COMMERCIAL SURVEYS (Pre-purchase)

We carry out Commercial Surveys on shops, Public houses, factories, offices and other commercial premises. Most commercial premises are poorly maintained.
This type of survey carries with it a full set of photographs, normally in the range of 40 - 50 photographs, to enable our clients to make a reasoned decision with regards to the purchase of the Commercial Property. (Top)

STATEMENT OF CONDITION REPORT

A Statement of Condition is a report which must be carried out by any person considering renting or leasing a Commercial property before entering into a Lease.
A Statement of Condition, as the name suggests, is a detailed report including an extensive catalogue of photographs which lists all the defects and the condition of the property generally, both internally and externally as at the time of entering into a lease.
This type of report is vital for the protection of a person entering into a lease or rental agreement. This type of report protects the tenant or lessee when the lease comes to an end, and assists the tenant or lessee in counteracting extortionate dilapidation costs which are usually presented in a Schedule of Dilapidation as discussed below.
The Statement of Condition benefit’s the tenant / lessee, rather than the Landlord. (Top)

SCHEDULE OF DILAPIDATION REPORT

Dilapidation Reports are usually carried out on behalf of a Landlord when a tenant has come to the end of a lease period on a Commercial property.
A Schedule of Dilapidation provides a Landlord with a list of the elements at the property which require repair and which are usually presented to the tenant / lessee for payment. (See also Statement of Condition above).
Therefore a Schedule of Dilapidation invariably benefits the Landlord rather than the tenant / lessee .(Top)

DESIGN AND REFURBISHMENT

We offer a full design and refurbishment advice service. Providing advice regards the design of new properties, extensions, loft conversions or the redesigning of existing properties, with detailed drawings ready for presenting to the Local Authority.
Refurbishment Schedules can also be prepared for older properties or modernisation of newer properties.
The Schedules are compiled in a completed form to allow for presentation to contractors to allow for quotes to be obtained. (Top)

PLANS DRAWN

We offer a full drawing service with regards to new build, houses, flats, apartments, extensions, conservatories and the like.
Along with the completed drawings we complete the Planning Application Forms for our clients at no extra charge, and present the Planning Application and drawings to the Local Authority on behalf our clients. (Top)

BUILDING DISPUTES AND EXPERT REPORTS

We are members of the Expert Witness Institute and compile at least 50 - 60 Expert Reports per year.
Over the last 20 years, we have completed over 1,000 reports on Technical Building Disputes and Expert Witness work.
We have extensive experience of technical disputes regarding all types of building works on residential and commercial properties.

We regularly undertake Expert Witness work for the following Law Firms:-

Gamlins Solicitors - Bangor
Berry & Berry Solicitors - Manchester
Gwilym Hughes & Partners - Wrexham
Bell, Lamb & Joynson - Runcorn
Amphletts Solicitors - Colwyn Bay
The Hardman Partnership - Manchester

N.B.  For our Expert Witness work, we cover the whole of England and Wales. (Top)

 BOUNDARY DISPUTES

We have worked on Boundary Disputes for the last 20 years. This type of dispute can be difficult with neighbours arguing over small parcels of land or where the precise boundary position should be placed.
If we are instructed by a member of the general public, upon attendance at site, we attempt, where possible, to liaise with both our instructed client and the neighbour with whom the dispute has arisen. This is an attempt to mediate between the parties to seek a suitable solution and arrive at a position which is acceptable to both parties and has cost the least amount with regards to professional fees.
Where boundary disputes are allowed to run out of control with both parties instructing Solicitors, and the matter becoming litigious, then the cost on even simple matters, can readily run to £15 - £20,000.00 per party.
The boundary disputes can quickly become litigious and very expensive and therefore we always attempt to mediate if we are involved with a boundary dispute in the early stages.
Should we be instructed by a Solicitor then we adhere rigidly to the instruction provided, the Solicitor must direct the case. (Top)

 PARTY WALL ACT ISSUES

We have extensive knowledge of matters relating to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We have been appointed as Surveyor on numerous occasions and successfully guided difficult situations with the Building Owners and the Adjoining Owners regarding Party Wall matters.
We have acted both as the single joint Surveyor and liaised with the 2nd and 3rd Surveyor when circumstances have arisen.
It is important in Party Wall matters that a Surveyor is instructed early on before the development commences to ensure that any potential problems can be addressed and issues between the parties brought to a sensible and amicable conclusion to enable works to proceed to the benefit of both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner.

‘So long as human nature is what it is there will always be disputes. And those disputes, whatever their character, must be resolved - if society is to exist in a civilised way - as quickly, as cheaply, and as satisfactorily as possible’.
                   Lord Judge Roskill, Alexander Lecture, 1978. (Top)