Supporting Sustainable Housing Investment Across the West Country - Case Study

Project:

Condition Surveys for Solar PV Investment

Location:

Somerset, Devon and Cornwall

In Brief:

Easton Bevins was appointed by LiveWest Homes Ltd to undertake condition surveys across more than 300 properties within its housing portfolio located throughout Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The project was commissioned to help establish whether future investment in roof-mounted solar PV systems would be viable across the portfolio and to provide the data needed to support long-term sustainability planning.

Our role focused on assessing the condition and expected lifespan of existing roofs, helping the client understand which properties could support solar installations immediately, which would require remedial works, and which may not be suitable for future PV investment.

Assessing readiness for solar investment

As housing providers continue to explore ways of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, solar PV systems are becoming an increasingly attractive option. However, successful installation relies on understanding the condition and longevity of the roofs they will be mounted to.

Before making a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure, LiveWest Homes Ltd required a clear understanding of the condition of its existing housing stock. Our surveys were designed to provide that insight, evaluating each property’s roof condition and identifying any defects or areas of elevated risk that could affect future solar PV installations.

Providing clarity across a large property portfolio

The scope of the project involved assessing and documenting roof conditions across more than 300 residential properties. Each survey focused on identifying defects, evaluating the remaining service life of roofing elements and determining whether remedial works would be required before solar panels could be installed.

Projects of this nature require a consistent and methodical approach. By gathering detailed condition data across the portfolio, we were able to provide the client with a clear picture of asset condition and highlight properties where intervention would be required prior to future investment in renewable technologies.

Delivering actionable insights

The project was delivered through a structured programme of on-site condition surveys undertaken across the portfolio. Each property was assessed with future PV installation in mind, ensuring the findings could directly inform investment decisions.

The completed surveys enabled the client to categorise properties according to suitability for solar PV systems. The outcome identified which properties were immediately viable for installation, which required remedial works before proceeding, and which were unsuitable for future solar investment. This provided a practical framework for prioritising future expenditure and planning sustainability improvements across the housing stock.

Supporting informed asset management

Effective asset management relies on accurate condition data and a clear understanding of future investment priorities. Whether supporting renewable energy initiatives, planned maintenance programmes or broader sustainability strategies, condition surveys provide the evidence needed to make informed decisions with confidence.

At Easton Bevins, we work with housing associations, local authorities and property owners to assess building condition, identify risks and support long-term asset management planning. Our focus is on delivering clear, actionable information that helps clients protect the value of their assets while planning for the future.

To discuss your project, contact us on 0117 942 8776 or email info@eastonbevins.co.uk.

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