- Bespoke – Buildings are a substantial investment and can be very individual in nature and anticipated use. Whether the Survey is for pre-acquisition or advising on requirements for maintenance, our focus is on ensuring the Clients requirements are accurately defined and delivered. As such our instructions are always tailored to suit each property.
- Defect diagnosis – Clients frequently engage us to investigate specific building defects and provide recommendations for repairs where required. Concise, referenced reports help Clients make informed decisions.
- We are able to assist with producing both reactive and programmed maintenance plans. A property inspection forms the basis for a report on the recommended works. We are then able to provide a full service for obtaining contractors quotes and administrating the works depending on individual Clients requirements.
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Building Consultancy
An established specialist building consultancy with a wide range of expertise, knowledge and experience in the local area and further afield, covering both residential and commercial property.
The team can advise clients at all stages throughout the property lifecycle, from concept and new development, advising on alterations and maintenance of existing structures and condition surveys, as well as significant experience of dealing with pre and post-lease building condition matters for commercial property.
The Building team regularly consult and integrate with other departments in the firm to provide added value to our Clients.
Our services include:
Building surveys and inspections - commercial and residential properties 
Construction consultancy
- Advising on procurement strategies for new development.
- Ability to integrate other in house departments to review development opportunities.
- Contract Administration – having a good working knowledge of the JCT suite of contract forms, we act for all sizes of Client from individual home owners to International organisations to produce the contract documents and administrate the terms of the contract throughout construction. This role incorporates certifying key contract milestones and payment.
- Employers Agent – We regularly act in this role, which is imbedded in the Design and Build procurement route. Whilst the Employers Agent can be involved from the very early concept stage to help define the Clients requirements, each instruction is bespoke and we tailor our service agreement to best serve the needs of the Client.
- Project monitoring – we are able to act as monitoring Surveyors on construction projects. This role is most commonly required by parties that have an interest in the construction contract (Banks, Lenders, Management companies etc.) but are not directly integrated in the contract between the Employer and Contractor.
Design & Specification
- Measured building Surveys
- Production of full CAD design drawings for new development and alterations to existing properties
- Building specifications for Building Regulation submission, tendering, contract coordination and construction management
Dilapidations and Schedules of Condition
- End of term and mid-term dilapidations is a complex area influenced by Lease obligations, the physical condition of the premises, RICS guidance and Legal precedence. We have extensive experience of helping Clients navigate this sometimes confusing process, acting for both Landlords and Tenants.
- The usefulness of a Schedule of condition is acutely linked to the detail incorporated within the document and how well this links to the Clients proposed Lease obligations. From the beginning of our instruction we work closely with our Clients to ensure as much relevant detail is recorded prior to agreeing the Lease.
Party Wall matters
- The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a piece of statutory legislation that is regularly overlooked by persons undertaking building works, putting them at potentially significant risk of legal action that could result in delay of their works and/ or cost. We are experienced in advising clients in advance of their works (Known as the Building Owner) with regards to the requirements of the Act that may be relevant and executing the necessary procedures to ensure they comply with statutory requirements. We similarly regularly advise persons subject to nearby works (Known as the Adjoining Owner) being undertaken by others as to what requirements of the Act may be relevant.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 [CDM]
- The CDM 2015 regulations impose obligations on those instructing building works to ensure matters of health and safety are properly reviewed and responsibility taken by those most appropriately placed for the work being carried out. The three main roles are defined as the ‘Employer’, the ‘Principle Designer’, and the ‘Principle Contractor’. Who performs these roles will depend on the type of Employer and the duration and nature of the works proposed.
- We regularly take instructions to act as Principle Designer when we are involved in a relevant capacity in construction work.
- A useful summary can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg411.htm
