Building Surveyors for Housing Associations and Local Authorities
G Squared is a RICS-regulated firm of chartered building surveyors based in Merthyr Tydfil, working with housing associations and local authorities across South Wales, West Wales, Mid Wales, and the Bristol and South West England area. This is our core specialism: helping social landlords manage their housing stock, meet regulatory requirements, and deliver safe, high-quality homes for residents.
Damp, Mould and Condensation Surveys
We investigate damp, mould and condensation issues in occupied and void properties, identifying the underlying causes and providing practical recommendations for remediation. Our surveys support compliance with fitness for human habitation requirements whilst helping landlords improve resident outcomes and reduce the risk of complaints and claims. We also offer specialist diagnostic services including long-term environmental monitoring, calcium carbide moisture testing, extractor fan performance testing and salts analysis where further investigation is required.
Defect Diagnosis
We provide specialist defect diagnosis services for social landlords, identifying the root causes of building defects rather than simply treating the symptoms. Whether the issue relates to cracking, structural movement, water ingress, building fabric deterioration or recurring repair concerns, our investigations provide clear diagnoses and practical remedial recommendations.
Where further investigation is required, we can undertake or coordinate intrusive investigations, structural movement monitoring, moisture and environmental testing, and specialist laboratory analysis to establish the cause of defects and support informed decisions on repair, maintenance and investment.
Housing Disrepair and Expert Witness Services
We provide CPR Part 35 compliant expert witness services in housing disrepair and fitness for human habitation claims. Acting predominantly for social landlords and their legal teams, we deliver independent, robust and evidence-based opinions on property condition, alleged defects, causation, remedial works and quantum.
We are experienced in acting as both Party Appointed Expert and Single Joint Expert, producing reports suitable for litigation, alternative dispute resolution and settlement negotiations.
Quality Inspector / Clerk of Works
We act as independent Quality Inspectors and Clerks of Works on new build developments, regeneration schemes, energy efficiency programmes and major refurbishment projects. Through regular site inspections and reporting, we help social landlords identify defects, monitor workmanship and specification compliance, and ensure quality standards are maintained throughout construction.
This service supports compliance with Development Quality Requirements (DQR), employer requirements and contractual quality standards, reducing the risk of defects and costly remedial works after completion.
Party Wall and Boundary Matters
We advise on matters arising under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, including assessing whether proposed works fall within the scope of the Act and identifying the associated obligations before projects commence. Our services include serving notices, preparing and agreeing awards, undertaking schedules of condition and helping clients manage party wall risks throughout development, refurbishment and capital works programmes.
We also advise on boundary-related matters associated with construction projects, helping clients understand ownership responsibilities and potential constraints that may affect project delivery.
Building Condition Surveys
We provide detailed building condition surveys for individual properties, residential blocks and wider portfolios, identifying defects, maintenance liabilities and future investment needs. Our reports support asset management, planned investment programmes, Section 20 leaseholder consultations, acquisitions and long-term capital planning.
Cavity Wall Investigations
We investigate defects associated with cavity wall construction, including cavity wall insulation, wall tie corrosion and cavity-related dampness. Our surveys help social landlords understand the cause and extent of defects, assess associated risks and develop appropriate remedial strategies, from insulation extraction through to wall tie replacement programmes.
Pre-Acquisition Surveys
We carry out technical due diligence surveys on properties and development opportunities being considered for acquisition into stock. Whether supporting TACP-funded purchases, regeneration schemes, Section 106 acquisitions or new-build developments, we identify defects, compliance issues and potential liabilities before commitments are made.
Design, Specification and Retrofit Services
We develop technical designs, specifications and scopes of work for repair, planned maintenance, refurbishment and improvement projects. Whether delivering a roof replacement programme, external fabric repairs, component renewal works or wider refurbishment schemes, we provide clear and coordinated documentation that supports successful procurement and project delivery.
Where projects involve energy efficiency improvements, we can also fulfil PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator and Retrofit Designer roles, ensuring retrofit measures are appropriately designed, specified and coordinated.
Project Management and Contract Administration
We provide project management and contract administration services for repair, planned maintenance, refurbishment and capital investment programmes. Acting on behalf of social landlords and local authorities, we coordinate projects from inception through to completion, managing procurement, design teams, contractors, programme delivery and client reporting.
Our services support both traditional and design-and-build procurement routes, helping clients manage risk, maintain quality standards and achieve successful project outcomes in terms of cost, programme and performance.
CDM Advisor / Principal Designer
We act as CDM Advisor and Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, helping clients manage health and safety risks and meet their statutory obligations throughout the design and construction process. We also support projects where both CDM and Building Safety Act dutyholder requirements apply.
Technical Advisor
We provide independent technical advice to boards, executives, asset management teams and development teams on complex property, compliance and construction matters. Whether supporting strategic decision-making, reviewing technical risks, investigating contentious issues or providing independent assurance, we help clients make informed decisions based on sound professional advice.
Our expertise spans asset management, WHQS 2023 compliance, damp and mould, building defects, development quality, planned investment and the wider regulatory framework social landlords operate within.
Building Safety Act Dutyholder Support
We help housing associations and local authorities understand and meet their obligations under the Welsh Building Safety Act dutyholder regime (Part 2B). Acting as an independent Client Advisor, we provide compliance reviews, governance support and competency advice, alongside ongoing project monitoring through design reviews, site inspections and regular reporting to help clients demonstrate compliance and effectively manage risk.