McGrath Associates have successfully managed the external refurbishment of Malham YHA. The project was delivered under budget and on time with the hostel remaining open throughout the works.
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Wastwater YHA Year 2 Works
September 21st, 2011 | Posted in Blog, Portfolio | No CommentsTags: Building Surveyors, Building Surveyors in Liverpool, Building Surveyors in Sefton, lime mortar repairs, Maintenance, Management of Refurbishments, refubishment, RICS Surveyors Liverpool, Timber inspections
As reported in a previous post, McGrath Associates were again appointed to survey, specify and manage this year’s refurbishment works at Wastwater YHA. The works were complete during the winter shutdown with full co-operation of the hostel manager. The works were completed on time and well within budget by competitively tendering the works.
McGrath Associates manage Gas & Water Main Replacement – Edale YHA
September 10th, 2011 | Posted in Blog, Portfolio | No CommentsMcGrath Associates were instructed by the YHA to Project Manage the installation of a new gas and water main at Edale Youth Hostel in the beautiful Peak District.
The route of the existing water main was across adjoining agricultural land and followed a complicated route through surrounding woodland. Agreement had to be made with the adjoining land owner and Local Water Authority prior to works commencing. The new gas main was also laid at the same time and detailed programmes were drafted to keep disruption to a minimum. The project was completed to programme with no disruption to either the hostel or adjoining owner.
A Plant Hire, Whitehaven – New Build Warehouse
August 28th, 2011 | Posted in Blog | No CommentsMcGrath Associates have been appointed as Building Surveyors for a new build warehouse in Whitehaven, Cumbria on behalf of Ashtead Plant Hire Company Ltd. We are thrilled with the appointment and look forward to working with the team at A Plant.
McGrath Associates manage Refurbishment Works at Wastwater YHA
September 7th, 2010 | Posted in Blog, Portfolio | No CommentsMcGrath Associates were thrilled to be involved with a project at this fantastic building in the Lake District. YHA Wastwater is a stunning half-timbered National Trust-owned house dating from 1829 and still retains many original features. The grounds of this Youth Hostel extend to the shores of Lake Wastwater, England’s deepest lake.
The works involved sensitive repair works as part of ongoing maintenance to the fabric of the building. All works were undertaken using traditional materials and techniques with McGrath Associates managing and specifying the works with ongoing approval of the hostel owner, The National Trust.
On the strength of the success of the works McGrath Associates have been appointed on the next phase of the works planned for this financial year.
McGrath Associates Project Manage Fuel Tank Replacement at Youth Hostel
May 25th, 2010 | Posted in Blog, Portfolio | No CommentsThe YHA commissioned McGrath Associates to Project Manage the installation of a replacement fuel heating tank at the Pen-Y-Pass Youth Hostel following the success of previous projects. The project included drafting and agreeing the best solution to meet client requirements with regard to fuel storage. Detailed reviews were undertaken in conjunction with suppliers, installers and the client to ensure the best solution was chosen.
Management of the tank installation team, programming the switch from existing to temporary fuel tanks, management of Health & Safety during the works and final switch from temporary tank to new tank. The project had to be programmed as prior bookings meant the hostel was occupied for part of the works. The project was completed on programme and budget with no disruption to the hostel.
McGrath Associates tackle the Cheshire Cat!!
March 29th, 2010 | Posted in Blog | No CommentsOur very own John McGrath successfully tackled the tough early season Kilo to Go Cheshire Cat Cyling Sportive at the weekend (details via this link, he did the 102 mile route http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/routes/north/434070/cyclo-sportive-cheshire-cat.html )
An idea of the pain…………………………
He was also photographed during the event by Dolan Bikes! Link as follows: http://twitter.com/Dolan_Bikes/status/11246152517
Congratulations from all at McGrath Associates for his efforts, he is still aiming to ride up Alpe D’Huez in October of this year, he must be mad……
Who wants to save £95,000?
March 17th, 2010 | Posted in Blog | No CommentsTags: Building Surveyors, Building Surveyors in Liverpool, Building Surveyors in Sefton, Dry Rot advice, refubishment, RICS Surveyors Liverpool, Timber inspections
An important part of our role as Chartered Building Surveyors is to look after our client’s property portfolio and make sure we “add value”. A perfect example of this is preventative maintenance, not glamorous I know, but essential if you want to make your property work for you. Whilst visiting a Youth Hostel to review a new refurbishment scheme one of our Chartered Surveyors upon entering the property was concerned about a distinctive smell. A brief investigation revealed the smell was emanating from the large ground floor dining room, this floor was also excessively ”springy”, this lead to an external inspection and the surveyor noted the external concrete paths to the rear were higher than internal floor level. A classic scenario, the air bricks were blocked preventing ventilation of the timber sub-floor and the surveyor was now concerned about rotten floor timber. A brief note to the client recommending further intrusive investigation was issued . The cost of a full outbreak of dry rot here would have no doubt cost over £100,000* to correct had it gone unnoticed and allowed to spread through the property. Following opening up works McGrath Associates specified and managed the works, which included necessary alterations, replacement of rotten joist ends, treating remaining timbers and making good. The works were undertaken without undue disruption to the hostel (which didnt have to close). The costs were just under £5,000 and the perfect breeding ground for dry rot eliminated saving a potential £95,000. All part of the service.
* £100,000 figure obtained from a recent project in a similar type property were the dry rot had spread through 3 floors of a building resulting in a complete refurbishment.
Ribblers Lane Cottage Extension
March 10th, 2010 | Posted in Blog, Portfolio | No CommentsMcGrath Associates are pleased to confirm our appointment on this residential extension scheme in Knowsley. The property is a former workers cottage and is Grade II Listed. The current owners needed guidance and advice on extending the property and appointed McGrath Associates to design the extension and apply for Planning and Listed Building Consent. Initial sketch proposals have been produced and agreed with the client and have also received positive feedback from the Conservation Team at Knowsley Council. The formal application will be submitted in late March once all details are finalised.









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