Repair definition
NRM3: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works, defines a ‘repair’ as: ‘…work that is performed to return equipment to service after a failure, or to make its operation more efficient. The restoration of an asset or a component to such a condition that it may be effectively utilised for its designed purpose by the overhaul, reprocessing or replacement of constituent parts or materials that have deteriorated by action of the elements or usage and have not been corrected by maintenance.’
Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance, For the sustainable management of the historic environment, published by Historic England in 2008, defines repair as: ‘Work beyond the scope of maintenance, to remedy defects caused by decay, damage or use, including minor adaptation to achieve a sustainable outcome, but not involving restoration or alteration.’
See also: Disrepair.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Basic repair costs.
- Business rates and 'reasonable repair'.
- Chancel repair liability.
- Comprehensive repair costs.
- Covenant to repair.
- Disrepair.
- Frequently Googled plumbing and electrical problems.
- Maintenance.
- Maintenance Repair Operations MRO.
- NRM3.
- Reference service life.
- Repair and maintenance contract.
- Restoration.
- RICS.
- Right to Repair law.
- Urgent repair costs.
Featured articles and news
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this.





















Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.