John McGrath Associates

Malham YHA – External Refurbishment

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:33:12 +0000

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.

Wastwater YHA Year 2 Works

admin — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:55:04 +0000

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 successfully resolve issues at Idwal Cottage YHA

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0000

McGrath Associates were instructed to draft a feasibility report on the existing condition and future repair liability of Idwal Cottage roof. The roof suffered numerous problems with water ingress resulting in the closure of parts of the hostel, which hindered the successful running of the hostel and also incurred lost revenue. On inspection the standard of the workmanship to the main roof was very poor and the quality of the new slates used was questionable. Our long term recommendation is for the roof be re-covered in whole providing a water tight solution for the foreseeable future. In the short term essential repairs were undertaken to along with internal decoration to the damaged rooms.

During the instruction we also had to liaise with the clients ecologists as bats had previously been reported around the building. During the inspection we managed a roofing contractor to undertake essential short term repairs and provide bat access to the roof void under the supervision of the ecologist. The report was well received and we are awaiting further instruction for the client with respect to implementation of the the long term solution.

McGrath Associates manage improvement of facilities at Pen Y Pass & Bryn Gwynant YHA

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0000

McGrath Associates were commissioned as Building Surveyors for the refurbishment of the shower and WC facilities at Pen Y Pass and Bryn Gwynant Youth Hostels. The works included complete strip out of the facilities followed by installation of new standard specification wet rooms, WC’s, WHB, new flooring and redecoration. The works were initially instructed separately but as the hostels are within close proximity McGrath Associates combined the projects into a single project, saving time and money for the client.

The project had to be managed carefully as the client had guest bookings to honour during the project. The welfare facilities had to be functional during the weekends when guests were in the hostel. The project was successfully completed on programme, within budget and with no disruption to the business. Both the management and guests have commented on the high standard of fit out.

McGrath Associates manage Gas & Water Main Replacement – Edale YHA

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 11:30:10 +0000

McGrath 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

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:34:23 +0000

McGrath 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.

YHA Rowan – Survey and Scheduling of Repair Works

admin — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:45:42 +0000

This traditional Welsh hill farmhouse retains much of its rustic charm and original character. Situated at the top of a very steep, narrow lane, it offers breathtaking views over the Conwy Valley and across to Snowdonia. A friendly welcome awaits walkers with open fires in the lounge and dining room to warm you after a day on the hills.

McGrath Associates were instructed to survey the property and schedule out repair works to the external fabric and drainage.

McGrath Associates manage Refurbishment Works at Wastwater YHA

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:20:24 +0000

McGrath 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

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:05:58 +0000

The 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!!

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:11:25 +0000

Our 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……