Author: ffion

Contract Administration

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Some clients are quite happy to manage the project themselves.  However, on occasion, we are asked to assist with the running of the project, due to a number of reasons.

A Contract Administrator is usually appointed to manage the contract between the client and contractor and can be a less stressful option for a client.  This ensures that both parties to the contract meet the obligations.  Primarily this is more a responsibility for the contractor, which includes meeting standard of workmanship, choice of material, code of conduct, behaviour on-site and cost variations.  As part of our role, we carry out the following duties:

  • Carrying out periodic site visits
  • Managing the work on behalf of the client
  • Assessing payment valuations from the contractor
  • Assessing contract variations
  • Preparing a final snagging list of the work
  • Signing the work off
  • Negotiating the final account

Feasibility Studies

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We are often called to look at properties that are owned or prospective property owners, over options that could be available to either extend, convert, rebuild or refurbish.  Sometimes it is difficult to see the potential of what could be carried out, which is where we can provide assistance. We can provide advice from a construction, planning and building regulation point of view as well as assist with budget costing the building work.

There are also occasions when we are asked to look at the development potential of a site, where we can provide schematic designs, budget costs, as well guidance on the potential return from the site.

We can provide a plan over how to proceed with the project, which may consist of preparing scale drawings of the property, advising on any other consultants that may be required as part of the project and discussing the approach that will be required with the planning and building regulation process.

Generally a feasibility service can include:

  • Ascertaining client brief
  • Inspecting property/site and discuss potential options
  • Prepare draft proposals
  • Prepare budget costings for building work
  • Assess any impact the proposal may have with Planning and Building Regulation
  • Assess any other legal issues such as Party Wall etc Act  1996
  • Prepare outline planning applications.

Lease Plan

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A lease plan is an essential part of a lease to a residential and commercial property in order to determine a leasehold demise.  Often we are contacted by clients and solicitors to prepare lease plans for shops and flats to indicate the boundaries of the building and that can be attached to the lease.

Party Wall Services

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Certain building projects are affected by the Party Wall etc Act 1996.  This Act provides responsibilities for the Building Owner in situations when the proposed work may have an impact on a neighbour.  Party wall work can include constructing a wall on a boundary line, through to fitting a beam on to the party wall of a terrace house.

We have experienced Chartered Surveyors in our office who can assist with the submission of Notices and can be appointed as the Building Owner or Adjoining Owner of a project.  If you require assistance or are in any doubt whether this may be an issue, please contact us and we can provide some assistance.

Planning and Listed Building Applications

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We can advise on what planning implications could be imposed onto a property for the proposed works.  In various situations, properties have a permitted development right to extend or convert their property without submitting a planning application.

Permitted development can be given for works ranging from a garage conversion through to a loft conversion.  However, in all circumstances, we advise that a Certificate Of Lawful Development application is submitted to the Local Authority to provide the appropriate paperwork to confirm the permitted development.

We are happy to advise on your rights and also refer you to  https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200234/home_improvement_projects

If permitted development is not possible, most other applications will require a  Planning submission.  In these circumstances, we will advise on any potential problems with the proposal and what may need to be considered.

As part of this, we will also try to liaise with the Planning Department through the submission process to try and avoid potential issues.

If you are in a Listed Building, Conservation Area, National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there can be other restrictions that will apply to your building.  We will work with you and the Local Authority to obtain consent.

In certain circumstances a specialist planning consultant will be required.  In these situations will advise accordingly and can recommend a consultant to work alongside us and you to prepare and submit a scheme.

Measured Surveys

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If you are proposing any substantial work to your property, we would always advise that a scale set of plans are prepared of the building/site.

In order to have a set of scale plans, we would need to carry out a measured survey.  Generally, this will consist of one of your Surveyors or Technologists spending time at the property to take accurate measurements of the whole property or areas required.  This information can then be transferred to paper, which provides information to the builder and other professionals involved, such as designer, structural engineer and client, which can then be worked from.

As part of a measured survey, we can identify key aspects of a property, which we can then transfer on to paper.  If we required we can show the following information:

  • Measured plans
  • Indicate site boundaries
  • Prepare existing elevations
  • Prepare elevations indicating neighbouring properties.
  • Prepare sections through the property
  • Indicate drainage runs
  • Show key parts of existing services