Established and experienced commercial building consultants

Is the term used when undertaking a review of a property’s rebuild cost for insurance purposes. It can also include mechanical and electrical installations. It is vital that your property is appropriately insured, and it may be a specific requirement under the terms of a commercial lease.

If the assessment under values a property, then the policy holder could be left with a shortfall in funds to reinstate the property. A significant over valuation could result in paying higher insurance premiums.

Encompass surveys of industrial and commercial properties to provide clients with advice on the condition and suitability of proposed premises for occupation and investment.

They will identify issues which may affect occupation together with items that may need to be addressed as part of a future repairing liability. If instructed early within property negotiations, they can be used to request the vendor to address identified issues prior to purchase or reduce the purchase cost.

Are a legal requirement enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. They are intended to ensure that health and safety risks are properly considered during a project’s development so that the potential of harm to those who build, use and maintain structures is reduced.

Focuses on a specific problem or suspected issue to a property. It can be a more economical way of obtaining advice rather than commissioning a full Commercial Building Survey. A Defects Analysis Report can be useful if you have received conflicting advice over how to repair a defect and the likely costs for doing so.

Are used to cover a variety of arrangements amongst developers, landowners, purchasers, tenants and funders. These often include provisions where the landowner and the other party agree an option to purchase following the successful conclusion of a requirement, typically planning permission.

Are encountered in most commercial tenancies where there are obligations concerning the returning of a premises to the landlord. A failure to comply with leasehold obligations will give rise to a claim for what is commonly known as dilapidations. For any sizeable dilapidations claim, both the landlord and the tenant normally appoint professional representatives.

Is a specialist form of construction moving at a fast pace and involving multiple parties often via a Design and Build contract. An occupier will need to appoint their own consultants to represent their interests, oversee a tender process, assist with lease negotiations and administer the construction contract.

Are often received by landlords and managing agents from their tenants requesting permission to undertake alterations to their leased property. It is important each application is managed competently to ensure the completed licence protects both parties’ interests and proceeds without unnecessary delay.

A licence provides protection for a landlord, by requiring a technical review of the tenants’ proposal and incorporating reinstatement provisions. A licence for a tenant will prevent the landlord from including any improvements within a future rent review and clarifies yielding up obligations.

Are umbrella terms that cover a number of Acts and procedures, which grant the owner of a property the legal right to undertake certain works that might otherwise constitute trespass or nuisance.

However, they also seek to protect the interests of adjoining owners from potentially adverse effects of neighbours undertaking works. Several Acts also contain a dispute resolution procedure overseen by a surveyor.

Is the opposite of reactive repairs, Planned Maintenance or PPM is an asset management strategy to ensure buildings and their components function adequately, preserve the value of the building, satisfy legal obligations and achieve best value in terms of built assets during the occupancy phase of the building.

A planned maintenance schedule covers key maintenance issues ranging from component deterioration to compliance with legislation. If undertaken correctly planned maintenance can reduce the operating costs of a building and limit the need for emergency repairs.

Includes both Contract Administration and Employer’s Agent roles and is vital for the successful delivery of construction projects. A successful project manager will lead the project team so that the works are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

They will be responsible for the day-to-day detailed management of the project and provide the interface between the client and the remainder of the project team including contractors, sub-consultants and other stakeholders.

Involves the oversight of a project and reporting to the building owner or other third parties, such as funders, investors or incoming tenants. The appointed surveyor technically assesses the project as it progresses in a way that is objective and can act as an early warning system for their client.

Are a factual record of the condition of a property on a particular date. These can be used as a benchmark against which a building’s condition is assessed in the future.

Schedules of condition may be prepared under the instruction of a landlord, a tenant, an employer, a contractor or a neighbour. Often it is important to seek agreement of the other party that the schedule is a fair reflection of the condition of the property when it is prepared.