Professional Services

Party Wall etc Act 1996

Since the change to the former London Building Acts in 1996 which extended its authority nationwide, we have provided expert services to advise on the application of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 (the Act).

The Act requires owners to serve notice on adjoining neighbours when undertaking certain works. These typically include works to existing party walls / floors / structures, foundations and boundary walls. Where disputes arise following service of the relevant notices, an Award process as dictated by the Act must be adhered to and documentation outlining how works are to be progressed will be prepared.

Our Building Surveyors have expertise in administering the Act and can operate as both Building Owner's or Adjoining Owner's Surveyor in order to address disputes between the relevant parties. It is an essential part of the Act that the correct procedures are adopted to allow projects to progress smoothly and without any undue delay.

Dilapidations and Want’s of Repair

Understanding commercial leases including their repairing and redecorating covenants is a complex area of the property profession. Within the Building Surveying team we are able to advise on the consideration of Dilapidation and Want’s of Repair issues using our significant experience and enable claims to be assessed, negotiated and settled to the advantage of our clients.

The Building Surveying team will carefully consider decoration and repairing covenants of the lease along with any issues of yielding up and statutory provisions. Following a lease review and site inspection a strategic report is prepared which quantifies the liability and seeks to recommend the most advantageous route for settlement. 

The Building Surveying team will always consider the schedules served or prepared in line with the ‘RICS Guidance Notes’ and the ‘Property Litigation Association’ ‘Pre-action Protocol For Claims For Damages In Relation To The Physical State Of Commercial Property At The End Of A Lease’.

Development Appraisals and Construction Monitoring

Development, Fund or Construction Monitoring services are provided and give lenders or investors the comfort that schemes are being appraised for both financial and construction risk.

There is also the further option of monthly site inspections and reporting on progress and quality of build as well as monitoring of expenditure and recommendations regarding the release of payments during the construction contract. Compilation of insurances, Collateral Warranties and CV’s indicating expertise of Consultants and Contractors on the schemes are also reviewed and additional information requested as required.

Technical Services

Our technical services are constantly being developed to meet changes in legislation and developments in the industry.

Within the Building Surveying team we are able to provide services including Access Audits under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 to enable our clients to view their options and undertake any necessary amendments to their property. In addition further staff training may be advised to ensure provision of service for all.

Fire Safety Risk assessments under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are within the Building Surveying team’s competence. These assessments will enable clients to prepare their Fire Management Plans and appoint both competent and responsible persons.

We also prepare technical option appraisals and reports for clients considering redeveloping sections of their existing portfolio or acquiring development sites. Incorporating this service with one of our Building Surveys allows our clients to look in depth at the existing property and make decisions based upon detailed information whether to look at redevelopment or refurbishment options in order to maximise the asset’s potential returns.

Other Available Services

Building Reinstatement Cost Assessments
Space Audits and Planning
Expert Witness Advice
Project Procurement
Interior Design Advice
AutoCAD Drawing Preparation

To find out more about our approach and to discuss your professional services needs please contact:

Jonathan Carter

Managing Director - London

T: +44 (0)20 7021 0333

M: +44 (0)79 7069 7333

E:

jrcarter@phwarr.com

jonathan.r.carter

       

David Johnson

Managing Director - South

T: +44 (0)23 8063 4333

M: +44 (0)79 7169 7333

E:

djjohnson@phwarr.com

david_j_johnson

       

Karl Butters

Managing Director - International

T: +218 (0)21 340 8519

M: +218 (0)91 462 7499

E:

kjbutters@phwarr.com

karl.butters

Quantity Surveying