in a suitable way. We greatly enjoy our relationship with them, and look forward to many more years of collaboration.
H+R have provided a great service; I’m particularly happy with the high level of technical knowledge of their staff and willingness to take time to explain what they are doing and why. I thoroughly recommend them.
Squire and Partners have worked closely with Hutton + Rostron on a number of projects, including the UNISON Headquarters and 74 St James’s Street.
We have been impressed by their depth of knowledge of historic buildings and look forward to working with them again in the future.
Having worked as Project Manager on a number of high-value, listed houses, there is in my opinion clear benefit and value to a project in having H+R on board at the earliest stage possible.
Understanding the hidden condition of a historic building is crucial in making accurate budget and programme estimations. Hutton + Rostron provide an unrivalled service in this sector allowing us to make informed decisions and mitigate the risks of historic building fabric before they materialise. Hutton + Rostron have provided input on a number of Walton Wanger projects, providing us with a range of environmental investigations, which have enabled the design process and contract negotiations to be more accurate and more robust.
Hutton + Rostron and Sandberg have enjoyed a long standing and valued professional relationship and expect this to continue and develop in the future. Our work together ranges from the routine to the quirky, with the latter often being the most fascinating and therefore enjoyable!
Now that we have reached the end of the works at Great Portland Street, I would like to thank you and your team for all your efforts. The reports on existing condition provided by the team at Hutton + Rostron were invaluable and helped us de-risk the project for GPE. Equally your assistance throughout the project where unforeseen issues arose was gratefully received.
A full service through pre-construction, construction and early occupation.