Overview
The book starts with a table of contents, which was somewhat off-putting for myself. It does give an indication to the depths this book goes into. The book's style is to look at dilapidations from basics and relate the cases to the appropriate sections as the book goes along. The book is very detailed and cross-references at the foot of every page, but we did find it readable once we concentrated.
Readability
At first I found this heavy going and in fact noted that that it certainly is not holiday reading. However, it is probably not meant to be read in one go! I did find within the book several very interesting chapters set out, for me, in a format very useful for surveyors working on dilapidations cases, something I have not found in books that I have read on dilapidations so far. For example, each time I have been reading these dilapidations books my aim has been to glean further information based on dilapidations cases I am currently dealing with. In this instance the book was very useful.
Chapters
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 10:
Chapter 11:
Chapter 12:
Chapter 13:
Chapter 14:
Chapter 15:
Chapter 16:
Chapter 17:
Chapter 18:
Chapter 19:
Chapter 20:
Chapter 21:
Chapter 22:
Chapter 23:
Chapter 24:
Chapter 25:
Chapter 26:
Chapter 27:
Chapter 28:
Chapter 29:
Chapter 30:
Chapter 31:
Chapter 32:
Chapter 33:
Chapter 34:
Chapter 35:
Chapter 36:
Chapter 37:
Chapter 38:
Chapter 39:
The book we reviewed is dated 2004 and we do believe that updates have been written since.
Sample Chapter
At first we looked at Chapter 5, which is a fairly standard chapter relating to repairing obligations, with the usual discussion on the word "repair" as to how it is qualified, for example by good or substantial repair. The chapter also looks at the redecoration obligation and reinstatement of alterations obligation as well as statutes, all of which are very important generally.
Then we discovered Chapter 12. This really is a must read chapter and we feel is so useful to the chartered surveyor specialising in dilapidations.
Chapter 12: "The application of the repairing covenant in relation to commonly encountered defects" is the introduction. Then it looks at subsidence, roofs, cladding, steel frames, concrete, damp, defective windows, asbestos and contamination. To give the flavour of what is in this section let us briefly look at each section:-
For example, underpinning looks at the question of whether this work is too extensive to amount to "repair". It then looks briefly at four relevant cases and further concludes with other cases.
Roof section, which looks at the liability of the tenant for complete replacement of the roof to repair and when there is a repair to a roof and improvement. Again, with the cases that illustrate the point, with brief summaries of them highlighting the relevant section.
Cladding, the next section, looks at whether the removal and replacement of the entirety of the cladding is too extensive to constitute repair.
Steel frame. It considers how a conventional lease is drafted for more appropriate for traditional buildings.
Concrete. This looks at problems associated with the failure of high aluminium cement (HAC) and wood wool shuttering. It is an interesting point of discussion.
Damp. Divided into penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation. This again looks at each section, bringing up the relevant case history.
Defective windows. This looks at when replacement is repair or improvement.
Asbestos. Commonly used many years ago. This discusses the arguments for and against its replacement under a repairing covenant.
Lastly contamination is looked at.
Finally, we have to mention Chapter 13, "Mechanical and electrical services and plant." An area which we feel does not tend to be given the attention it deserves, as often these areas need replacement on a different basis to the building as a whole, but looks at the five part approach. See the chapters for the five questions to ask.
Review Upon Reflection
For me this is a must buy and an excellent book, we would use it more as a reference book when you have a specific issue to look at on a dilapidations case and we would add lacking in pictures!
