Property Preservation Advice for Architects and Building Designers

At Peter Cox, we specialise in delivering detailed architect surveys that provide essential insights for building design, renovation, and preservation projects.

Our specialist surveyors are here to help you every step of the way, whether you are drawing up an architectural design plan for a new build structure, remodeling, refurbishing or extending an existing building, or submitting a tender document for a construction project. Working in close partnership with architects, we help identify and address issues such as damp problems, timber decay including wet rot and dry rot and structural repairs.

In the repair and renovation of listed and heritage property, there is simply no substitute for knowledge, experience and quality workmanship. Whether you are an architect, developer, or builder, understanding how to maintain these buildings is vital to preserving their historical and structural value. We can work with conservation bodies to make sure your property is suitably protected while adhering to the strict heritage guidelines.

We are also experts in below ground and structural waterproofing, and are able to work with you to design systems to British Standard 8102. Our unmatched expertise and experience of working with structural and design documents means that we can provide pricing guidelines based on your drawings and plans before the project begins.

When planning or designing the construction or redevelopment of existing buildings, it is critical to accurately diagnose any existing property preservation issues and provide long term solutions before it is too late. This is why we can work with you on your project to carry out a thorough damp and timber survey. We will provide you with a summary of the findings in a survey report, identifying the presence of damp and any problems relating to fungal decay and woodworm.

A thorough survey is essential for damp problems, as they are often more complex than meets the eye, and can sometimes be misdiagnosed.

At Peter Cox, we understand the delicate balance between preservation and protection. Our surveys ensure a full diagnosis of the problem, and where required, a treatment programme tailored specifically to the unique characteristics of historic or listed buildings. This means the property will remain structurally sound longterm, while prioritising the historic integrity and characteristics that make our heritage buildings so special.

Our surveys are carried out by CSRT / CSTDB qualified surveyors, who will detail all their findings in a survey report, which will be provided to you after the survey has been carried out. This will list all the findings along with recommendations for remedial treatments, where necessary.

Whether you require below ground basement waterproofing to BS8102,  remedial damp proofing on a regeneration project, or timber resin splice repairs for fungal decay problems, Peter Cox are here to help.

We can provide you with advice and solutions for rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation, helping you prevent moisture problems on your project.

Wet rot and dry rot are common problems that face regeneration projects, and must be planned for and dealt with before further work can be undertaken. While both wet rot and dry rot behave differently, they both require a source of moisture for spores to germinate. It is important to remove the source of moisture that is feeding the fungal decay outbreak before carrying out timber repairs.

For severe damage where beam ends or other structural timbers are embedded in masonry walls, we can provide expert timber repairs including timber resin splices (TRS) for structural timber. Peter Cox can provide treatments that are typically backed by long term guarantees, giving you long term peace of mind.

Many regeneration projects feature original timber beams, floors, or roofing timbers that can be vulnerable to woodworm attacks. If left, woodworm can cause severe damage which may require removing and replacing heavily damaged timbers which are no longer structurally sound.

Peter Cox have a number of CSSW qualified surveyors who can assist in the design of basement and structural waterproofing systems designed to BS 8102.

Our dedicated waterproofing team can work with you at any stage of your project, whether it be at the start of the project, sitting with architects when creating design plans, or beginning with a survey of an existing structure. Our frontline CSSW qualified surveyors are supported by our national waterproofing division with decades of experience in structural waterproofing and basement conversions.

Many properties across the United Kingdom suffer with structural issues due to age, deterioration or unavoidable environmental effects. Peter Cox are experts in structural repairs such as wall tie replacements, crack stitching, lintel repairs and structural sock anchor installations.

We have a proven track record working across the United Kingdom with commercial clients and have worked on numerous projects to deliver fast, effective preservation solutions while ensuring full compliance with industry regulations and health and safety standards.

All Peter Cox surveyors and technicians are fully trained in safe working practices, while our treatment fluids are HSE registered as well as being generally odourless and non-flammable. If you have a tender which involves elements of property preservation, including damp and condensation, we can tailor solutions specifically for your project.

Peter Cox have been protecting heritage buildings for over 70 years offering thorough damp and timber surveys backed by evidence and treatment recommendations you can rely on. We are well versed in the necessary liaison with heritage and conservation bodies, their professional advisers and property guardians such as the National Trust.

We are sensitive to the special needs of historic fabric and understand the importance of developing the most appropriate repair specifications and treatment methods. Quality of workmanship is paramount and Peter Cox technicians can handle specifications as varied as horsehair plastering, sourcing reclaimed timber, reconstructing traditional oak framing, strengthening floor beams and stabilising masonry facades.

Peter Cox are a member of the British Structural Waterproofing Association and are CHAS, Constructionline and Alcumus (Safecontractor) approved.

Our operations are governed by a third-party accredited ISO 9001 Quality Management System, providing you with the assurance that your project will be completed on time, within budget, and to the highest possible standards.

Peter Cox are approved installers of Delta, Koster, Safeguard and Newton waterproofing products. For Structural repairs we are approved installers of Helifix and Cintec structural anchors and have considerable experience of working with structural engineers.

A long tradition as the experts in our field, Peter Cox aim to offer the right service and price for your needs. Over 500,000 long term guarantees, of up to 20 years for some of our services, have been issued since the company was founded in 1951.

When you work with Peter Cox you benefit from the reassurances that come with a large company. Peter Cox are a trustworthy partner that is part of Rentokil Initial PLC.