Surveying
Building Surveys and Measured Surveys
We undertake comprehensive building surveys of all types of commercial or residential property and advise on matters such as the condition, defects and remedies, and the need for specialist investigation. Our survey reports detail the construction and condition of buildings on an element by elements basis and detail recommended remedial works and any relevant cost advice required.
Our building surveys can be specific to any proposed leasehold agreement and will comment upon potential liabilities and any associated factors. Similarly, our reports can also be angled to consider possible alteration, refurbishment or extension schemes and offer feasibility and cost advice.
We undertake measured surveys of buildings in order to produce full and accurate survey drawings and to enable us to discuss with the client’s options for extension, refurbishment, alteration, etc.
We can produce detailed Schedules of Condition in order to accurately record the condition of each and every element of a building for incorporation into a lease agreement.
< back to top
Defect Investigation and Maintenance Advice
We provide advice on the existing condition of a property and its future maintenance liability. We can review the effect on maintenance of life cycle costing, comparing the current cost against the future maintenance and replacement costs to match the anticipated building life and expenditure. We can also prepare a planned maintenance programme encouraging preventative cost effective maintenance, produce schedules of work and supervise the works.
< back to top
Insurance Assessment and Claims
We assist in preparing an assessment of the cost of replacing a building in accordance with a clients’ insurance policy, including measuring buildings and valuing reinstatement costs depending on the form of construction of a building, finishes, mechanical and electrical services and external works. If a client needs to make a claim, we can liaise with the insurer and loss adjuster.
Through our detailed valuation reports and subsequent desktop revaluations we are able to safeguard our client’s interest by assessing rebuilding and reinstatement costs to assist in achieving viable and accurate insurance premiums.
< back to top
Property Legislation
Advice can be provided on many areas of property legislation such as planning, public health, historic buildings, boundary disputes and fire precautions and means of escape. We prepare and submit planning applications and applications for Fire Safety Certificates.
We are experts in all aspects of the Building Regulations and apply all necessary criteria in our design and specification to ensure full compliance with all appropriate Technical Guidance Documents.
We can inspect buildings and report on any matters relating to the Building Regulations and planning permission.
We also act as an expert witness in the case of a dispute arising.
< back to top
Dilapidations
We provide expert advice to commercial clients on leasehold property repair and landlord and tenant matters. We act on behalf of both landlords and tenants and provide the following services:
+ Expert advice on repair and maintenance leasehold obligations and tenant’s liabilities under the lease.
+ The preparation of Schedules of Condition.
+ The preparation of Schedules of Dilapidations for landlords, whether interim or terminal schedules or repair notices.
+ Negotiation of dilapidation settlements of behalf of landlords.
+ Defence and negotiation of dilapidation claims on behalf of tenants.
+ Strategic dilapidations advice on tenant’s liability on expiration of the lease term; tenant’s exit options, the operation of break clauses and repair covenants in new leases.
+ Acting as expert witness in arbitration and litigation.
< back to top
Health and Safety Regulations: Planning Supervisor Role
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 most construction work requires the appointment of a Planning Supervisor to ensure that health and safety is considered throughout the design and construction process. In our role as the Planning Supervisor Design Process we can ensure appropriate consideration is given to matters of health and safety during design and that design and construction stage Safety and Health Plans governing the conduct of the works on site, and a Safety and Health File, containing information for future use, are produced in accordance with the Regulations.
< back to top
Project Management and Monitoring
We act as a Project Manager / Employers Agent for larger projects, co-ordinating the design team and providing strategic advice on all construction issues. We can also act on behalf on investment funds and banks to appraise the work, monitor its progress and authorize payments.
< back to top
+Legal Maps
We prepare and submit lease plans and deeds for the conveyance of properties.
