Building Surveying
Building Surveying
Our experienced team of surveyors enable evidence-based decision making by our clients, who include private individuals, institutional landlords and investors, private investors, corporate entities, property companies, landlords, occupiers and public organisations.
We compile building survey reports, conduct assessments, estimate costs and advise on the management of building projects and major new developments. We guide our clients every step of the way, surveying everything from high-end residential homes to commercial developments, country estates to listed buildings.
We build a relationship with our clients helping them to add value to their project and ensuring the best use of their land and property assets and aim to offer services ‘under one roof’ as each building surveying solution often covers more than one discipline.
Professional standards and quality are at the core of our service offering. We help clients make efficient use of their property portfolios ensuring risk is managed and property use is maximised. We adhere to the latest legislation and RICS guidance ensuring accuracy and industry best practice.
I appointed Adair to oversee an internal refurbishment project for my property, and I could not be happier with the results. From the outset, Edward Rawson Senior Building Surveyor was professional, thorough, and knowledgeable, preparing a detailed specification we could take to tender. His expertise in contract administration and project management ensured that the refurbishment ran relatively smoothly, without any unresolvable complications.
Key Services
Building surveying is one of the core services offered by our multidisciplinary professional teams. We can advise landlords, tenants, owner/occupiers and investors on the many and varied aspects of property ownership and occupation. The acquisition of a property for either occupation or investment purposes for example requires careful thought by the prospective owner or tenant. Our surveyors have the experience and expertise necessary to ensure the right decision is made.
- RICS Residential Building Surveys: Our Building Surveys to RICS Level 3 standard are the most comprehensive available for residential properties. The report is entirely bespoke and tailored to the property being inspected. It will provide a valuable and detailed appraisal of a property’s condition.
- A Level 3 Full Building Survey will provide a comprehensive assessment of the structure and condition of the property. It also includes estimated costs of any repairs that are required. The detail provided in this type of survey will give a thorough understanding of what is being bought. Industry guidelines recommend Full Building Surveys if a property is old, run-down, a large or luxury property, or has unusual features. This type of survey is also recommended if the plan is to do any significant work to the property.
- A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey provides a visual inspection of areas that are reasonably accessible. The survey looks for serious problems that are readily evident, but does not go into detail on the structural integrity of the property. If the property is fairly new, conventionally built and appears to be in good condition, then guidelines recommend a HomeBuyer survey.
- Level 1 Condition reports are also available from some surveying firms. These provide a brief assessment of the property’s condition to give an overview of its current state. These are very concise and so are really only suited to modern properties that appear to be in good condition.
- Specific Defect Inspections – for all types of property. A survey is undertaken to assess a particular problem with a property’s structure or condition. Any related building matters which are found during the inspection will also be covered
- Planned Maintenance Surveys – Planned Preventive Maintenance Schedules (PPMs) itemise all major items of work required to a property or group of properties, along with associated costs, over a set timeframe. PPMs often cover the next 10–15 years.
- Schedule of Condition Surveys – Condition surveys are often carried out when someone wants to get a thorough understanding of the current state of a property, the repairs and maintenance that will be required in the short, medium and long terms, and budgets for these works. Our surveyors can also advise on regulatory requirements, such as fire safety measures
- Pre-Acquisition Surveys – A pre-acquisition survey by our RICS chartered surveyors will tell a prospective buyer/tenant exactly what condition the property is in, whether it be an industrial unit, large warehouse, office building, shop or shopping mall. Whether it is structurally sound, what repairs and liabilities are attached to it and whether specialist investigations need to be carried out. The report will contain details of costs for the more substantial items of repair and maintenance.
- Schedules of Dilapidations – A schedule of dilapidations is typically served either at the end of a lease or during a tenancy. It reports the condition and state of repair of the leased property, with reference to the lease covenant and the tenant’s responsibility for repair and upkeep.
Our expert witnesses provide independent opinions and testimony in legal cases. The extensive experience in property building and construction matters our building surveyors have assists with issues regarding a building’s construction or defects which may include disputes over building work, claims of negligence or breaches of contract and disagreements over repair and maintenance.
Providing drone surveying and building inspection services for residential and commercial clients across London and the UK. Carried out by RICS Chartered Surveyors.
Our chartered surveyors will manage the new project whether the aim is to refurbish a property, start a new project or upgrade the energy efficiency of the building, from investigative surveys and feasibility assessments right through to overseeing completion of the works.
The Acts enable ‘Building Owners’ to construct new and develop existing structures up to a boundary, whilst protecting the rights of ‘Adjoining Owners’ from suffering any loss as a result of the works on an adjacent site. We have extensive experience of advising on all issues arising from the Party Wall Act etc. 1996 and can prepare and serve Party Wall Notices and Party Wall Awards as necessary to protect the interests of the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner.
We are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a learned society for professionals with a particular interest in matters relating to The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and in the solving of all other similar neighbour issues.
Key Contacts
Edward Rawson
Manish Ranpuria
Mark Ruddell
Renny Smith
I was in need of a surveyor to assist with a legal matter and had contacted many who were either dismissive or uninterested! However, I then got in touch with Mark Ruddell and I could not be more happy with the service he provided. Mark took time to understand the situation I was in and assured me he could assist me, which provided a lot of reassurance from the outset. Both he and his colleagues were extremely professional and efficient and provided me with a report that was expertly produced and thoroughly detailed. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Adair again and will be recommending them to anyone.
Our Projects
Explore our work to see how we consistently drive innovation and strive to achieve excellence through experience across every project that we work on within building surveying.
