Good Morning, My name is James Cliff and I am from the North East of England.
I am currently a final year student at Northumbria University, studying Building Surveying and I am conducting a questionnaire to professionals of the built environment.
So, If I could possibly have 10/15 minutes of your time I would be very great full if you would complete this questionnaire, as it will be essential extra primary research and will add to my understanding of the topic.

(The general discussion of my dissertation is find out if historic buildings can be successfully be upgraded to meet current fire legislation or would this ultimately sacrifice the buildings fabric)

Name: Expertise:


Section 1 - Personal Experience and Knowledge

Q1. What is your profession and how long have you been working in the built environment?






Q2. What is your personal experience with regard to refurbishment of Listed Building?







Q3. How would you rate your knowledge of the materials and construction techniques employed in Listed Buildings in comparison to modern construction?


a)Excellent b)Good c)Fair d)Poor e)Very Poor



Section 2 - Understanding Building Conservation & Fire Safety

Q4. How would you define the term Building Conservation?







Q5. In preparing or reviewing a specification of works in recent projects, was there any building conservation issues you feel you may have addressed?

a)Yes b)No

If Yes could you provide an example/ examples of such?









Q6. Have you considered improving fire safety when specifying or reviewing materials in refurbishment projects?

a)Yes b)No

If Yes could you provide an example/ examples of such?












Q7. Can you provide an example of 3 main fire safety issues you have recently addressed during refurbishment works with conservation best practice in mind?

a)Yes b)No

If Yes could you provide an example/ examples of such














Q8. Would you place more emphasis on fire safety or building conservation with regard to listed period buildings?

Could you please explain your reasoning?









Section 3 - Building Regulations Part B


Q8. The special interest of a listed building would be compromised if its overall appearance were to be changed or significant features or qualities were to be lost as a result if full compliance with the Requirements of Part B were mandatory. Or could a balance be struck if full compliance was mandatory?

Do you agree or disagree with either?

Please explain your answer.












Q9. In your opinion, what are the main problems that currently exist in regards to refurbishment works and part B of listed buildings?








Q10. Have you ever advised a client on undertaking a fire risk assessment on their property or produced a professional survey in order to reduce the chance of any fatalities?

a) Yes b) No

If yes could you please tell me some more details regarding the job any why what were the main reasons you advised them to undertake a fire risk assessment.











Section 4 – Governing Bodies Initiatives



Q11. Do you believe the introduction of The Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order (RRO) for buildings cause any conflict between fire safety and building conservation issues of listed buildings?

Please answer Yes or No?

Could you explain your reasons?













Q12. Have you ever contacted the English Heritage or other bodies for any advice regarding fire safety issues or any other related issues?

Please answer Yes or No?

If yes could you please tell me some more details about it?























Section 5 - Professional Views

Q13. Do you think listed properties have the capacity to cope with demanding requirements for fire safety?

a) Yes b) No c)unsure

Could you explain your reasons?












Q14. In your opinion can a balance of building conservation and fire legislation be achieved when refurbishing properties of historic merit?

a) Yes b) No c)unsure

Could you expand on your answer and reasoning?

















Thank you for giving up your time to complete this questionnaire. The answers given will prove invaluable for the latter stages of my dissertation and all contributions are much appreciated.
If there are any critiques or other points you would like to highlight regarding the topic, please feel free to mention it on the following page of the questionnaire.
Thanks again!

Section 6 – Any Additional Information