The Diocese of Bristol has around 150 vicarages located in and between Bristol and Swindon. The buildings range from modern, purpose-built vicarages and 1960s/70s estate houses to Grade II listed Georgian mansions and Victorian terrace houses.
As with all property portfolios, the vicarages require planned, preventative maintenance and responsive repairs as well as refurbishment, occasional remodelling or extending, project managing and advice on acquisition or disposal of assets. Our team of surveyors deliver these services, along with other core building surveying services, year-on-year as part of a successful 50-year relationship with the Diocese.
The services Hookway provide to The Diocese of Bristol can be categorised as follows:
Quinquennial Surveys and Associated Maintenance work (QQs)
The QQ work is a cyclical programme of 5 yearly maintenance work and servicing on all vicarage properties. Each autumn we survey approximately 30 vicarages and report findings to the Diocese. These survey reports inform annual maintenance requirements and allow a maintenance budget to be allocated.
In collaboration with the Diocesan property team we set out annual QQ work for tendering. Tenders go out in mid-winter and awarded in early spring ready to commence work in the late Spring. Our surveyors project manage the QQ work through the summer months for completion in autumn - when the annual cycle begins again.
Vacant Refurbishments
Vacant refurbishments are undertaken when incumbents retire, curates complete their 3-year training or private tenants move on. The purpose is to bring each vacant property to the standard set by The Diocese of Bristol for new occupants. They also provide an opportunity to carry out necessary works otherwise deemed excessively disruptive for occupants such as renewing kitchens, re-modelling or adding extensions.
Our surveyors accompany representatives of the Diocesan Property Team on a vacancy visit and advise on the buildings condition, while taking note of any additional requirements. Typically this will cover general condition, necessary upgrades and analysis of site-specific defects with recommendations for repairs or replacement.
We can also advise on modifications on layout or feasability for extensions, provide budget costs and design ideas to meet client requirements. Having considered the requirements and advised on cost and feasibility, Hookway schedule, tender and manage the work to achieve a timely a turnaround enabling re-occupation of the building.
Responsive Sundry Advice and Repairs
The Diocesan property team often organise sundry work for the vicarages, but know they can rely on Hookway to get involved when more onerous, specialised advice or work is required. Examples are:
- Acting as Adjacent Owner, with the Building Owners Partywall Surveyor
- Working with service suppliers in organising regulatory operations
- Collaborating with planning and conservation officers when repair works are required
- Organising emergency repair works to roofs
As the name suggests, this work is carried out on an ad hoc basis and projects, small or large are run concurrently with the QQ or Vacant Refurbishments wherever possible. If not, we will meet our client’s needs in the most efficient and non-disruptive way possible.
If you need help with maintaining your property portfolio Hookway can help. For more information call Greg Smith on 0117 955 4545 or email your enquiry and we will get back to you.