We are well versed in carrying out Reinstatement Cost Assessments (RCAs) to ensure that your property portfolio is suitably (re)insured in the event of loss.

We use the BCIS Software to prepare a "Day One Reinstatement” as defined by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Practice Standards UK. 

This is a specified schedule that will usually cover between 1–10 year(s) or sometimes a 15 year period, which details the type of current and future maintenance required regularly to keep the structure, fabric and facilities of a building in good state of repair. These may include quantities and pricing rates for budget purposes. 

Typically, we provide a bespoke scoring matrix based on condition ratings and urgency of maintenance works. In addition, we also provide a summary of breaches to Health and Safety and Statutory compliance.

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, requires that the responsible person (Duty holder) on whom the Fire Safety Order imposes requirements, must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed.

We liaise with the Duty holder (of the building) to establish any management and procedural risks of fire safety that may expose persons to that risk. 

We undertake a visual assessment of the building to determine any short comings in accordance with PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 79-1:2020-New Code of Practice for Fire Risk Assessment’s.

We will issue a detailed report with recommendations together with an action plan and timetable for improvements.

There are many types of building surveys, the following is an example of the surveys that we can provide.

Condition Survey - The more basic type of visual survey to provide an overview of the general condition of the property identifying significant issues that warrant attention. The application is for relatively new properties that have no abnormal design features or materials. 

Full Building Survey - This may also be referred to as "The Structural Survey" which provides a detailed and thorough survey of the property and structure. The survey includes a schedule of defects, explains the defects and consequence of inaction together with advice on maintenance and repairs; this may include budget estimates.

The application is for older types of properties that may also be in a poor condition. This survey is suitable for properties that have abnormal/ unusual features, materials or where alterations / extensions that may be considered after purchase.

Generally, not undertaken on flats

Measured Survey - A measured surveys involve taking measurements of the building and providing accurate drawings illustrating elevations and internal layouts.  

Stock Condition Survey - Non-intrusive visual surveys that provides an overview of the general condition of the estate and identifies significant issues that warrant attention. 

New Build Survey - A snagging survey that lists out small cosmetic issues up to and including structural problems. This type of survey is provided when a developer is on site, close to completing the property and prior to purchase. This list can be used to get the developer to sort out any problems quickly and / or under any new build warranty

All buildings require some form of maintenance to achieve their life expectancy through use of materials and components; invariably these sometimes fail. 

Building pathology is a holistic approach to identify specific building defects; why and how defects occur and the consequence to your property in the longer-term should you not act accordingly.

We can carry out visual and intrusive surveys and advise on an appropriate course(s) of action. 

Typical examples of defects are: - 

• Water Penetration

• Damp

• Mould

• Noticeable Cracking

• Failure new build work 

These examples can be the result of deficiencies in: -

• Design 

• Material 

• Specification

• Workmanship

• Maintenance and Repair

If you are a Landlord, Managing Agent or Estate Agent (letting) and you have houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) within your portfolio then these properties need to meet Statutory requirements and local Governance. 

We understand the spatial and functional legislation of HMOs whether you are embarking on the following: - 

Acquiring new property

Extending an existing property

Improving capacity of existing occupation

We can attend site and assess the existing spatial and functional environment to guide you to compliance. 

When we have concluded our assessments and you have completed our recommendations, we are qualified to complete the Independent Surveyor Certificate of Compliance for HMO licensing in accordance with the Housing Act 2004 (Part2).

If you intend to carry out building work on an existing party wall or structure shared with another property, then it is likely this will fall within The Party Wall Etc Act 1996. 

We can act as either the Building Owners Surveyor, Adjoining Owners Surveyor or Agreed Surveyor in all matters involving the Act.

In the event that you discover that your client's
Tenant/ Lessee has made unapproved alterations to your property we can assist in regularisation consent for this work. We liaise with you/ your landlord including any legal teams to provide necessary drawings and statutory approvals.