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1. PROFESSIONAL - BUILDING SURVEYS & APPRAISALS
a) Schedule of Condition: A detailed descriptive schedule, prepared prior to commencement of a lease, to provide a record of the condition of the building. These schedules are normally prepared for clients who wish to protect their position by ensuring that they are not held liable for defects present within a property at the date of entry. Schedules of Condition will normally include record photographs and are appended to lease documents once the content is agreed by the landlord and tenant. Prior to instruction, it is essential for the tenant to agree with the landlord that a Schedule of Condition can be attached to the lease, as the lease repairing clauses will need to be amended accordingly. b) Photographic Record of Condition: While a Schedule of Condition provides detailed text itinerising the description and condition of a property, along with photographs, a Photographic Record of Condition simply comprises photographs, with each photo accompanied by brief explanatory text. Such documents are more straightforward and therefore cheaper than Schedules of Condition but are only suitable in certain circumstances - typically where property is relatively new or free from significant defect or if it is of such a size/nature as not to be in need of a full Schedule of Condition - advice should be taken before instructing a Photographic Record in lieu of a Schedule of Condition as it may affect the ability to fully record the condition of the property. This type of document is also suitable for recording the condition of adjacent properties prior to structural works being carried out to a property. c) Schedule of Dilapidations: A Schedule of Dilapidations is prepared on behalf of a landlord and details items of disrepair for which the tenant is responsible in terms of the lease conditions. Schedules can be prepared at any time during the lease but most commonly shortly prior to its expiry. A Schedule of Dilapidations is normally prepared in the format of a Scott Schedule. d) Dilapidations Assessment & Negotiation: A Dilapidations Assessment can be carried out for a tenant during the course of a lease to allow the tenant to budget for future dilapidations. Dilapidations negotiations can be carried out on behalf of either a landlord or tenant, typically to agree a cash settlement in respect of accrued repairs etc. In situations where the tenant proposes to carry out all necessary works, negotiations can be undertaken on behalf of the landlord or tenant to agree the extent of works required under the terms of the lease. e) Building Survey/Pre-Acquisition Survey: A comprehensive document in report format, detailing the construction and condition of the property, including all the elements of the building fabric. (This was historically referred to as a Structural Survey). Advice and recommendations are provided in respect of all shortcomings within the premises. If appropriate, requirements for further investigation by specialists, such as a Structural Engineer, Mechanical & Electrical Engineer or Timber Specialist, may be identified. This type of report is normally instructed by clients prior to purchasing or leasing a property. It can also be useful for clients who wish to assess the condition of their own premises prior to marketing, whether for outright purchase or for leasehold purposes. f) Planned Maintenance Inspection: An appraisal in tabular format, prepared for the purpose of advising on the condition of the building fabric, which focuses on providing a planned maintenance strategy. Repairs and defects are classified according to priority/urgency. Budget costing information can be included in the report which can assist the client in preparing maintenance programmes and allocating budgets for future repairs. g) Quinquennial Ecclesiastical Maintenance Inspection: Similar to a Planned Maintenance Inspection but typically instructed by church organisations, as part of their stipulated 5-yearly maintenance inspection regime. h) Defect Analysis: An inspection and technical report carried out generally to advise upon a specific defect or condition within a building, such as condensation, damp ingress or defective workmanship. The report includes a detailed description and condition of the defect and will attempt to identify the cause and recommend an appropriate course of action. i) Snagging Inspection: A Snagging List prepared for the purpose of listing outstanding repairs or finishing works which are required to bring a project to a stage of completion. j) Reinstatement Cost Assessment: A Reinstatement Cost Assessment is prepared for Insurance purposes and was historically referred to as an Insurance Valuation. This involves an assessment of the rebuilding cost of a property, including demolition and fees and would normally include external areas such as yards, car parks, roads, boundary fences/walls, outbuildings etc. k) Access Audit: The Equality Act 2010, provides protection against discrimination for disabled users of property and an Access Audit can be carried out to provide guidance of what physical works may be necessary to comply with legislation. l) Measured Survey: A measured survey or dimensional survey involves taking measurements of a building and/or its site, in order to prepare accurate drawings to scale. This type of survey can be prepared for a variety of client requirements. |
2. CONSTRUCTION - BUILDING PROJECTS
a) Contract Administration: In conjunction with our sub-consultant CAD Technician, we can provide a full Contract Administration package for small to medium-sized projects, from inception to completion - financial, design, contractual & site monitoring functions performed by us. We can also arrange for specialist consultants, where required - Structural/Civil Engineers, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers, Planning Consultants etc. Our Contract Administration service normally relates to Refurbishment, Extension, Alteration and Repair/Maintenance projects. We also provide a similar service for fire/flood damage reinstatement projects. A typical service would involve the following: - Inception Stage: i) Discussion with client and agreement of Brief and proposals. ii) Inspection of property and advising in respect of feasibility and providing budget costs if required. Pre-Contract Stage: iii) Preparation of tender documentation including full working drawings, specification, schedule of works and contract document. iv) Submission of proposals to Local Authority in order to obtain Building Warrant/Planning Consent. v) Preparation of Tender Documents for competitive tendering. vi) Analysis of returned tenders. Contract Stage: vii) Contract administration including budget control & chairing progress meetings. viii) Monitoring works on site to ensure compliance with contract documentation. ix) Contract completion. x) Certifying completed work and handover to client. 
b) Project Monitoring/Project Management:
Our Project Monitor service can be provided to Developers, Funders, Tenants, Landlords, Owner-Occupiers etc in relation to New Build, Extension, Refurbishment and Alteration Projects. Our Project Monitor role involves assessing & agreeing the proposed Design & Specification and ensuring the necessary Site/Ground Investigations and other relevant investigations have been adequately carried out and that all necessary statutory consents are in place, followed by us monitoring the project to ensure that the works are progressing in accordance with the programme, within budget, and in accordance with the agreed Design & Specification. Our Project Management role will be dependent on client requirements but would typically involve heading-up a Design Team from inception to completion of a Project. c) Feasibility Study: Typically a report providing a general assessment of the condition of a building, but concentrating upon assessing the merits and practicalities of a client's proposals for alterations or refurbishment. Budget costings can be provided in relation to the various options under consideration. 
3. EXPERT WITNESS/
INDEPENDENT EXPERT DETERMINATION Under the combined name of Dispute Resolution, this is generally the provision of impartial expert professional Opinion. As an Expert Witness in cases proceeding to Court, our Expert would be responsible to the Court but would be able to provide formal Opinion on various disputes. In typical disputes where Court proceedings are not anticipated, Advisory Reports can be carried out for Clients to assist in their claim or defence. Our Expert can provide Opinion or Advisory reports on the likes of contractual disputes (generally between Client and Contractor relating to building projects or repair/maintenance works), Workmanship disputes, Snagging, Landlord/Tenant disputes (e.g. condensation/damp ingress to rented residential accommodation) and accidents/trips due to defective roads, footpaths etc. We can also provide independent determination in relation to dilapidations. |
