Areas of Practice
Whether you own, occupy or are looking to develop / convert a building, everyone ought to undertake the necessary technical due diligence in order to mitigate or at least minimise risk. For many people and businesses, the purchase, leasing or development / conversion of property is a major financial commitment and one that ought to be embarked upon with eyes wide open. As Chartered Building Surveyors, we are wholly at home in a roof void, floor void, services shaft or atop a roof, ensuring that your investment is sound or at least a known entity. A great many issues can and do become apparent upon detailed inspection, which can often be resolved, but not on every occasion.
Acting on behalf of a number of lenders to the commercial construction market (inc large housing developments), we provide independent expert input and opinion to assist in the identification and mitigation of the lender’s risk on any given proposed scheme. From the benchmarking of risk at scheme feasibility stage, through the many, often lengthy, phases of construction, we monitor progress, quality, cost and compliance from inception through completion, giving lenders and developers confidence and assurance through the duration of the works.
The design and specification process through contract administration of the works to the completion of the given scheme of works is one that not only requires the time and consideration of the client, but the full and appropriate interpretation of their requirements. It is then the translation of these requirements into preliminary, tender and later construction stage drawings and specifications through close working relationships with the client that ensures a vision is realised. Our expertise and experience in this field is broad and varied, complemented further by our wider understanding of building pathology and matters of compliance. We have a real passion for construction and ensuring that your passion is translated and vision realised for your property.
With a foundation in legal precedent, coupled with authoritative prescriptive protocol, these common law damages matters are a highly specialist area of practice. Through statute, as well as precedent, a great many associated factors are brought into consideration, each of which must be carefully considered in both the preparation and defence of any claim. We take much time and care to determine the best approach for our clients, both in pursuit and in defence, and pride ourselves on determining a bespoke and robust strategy. It is not often that a ‘standard’ approach will yield the best outcome in any given set of circumstances, thus our considered, bespoke, strategies ensure results.
Using the latest innovations in information technology, we are able to produce floor and elevation drawings with speed and ease, for purposes such as Land Registry submission, feasibility studies, Planning and Building Control approvals. All drawings are produced to recognised scales and made available both electronically and in hard copy format.
Having acted for both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners, in numerous disputes, we have a firm grasp of the legislation, procedure and intrinsic complexities of the Act. We continue to act on behalf of developers as well as clients attending occasional works, to ensure that compliance with this statutory instrument is achieved and that the many pitfalls are circumnavigated. Having acted across both central London and the regions in this capacity, our firm acts to ensure timely resolution and the maintaining of neighbourly relations, wherever possible, in the service of notices and agreement of Awards.
For those larger construction, renovation and refurbishment projects (>£1m), a traditional procurement route involving the appointment of specialism specific consultants or a design and build contractor, often yields the best outcome in developing and realising complex schemes. As Project Managers, we act to co-ordinate the appointed project team to ensure a structured and pragmatic approach, providing good value to the client. Should a design & build procurement route be preferred, typically to reduce upfront cost incurrence, we’re able to act as a client’s eyes and ears, ensuring what is desired is delivered.
Our breadth of construction experience and understanding enables us to draw on a rich vein of previous project information and cost data, further enhanced via the various sets of published cost data that we’re able to draw upon. Whether a reinstatement cost estimate is sought for the purposes of buildings insurance cover amendment / renewal or whether clients wish to estimate the cost viability of a proposed scheme of works, we’re glad to assist and advise.
Typically prepared for the benefit of a tenant, as an appended document to a repairing lease, it is always our recommendation that a Schedule of Condition be prepared (landlord permitting). The purpose of this tool is to mitigate the tenant’s liability for previously accrued disrepair, at the point of yielding up the property to the landlord. The costs incurred in procuring a thorough Schedule are typically repaid many times over in the sum of the dilapidations claim that is mitigated through the benefit of the document at lease end. Whilst often appearing simple in nature, the contents of the document requires careful consideration at the point of preparation. Well versed in this area, we act to ensure that the finished article provides the best possible benefit to our clients and does not inadvertently act to assist the claimant, as frequently occurs.
Typically provided as a component part of a wider construction or refurbishment project, Planning and Building Control approvals are sought and obtained, relative to the specifics of any given scheme, to ensure statutory compliance. Whether our clients require assistance in obtaining these approval in isolation or as part of our wider involvement, our broad expertise enable us to navigate these potential stumbling blocks, ensuring continuing progress of client’s projects.
