Building Surveying services to support a purchase or new lease

When buying a home or large investment, for peace of mind you ought to consider a Homebuyer Survey which sets out urgent matters that you should take action on before purchase such as legal matters and significant matters to take into account when negotiating the price. Alternatively a Building Survey is advisable for older properties, houses and if you are contemplating alterations as a Building Survey will look in detail at all elements and can also incorporated tailored advice on the structural feasibility of extensions, loft conversions or other alterations you are considering. A pre-purchase Homebuyer or Building survey minimises your risk and is the only way to reach an informed decision before you commit yourself legally to hundreds of thousands of pounds. It will help you understand whether the agreed price is reasonable, tell you any unforeseen drawbacks, and if so, advise you what you need to do about them.

For commercial occupiers contemplating a new lease. we assist tenants with Schedules of Condition and documenting the condition of the premises at the start of the lease. Without a Schedule of Condition then there is nothing to protect the tenant when or if they are later served an Interim or Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations and negotiations begin. And, if alternations are proposed or being considered as well as dealing with the viability of the proposed alterations we can consider matters such as disability access and carryout a disability access audit if required also.

Whilst Asbestos was banned as far back as 2000, most banks or lenders will now require sight of an Asbestos Survey as a condition of lending. Ringley’s Block Management department will also require the Asbestos Survey as part of site setup and if one does not exist then our Surveyors can arrange of prepare both an initial Asbestos Survey or the periodic review of Asbestos present to check that the condition of any Asbestos managed in situ has not deteriorated.

Building Surveying services to improve or renovate buildings

As Contract Administrator we are involved in a broad range of building projects for redecorations, refurbishment, roof replacement as well as façade works and compartmentation issues. We prepare schedules, run the tender process and can act as Principle Designer too.

For new-build properties our expertise includes new build developer warranty claims, insurance valuations and all things fire safety. We are up to date on current building regulations including a raft of new fire legislation in Part M and the Fire Safety Act and Building Safety Act which means that our Fire Risk Assessments and residents and communal fire door inspection reports are comprehensive and informative.

Alongside our extended team of experts we can deal with defects diagnosis over a range of structural, engineering and services issues. We support Ringley’s Block Management Team with planned maintenance strategies, CapEx surveys, planning reserve and sinking fund collections as well as methods and access strategies to reduce ad-hoc day-to-day repairs or to save money by extending the period between redecorations cycles.

Where party wall legislation applies we act for ‘the wall’ which is the legal requirement under the Party Wall etc.. Act 1996 either on behalf of the Building Owner or the Adjoining Owner to serve or respond to Party Wall Notices, Party Structure Notices and to prepare Party Wall Agreements, so whether you have received a Notice or need to serve one we will be able to assist.

For alterations, extensions or additions our Surveyors and Engineers role is to assess both the risk to a Freeholder who may be minded to grant consent, often in conjunction with Ringley’s Valuers who can calculate any premium that a Freeholder should ask. We can also prepare specifications and let building contracts as either Project Team Leader, Project Manager or Contract Administrator.