THE USE OF BUILDING SURVEY FOR MAINTENANCE OF BUILDING IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF ONE STOREY BUILDING AT OWERRI)

ABSTRACT

This research project present the use of building survey for maintenance of buildings. It used analytic model and field studies on improper building maintenance to discuss the causes and remedial measures to be used. It was discovered that low level of awareness about building survey is the major problem of our building maintenance (i.e carrying-out maintenance programme without proper inspection or investigation to know the causes of the defects in building)

       The study tried to find out how building survey helps in maintenance of building in our society. It also identified the application and importance of sound building surveying for maintenance of building.

       In constructing this research project, the research had to review some literati on and subsequently embarked on data collection through observation, interview and questionnaire.

       The objective of chapter one of the research projects is to introduce the topic which the need for the research is given and stated. The background of the study and other important aspects like the significant of the problem, the scope and limitation were given.

       The objective of chapter two is to present a piece of the extensive literature review carried out in order to reveal the expressed opinion of notable authors and scholar as regards to the relevance of the building survey. A case study of building survey on one storey residential building was included for reference purpose. The chapter three presents the research design and methodology. Chapter four and five presents the analysis of the research and result, conclusion an recommendation respectively which summarizes the use building survey.      

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

       A historic building report provides documentary graphic and physical information about a structures history and existing condition. Broadly recognized as an effective part of preservation planning, a historic structures report also addressed management or owner goals for the use and re-use of the structure. It provides a thoughtfully considered argument for selecting the most appropriate approach to treatment, prior to the commencement of work, and outlines a scope of recommended work. The building survey report serves as an important guide for the changes made top a historic structure during a project repair rehabilitation or restoration and can also provide information for maintenance procedures. Finally, it records the findings or research and investigation as well as the processes of physical work for future researches.

       The introduction to the first historic structure report in this country, Charles E. Peterson of the National part service wrote in 1935 any architect who undertakes the responsibility of working over a fine old building should feel obligated to prepare a detailed report of his findings for the information of those who will come to study it in future years’ since then, thousands of historic structure report (HSRS) have been prepared to help guide work on historic properties.

       The first historic structure report prepared in the United States is the moor House. The site of the surrender Yorktown, was written by charles E Peterson of the National Park Service in the early 1930s. In the decades since the Moore House report was completed, preservation specialists commissioned by owners and managers of historic properties have prepared thousands of reports of the type. Similar studies have also been used for many years as planning tools in France, Canada, Australia and other countries as well as in the United States. Although historic structure reports may differ in format, depending upon the client, the producer of the report. The significance of the structure, treatment requirements and budgetary and time restrictions, the essential historic perseveration goal is the same. “Just as an art conservator would not intervene in the life of an artistic, artifact before obtaining a thorough knowledge of it’s history, significance and composition, so those proceed only from a basis of knowledge. Too often in the past the cultural integrity of countries buildings has been compromised by approaches to restorations grounded on personal whim, willful romanticism, and expedient notions of repair. The preparation of historic building report is the first step in adopting a disciplined approach to the care of a historic building “(From the introduction of the University of  Virginia, Pavilion 1, Historic structure Report, Mesick Cohen Waite Hall Architects, 1988).