Specialist Surveys
Specialist investigation and advice for complex, non‑standard and higher‑risk assets
FFT’s specialists bring the experience needed to understand parts of your portfolio that standard surveys don’t fully explain.
Our teams support clients in assessing assets that require a more tailored approach, including non‑traditional construction, complex structural systems and buildings with unusual histories or constraints. Drawing on the collective experience of our Chartered Building Surveyors, gained through delivering new build developments, repairs, alterations, extensions, conversions and diagnostic investigations across a wide range of property types, we provide clear advice on risk, performance and long‑term management. This helps clients make informed decisions about investment, maintenance and future asset strategy.
Support can be focused on a specific issue or applied across defined segments of stock, helping organisations respond to uncertainty, regulatory pressure and gaps in existing asset data.
Focused analysis for assets that require a different approach
We provide bespoke surveys where standard processes and systems do not give enough insight into condition, risk or investment need.
Our work typically focuses on specific asset types, using a combination of desktop review, targeted inspection and specialist input to build a clear, evidence‑based understanding of performance and risk.
Each commission is tailored to the nature of the asset whether heritage buildings, non‑traditional homes or complex structural forms. Outputs go beyond condition, setting out practical advice on management, lifecycle planning, investment priorities and, where required, longer‑term strategic options.
Our experience across building safety, defects and capital works allows us to apply informed professional judgement, ensuring recommendations reflect how these assets are managed in practice.
Where complex assets need specialist analysis
- Heritage and Listed Buildings – conservation‑sensitive surveys and investment planning for complex historic assets
- Non‑Traditional and Legacy Construction – identification, risk analysis and investment planning for property types such as PRC homes, BISF, Airey Houses and Wimpey No-Fines
- RAAC Surveys and Risk Profiling – portfolio‑wide desktop review and targeted inspections to identify, verify and manage structural risk
- Large Panel System (LPS) Buildings – strategic appraisal and technical assessment to support long‑term investment and safety decisions
- Transfer Slabs and Structural Systems – desktop review and targeted investigation to inform risk management strategies
- Converted / Non‑Standard Buildings – surveys of former offices, schools, churches or industrial units now in residential use
- Traveller Sites and Specialist Housing Types – assessment of non‑standard layouts, infrastructure and maintenance requirements
- Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Surveys – targeted review of plant, systems and infrastructure for lifecycle planning
- Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – technical appraisal of modular, panelised and offsite construction systems
Projects
Old School Court roof condition survey
Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH)
Drone roof survey providing MTVH with prioritised recommendations for planned replacement and targeted repairs to a listed residential building.
FAQs
When parts of your stock cannot be reliably assessed using standard stock condition approaches, typically due to construction type, structural complexity or data gaps.
Yes. We often review defined segments of stock (e.g. non‑traditional homes or specific building types) to build a clear, consistent picture across multiple assets.
Outputs typically include asset identification, risk profiling, condition insight, remediation advice, budget costs and specifications and management of repairs
In many cases, yes. These surveys often help clients understand and evidence specific risks and inform proportionate next steps.
Yes. We provide cost forecasting, lifecycle modelling and advisory input to support investment decisions and wider asset strategies.
Get in touch
If parts of your portfolio require a more detailed or tailored approach, we can help you understand the risks and plan the right next steps. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.