Social housing investigation & design
Functional, comfortable and sustainable housing developments for the UK. Work with the team in Cambridgeshire at Richard Herrmann Associates Ltd and trust us to deliver structural solutions that meet the needs of communities while ensuring long-term durability and value.
Projects that enhance the community
Social housing developments must balance a range of factors, from meeting housing demands to adhering to strict budgetary constraints. Our investigations and designs focus on efficiency, ensuring that the structural elements support a cost-effective build while maintaining the high-quality standards expected in social housing. Richard Herrmann Associates Ltd have been in the industry since 1987 because we ensure that our structures are built to last, providing safe and secure homes for residents for many years to come.
Throughout the initial stages of new development design we’ll consider environmentally friendly and durable materials to maximise the long-term benefit of the developments, whilst future proofing the building. Integrating modern solutions for insulation, heating, and ventilation, means social housing remains cost-effective to run and meets the evolving needs of residents across Cambridgeshire and beyond.
Where existing property stock is older and in need of investigations, repairs or even remediation, our experienced engineers will provide support from the initial appraisel stages through to the design and installation stage. Please see our Case Study section below for more information and examples of how we can assist.
Creating versatile buildings that can adapt
Social housing developments need to cater to a diverse range of occupants, including families, individuals, and those with specific needs. We design with flexibility in mind, allowing the layout and use of space to be easily adjusted to accommodate different living arrangements or future requirements. Achieving this relies on our collaboration with housing associations, local authorities, and architects, ensuring that every aspect of the development, from structural design to service integration, aligns with the broader goals of providing safe, accessible, and welcoming homes for those most in need.
Enhancing your existing properties
We often carry out monitoring of buildings to determine the extent and speed of foundation movement, as well as more general investigations into dilapidation of structure. Housing association surveyors recognise that we can bring our experience and expertise to assist them in addressing the building concerns with the least disruption to tenants, and our insight can allow stakeholders to act quickly. We appreciate that we’re not just dealing with housing stock; this is somebody’s home, and we are experienced in acting accordingly.
37
Years Est.
6,500+
Clients
100+
Years' Experience
Chosen and trusted for a reason
Case Study: Examples of Housing Stock Issues
Having provided our investigation and inspection services to our Housing Association clients for many years, there is not much that we haven't seen. The following examples provide some insight into the nature of issues that we can identify and assist with.
Understanding Common Building Defects – and How Professional Investigation Protects Your Property
Across many of the properties we assess, owners first contact us after noticing subtle but worrying signs: a crack that seems to widen over time, a floor that doesn’t feel quite level, or timber that looks softer than it should. These symptoms often raise important questions—Is this serious? What’s causing it? And what should I do next?
In our experience of providing these services to Housing Associations and property owners, we have been asked to investigate such issues on many occasions and have developed extensive experience as a result. While each defect looked different on the surface, they all pointed to a familiar underlying theme: buildings respond to their environment, and over time, that response can reveal itself in movement, moisture, or material deterioration.
Our Investigative Approach
When we arrive on site, our first goal is to understand the building as a whole—how it was constructed, how it has aged, and how the identified issues fit into the broader structural picture. Through a combination of visual assessment, precise measurement, and, where needed, specialist testing, we’re able to determine not just what is happening but why.
Our engineers examine cracking patterns, areas of suspected timber decay, and elements that appeared out of alignment. By assessing these indicators together rather than as isolated problems, we are often able to trace their root causes and evaluate any associated risks.
Providing Clear, Practical Advice
A major outcome of every investigation is clarity. Once the structural behaviour is understood, we prepare practical and prioritised recommendations tailored to the specific building. This may involve targeted repairs, management, strengthening works, or coordination with qualified contractors for remediation.
For the building owner in these cases, our reports provided a clear roadmap—from immediate actions to long-term preventative measures—helping them make informed decisions with confidence.
Supporting Property Owners with Friendly Expertise
Structural issues can be stressful for property owners, but they’re also incredibly common. With the right expertise, most can be managed efficiently and cost-effectively. Our team combines technical knowledge with a friendly, collaborative approach, ensuring clients feel informed and supported at every step.
If you’ve noticed similar signs in your property—or simply want peace of mind—our engineers are here to help. Early investigation is always the most effective way to protect both safety and value.
CLIENT
Housing Associations
LOCATION
U.K.
Building homes that make a lasting difference for communities
To get started, simply complete our online form and we’ll work to understand your requirements. Should you have any specific questions, please contact our teams in Cambridge directly via email or phone.