H+R Rostron is a team of independent scientific building experts and surveying consultants, with a specialism in building pathology and other types of building defect reports and remedial specifications. Our multidisciplinary team of building pathologists have many years of experience and a wealth of specialist knowledge that enables us to bring a uniquely holistic approach to our investigations.
Whether you are looking for building pathology services in terms of remedial work, risk management or future use purpose, our team would be delighted to work with you. Contact us today to discuss your property requirements.
Building defect investigation
With 30+ years of experience in building pathology, the team at H+R deal with all aspects of building surveys and investigations.
Our building defect reports
To inform our building pathology work, we conduct building defect reports that can cover a wide variety of issues including:
- Structural building failure of external envelope elements including windows and roof finishes
- Structural building failure of component elements, including brickwork and timber
- Movement due to moisture/thermal movement and subsidence/settlement
- Damp issues, including penetrating damp, rising damp, condensation and failure of heating/acoustic insulation
- Presence of anthrax in plaster and heavy metals in paint
- Dry rot and wet rot infection and decay
- Wood boring beetle and other insect infestations
- Mould growth and VOCs and other potential health hazards to building occupancy
- ‘Mothballing’ consultancy to protect the capital value of properties during periods of reduced occupancy or prior to re-development
What is building pathology?
Building pathology is the study of building defects, building decay and building performance failure for the purposes of formulating suitable remedial and management solutions. The discipline looks at the interrelationships between the physical building, its use, occupation and environment to gain valuable insights into why a building fails.
Our Associate Director, David Watt has published on the subject of building pathology, which you can read here.
Our approach to building pathology
Years of experience and knowledge have furnished us with unrivalled expertise to offer a truly holistic approach to building pathology. Our remedial property surveys and consultancy services effectively describe the investigation, diagnosis and reporting of any building issues. Our reports form the basis for developing sustainable solutions to deal with the defects and deterioration that have been identified.
Our building defect reports typically begin with a compilation of background and historical information that we have thoroughly researched. This is followed by a comprehensive property site inspection which may involve specific investigation and measuring techniques. To assist us in obtaining robust results, we use our extensive practical experience, a wide range of minimally invasive, non-destructive investigation techniques and specialist instrumentation and laboratory facilities.
At H+R, we routinely work with a broad range of clients comprising commercial property organisations such as contractors, developers, real estate companies, landed estates and property management companies, in addition to private property owners. We also act on behalf of fellow industry professionals as well as numerous heritage sector organisations, institutions and charities.
H+R are experts in resolving and preventing building defects and decay. We offer cost-effective services and provide specialist advice tailored to the individual goals and objectives of your commercial or private property. As a valuable resource to our clients, we can help you act in good time to mitigate potential losses.
Building Pathology Gallery
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.