Building Consultancy

Our consultant Building Surveyors have decades of experience between them working across Greater London and the South East.

Building Surveys

Our Surveyors are highly experienced in undertaking building surveys of commercial and residential premises. Our Surveyors will inspect buildings and undertake a detailed investigation, evaluating the condition of the premises. Defects will be identified with repair and replacement advice given where required.

A full Building Survey will provide a detailed evaluation of the condition of your property, identifying issues such as damp and dry rot, and commenting on the materials used to the build the property. It is generally recommended to have a building survey carried out on listed or older buildings (approximately 50 or more years old), buildings that will be renovated, altered significantly or were constructed with unusual materials.

Schedules of Condition

Our building surveyors are skilled in producing written reports detailing the condition of a property or part of a property by preparing a Schedule of Condition. The schedule will usually be accompanied by a photographic record, detailing the condition of the premises and highlighting any areas that are in poor condition and require repair.

A Schedule of Condition might be required in a number of situations, including detailing the condition of premises prior to parties agreeing and entering into a lease. The schedule will provide a tenant with protection at the expiry of the lease, limiting what the landlord can service in a Schedule of Dilapidations.

Where a tenant or Landlord proposes to make significant alterations to a premise, Schedules of Condition can be undertaken by the Landlords of adjoining properties prior to the commencement of works. If the adjoining premises suffer from damage then the Schedule can be reviewed to identify which areas require repair. The document can then be used as a negotiating tool in the settlement of any repair costs between the party carrying out the works and those that have suffered damage. Where major works are to undertaken, such as the laying of foundations, it is a requirement under the provisions of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 that adjoining premises have Schedules of Condition taken of them which will form part of a Party Wall Award.

Dilapidations

Our Surveyors are employed by both tenants and landlords to advise on Dilapidations. Working with the lease consultancy team, the terms of the lease, the Schedule of Condition (if available) and any licences will be reviewed, with preliminary advice given on the extent of dilapidation liabilities.

Our Surveyors will undertake an inspection of the premise, prepare a Schedule of Dilapidations and provide initial dilapidation estimates. Advice will also be provided in respect of dilapidations legislation, notably section 18 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1927 and the Dilapidations Protocol and ultimately negotiate the dilapidations claim on behalf of either the Landlord or Tenant.