Initial Research: [ Desk top survey ]
The next phase of operations can be quickly implemented. Nearly all initial research can be carried out from the comfort of your office desk and telephone. Even more so now with the introduction of the internet  which accesses most national historic building and public records and documentary collections. There are also large numbers of independent sources of useful information and records listed on the world wide web.

SOURCES FOR CONSULTATION.

The following sources may assist in providing essential information, evidence and further reference:

# Documentary sources;

• Drawings ­ original and later copies.                                            ]   These may be found in the 
• Original building works specification and records.                       ]  Building owners records
• Existing maintenance Log book or records.                                   ]                 or 
• Previous survey and inspection reports .                                     ]   National / County public 
• Documentary evidence on previous repairs.                                ]              records
• Biographical; Nikolaus Pevsnerís ; Buildings of England series.
• County  architectural records and publications.                      

# Information Centres;

• Central Government Departments :English Heritage, Historic Scotland and CADW.
• Local Government; planning and conservation departments.
• National amenity societies. Eg; The Victorian Society, Twentieth Century Society, the SPAB.
• National Public Records Office.
• County Public Records office.
• Local amenity societies and historical associations.
• Local builders and architects [ specialist plaster firms ]
• National and Local Libraries: general and specialist.
• Specialist Museums and Collections.

Initial Inspection: [ Preparing a  plan of action ]
It is generally a good idea to make as early a visit to the building / site as possible and therefore the initial inspection provides just that opportunity. The initial inspection should allow for both getting you aware of the site, building and its surroundings as well enable you to make initial investigations into areas which currently pose questions and may well be likely to hold things up if they are not solved or understood early on.

This brief initial visit will often provide the most satisfactory way of getting to appreciate the full scale of the project , the buildings general condition ,access or parking  restrictions , boundary problems, etc. It should also be used to establish  more specific problems such as attachments to the wall surfaces which may require removal , eg; phone lines , electricity power cables , aerials  and signage . Another aspect often causing  concern at a later date is the junction of the  buildings façade with adjacent buildings. This detail is often missed and generally of extremely poor detail and finish , even though it can be one of the most visually significant and prominent areas of the façade. 

The building itself offers considerable physical evidence , so a quick visual inspection may help confirm any dubious , confusing or missing documentary  evidence uncovered  during the initial research stage. The external  fabric and structure of the building offers a detailed picture of  information and  guidance as to the good and bad practices of the past and should be read to help establish possible causes of current defects as well as previous  alterations and repairs .Such knowledge will provide a sound basis upon which to develop a repair or conservation strategy ensuring that the most appropriate care and management of the building is provided.

Upon completion of the initial inspection  phase , all the information gathered during stages one and two earlier should be now brought together  for the preparation of a comprehensive  plan of action. The purpose of the  plan of action is to present the most beneficial approach and method  for implementing the main  on site  Survey and Inspection .

It is at this point that a firm programme can be formulated dealing with the various specific requirements of the project; eg: 

• Specialist survey equipment and access plant.
• Specialist  consultation and involvement.
• Time scale and programme.
• Specialist permissions and approvals.
• Site specific  problems.
• Safety provisions and requirements.

Conservation  Policy / Statement:
                                            
Similarly, at this stage the final formulation  of the projects Conservation  Policy should be completed and presented as a statement for all parties involved to be aware of and to work too. The statement  should include guidelines as to what and what not is acceptable in Conservation terms , dealing with such aspects as ;- acceptable  working practice, methods of investigation , survey and recording , levels of intervention and alteration, quality control and monitoring. It should also set out requirements referring to approved channels of communication between all participants working on the project. Such provisions should ensure no aspect of the Conservation Policy is either ignored or breached at any stage during the project.   
 

Index