Building Surveys for Purchase/Lease
Whether your property is commercial, a private house, or a freehold/leasehold acquisition our range of surveys can be tailored to suit your requirements. We will give you clear and detailed advice so you can make informed decisions.
We regularly prepare surveys for companies, individuals, solicitors and agents. We have extensive experience with surveying all property types from a single property to an entire industrial estate.
Design, Project Management and Contract Administration
We offer a complete service from initial inception to completion of works. We will prepare detailed specifications and drawings, help you tender your project, select a contractor, manage your project, control costs and undertake a formal contract administration service.
We can also prepare costed feasibility studies to ensure that your project is viable prior to contractor involvement.
Condition Surveys / Schedule of Condition
Understanding the condition of your built assets whether via a detailed and costed condition survey or a simpler schedule of condition is a vital and important part of property management. We offer a range of options to suit your needs.
We have covered everything from car dealerships to care homes. Such reports are often used to evidence the condition at the start of a lease, to assist with budgeting and/or to accompany awards under the Party Wall Act. Portfolios are a speciality – we work with several local authorities, estates and NHS Trusts.
Dilapidations
When tenants vacate, or want to vacate, commercial premises the legal and financial implications can be significant. We can help with preparing or defending dilapidations schedules and negotiating settlements. We can also prepare mid-lease dilapidations assessments to assist with strategic planning. One of our core skill sets is assisting both Landlords and tenants in navigating the dilapidations process. We are regularly appointed either directly or via our clients’ solicitors.
Party Wall
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out rights and obligations of owners in relation to party walls, party structures, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. Our involvement can help in preventing or resolving disputes. We regularly act for both building owners and adjoining owners, on both commercial and residential property.
Defects Analysis / Building Pathology
Unexpected issues with property can be time consuming and expensive. Our surveyors can inspect, prepare detailed reports and make clear recommendations about how to resolve issues such as water ingress, timber decay and structural cracking.
Licence to Alter
Obtaining or granting consent to alter your current or future leasehold premises can be difficult; we can guide you through the process whether you are a landlord or tenant.
Statutory Approvals
Altering or refurbishing property can often require statutory consent. Most commonly this would be Planning Permission (including Listed Building Consent) or approval under the Building Regulations. We can assist with both, preparing the necessary submission documents on your behalf, co-ordinating inspector visits, and ensuring compliant documentation is received on completion.
Supported by our team of specialist sub-consultants we have helped an extensive range of clients from individuals to Councils and Estates.
Reinstatement Cost Assessments
Many buildings are under-insured, and less commonly some are over-insured. Our expert assessments are accepted by insurers as well as giving you peace of mind that the correct level of cover is in place. In the unfortunate event of a loss, an accurate assessment will help minimise unnecessary cost, inconvenience and worry.
We regularly complete assessments for historic, listed and otherwise complicated and unusual properties.
Energy Performance Retrofit
With ever-tightening requirements for energy performance within buildings we can guide you through the process of retrofitting your existing property to help reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency.
We use a combination of proven technology and cutting-edge ideas to overhaul existing property, reducing energy bills, and maintenance, improving quality of life and ensuring compliance with legislation.
Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations
The CDM Regulations govern how health, safety and welfare is managed on construction projects. We can undertake the role of Client Advisor or Principal Designer to ensure that you and your project team fulfil their duties under the legislation.