Commercial Building Survey, Yorkshire and Humber

Evans & James undertook a commercial building survey in Yorkshire and Humber of two Grade II listed Smoke Houses. The buildings form part of a larger commercial site which were subject to a pre-acquisition survey. The firm undertaking the survey appointed Evans & James as heritage specialists and Chartered Building Surveyors to specifically undertake the  commercial building survey of the Smoke Houses.

What is a Smoke House?

The smoke houses were constructed for the purposes of smoking fish and are a series of individual chimneys. The fish smoking process began with the delivery of the fish via the loading dock. Once moved to the processes sing sheds, the fish would be filleted, then hung on speats and placed over a brine bath. Once salted they would be moved into the smoke houses. Starting from the top of the chimneys and working down using ladders, the speats would be hung across the chimney using timber laths to the sides of the chimneys to support them from. They were ‘cold’ smoked using small smouldering fires of wood shavings at the base of each chimney for up to sixteen hours. Cowl openings at the top of each chimney allowed fresh air to be drawn down into the chimneys. Doors to each chimney at ground and first floor level allowed the process to be monitored. Once ready, the fish would be removed from the bottom up, packaged, and allowed to cool before being transported out and distributed for sale.

What was our Role?

As part of the survey we undertook internal and external inspections which included high level inspection by cherry picker. We also opened up access points to enable thorough inspection of the chimneys. Following the building condition survey we prepared a detailed inspection report which discussed the condition of the structures and recommendations for remedial measures which would be required to ensure the buildings are safe, structurally sound and water tight.

We also researched the site and advised on possible liabilities in relation to works undertaken to the structures versus those works that had obtained statutory approval. Accompanying the report was a detailed budget estimate for the recommended remedial measures.

For more information about our services in relation to building condition surveys of commercial buildings click here