We have been involved in a number of commercial building surveys, pre-acquisition or Technical Due Diligence, (TDD)

Our surveys are a comprehensive assessment of the properties’ condition and structure. It is an important part of the due diligence/pre acquisition process which helps any potential buyer, tenant or owner make an informed decision to maximise value, review condition, use to minimise liabilities before purchasing or investing.

Our surveys include an Executive Summary with RAG risk rating, detailed analysis of condition/structure including future maintenance, budget costs and legislative compliance, lease/occupation issues.

We work to tight deadlines to suit your commercial needs.

We have also worked as both Lead Consultant and as Sub-consultants with other specialist consultants such as Mechanical/Electrical, Structural and Measurement to provide ‘a one team’ solution to meet client expectations.

We specialise in planned preventative maintenance, (PPM) and condition surveys. We have delivered both singular and roll out programmes to various sector clients both regionally and nationally. We work closely with educational estate teams to provide condition, single and specialist surveys.

Our tailored reports include description of elements, condition, RICS Codes/Priorities, remedial works/costs, and a “RAG” colour coded rating to categorise the severity. Our reports are also supplemented with an executive summary with a photographic schedule referencing defects where applicable.

We can also include health, safety and legislation shortfalls to assist compliance.

As Chartered Building Surveyors, we conduct detailed inspections and provide comprehensive robust reports using our technical expertise and modern survey techniques.

We always produce an exceptional service to meet our clients’ aspirations, timescales and survey outputs.

Our structural/defect analysis report is recommended when concerns are raised on a specific defect such as a leaking roof, internal dampness, structural movement/cracking or a timber infestation outbreak.

It can be used by existing property owners or at presale/acquisition for bank valuations or less thorough surveys by others.

A schedule of condition is recommended when you need to record a properties condition at a point in time. It serves as a comprehensive record detailing existing defects, wear/tear and damaged items. It establishes a benchmark in condition and can limit liability and avoid disputes or against future changes.

HBS have produced a number of Schedules either to append to commercial leases, party wall awards or stand-alone projects detailing its condition prior to any alterations, extensions or construction works limiting liability.

Our surveys typically comprise of a description of element/condition with supporting photographic schedule/outline sketches/drawings. We offer different types of reports to suit your needs and budget.

We have undertaken access audits since the introduction of Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, now The Equality Act 2010 which subsequently replaced DDA. We have either provided full access audits or overview/summary reports identifying non-compliance to form part of your action management plan.

Our typical access audits assessments includes the following:

• Data gathering/building user/management consultation.

• Full site survey.

• Key summary/overviews with users.

• Our report includes an Executive Summary, categories of works, priorities of risk, costs and photographic information.

• Overview, concerns, consequences of non-compliance and action plan summaries.

The Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party/boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. It places obligations on building owners to inform adjoining owners of building works under the Act.

HBS can advise you on all party/boundary wall related matters and liabilities. We have acted for both building and adjoining owners, preparing notices, awards, schedule of conditions/photographic records.

Party wall matters can be complicated. Act protocol must be followed, or it could lead to project delays and increased costs. To assist, we provide a free non-obligatory initial desktop review to confirm your party/boundary wall liabilities as part of our service.

We have been involved and worked on a range of Conservation and Listed Building matters including defect appraisal, sympathetic and appropriate restoration works, heritage assessments/surveys.

Our extensive knowledge within the heritage sector and working with other lead consultants and conservation bodies has ensured sensitive repair and maintenance have been implemented to meet conservation body approval whilst managing programme and cost constraints.

We have experience in the following:

• Listed/Conservation areas/buildings

• Conservation/maintenance plans and surveys

• Quinquennial surveys and implementing remedial works

• Listed/Conservation consents

• Impact statements

• Sympathetic/appropriate specialist repairs/specifications