Building Surveys

When dealing with properties it is important that we are fully informed about the condition of the property, and the cost of repair prior to purchase. This applies to all properties, whether they be commercial, industrial or residential. At AJH Associates we offer surveys to provide the purchaser with detailed information on condition to allow a balanced judgement of the purchase price, and suitability of the property before the transaction is made.

Surveys offer a close, detailed examination of all internal and external components of a building; including services and drainage. Surveys will identify any defects, including damp, woodworm, dry rot and other infestations. As with all Building Surveys of this nature it is not feasible for the Surveyor to open up any structures or parts of the building that are not easily accessed, this includes wall linings and under carpets. However, it is surprising what an experienced surveyor can detect from minimal visiable defects.

Our reports include a detailed description of the property and defets or concerns noted by the Surveyor. We try our utmost to utilise laymen's terms to avoid confusion. AJH Associates also offers our clients the opportunity to discuss their survey and report with the Surveyor.

There are various types of building surveys, however, they should all be carried out by qualified professionals. AJH Associates are accredited by the RICS and have years of experience in carrying out inspections and reports.

 Deed Plans

A deed plan is a plan drawn on or attached to any kind of a deed to illustrate boundaries and ownership. AJH Associates have completed a number of deed plans for a range of property types.

Design and Planning Supervision

AJH Associates offers a design service in support of our refurbishment and project management skills. We are able to aid clients of all building type and age with their development, refurbishment and alterations. We offer feasibility studies, development of schemes - where we work closely with the client to ensure they obtain exactly what they require. We can then prepare plans and submit them to the Local Authority for Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval.

Under the current Construction, Design & Management (CDM 2007) regulations, most building projects, service installations and demolition work require planning supervisors appointed under the regulations to ensure satisfactory pre-planning, health and safety requirements and method statements are created and adhere to. This service is provided for clients as an in-house addittion to our project management services. We also carry out CDM work for outside clients carrying out construcion programmes through other consultants.

Dilapidations

Applicable to commercial and industrial properties of all types which are involved in changing tenancies. The outgoing tenant or landlord may require for a schedule of dilapidations to be prepared. AJH Associates carry out dilapidations for accross the north west and can prepare complete schedules with record photographs, negotiate with incoming tenants where appropriate and offer supporting services where required.

Project Management

Project Managements is usually carried out in conjunction with refurbishment, maintenance and repair on all building types. Project management can include preparation of schedules of work, tendering and mnaging the building contracts. This will include all works frominception to completion. Services offered can include cost control, certification of accounts, forward planning and budgeting; all to ensure our clients recieve the right project at the right time to an agreed budget. Other services offered in conjunction would be design, planning and detailing. AJH Associates carries a vast range of experience in this field and has carried out such works for the Coniston Hall Hotel, North Yorkshire; Calderstones Barn, Clitheroe and The Inn at Whitewell to name a few, as well as smaller projects and domestic dwellings.

Expert Witness

We provide expert witness services to clients and their legal advisors who require specialist reports and opinions upon building defects, unsatisfactory work by contractors, and occasionally, unsatisfactory reporting of buildings surveyed by others. Expert witness reports can be used to settle disputes between contractors, client and builders arising out of construction or contract malpractice.

Party Wall Issues

The Party Wall Act 1996 requires that one or two surveyors be appointed in matters that affect buildings adjacent to each other. In this respect, buildings can also refer to land.

AJH Associates act as Party Wall surveyors for clients throughout the North West region adn guide them through the Act, ensure that the necessary notices are presented, or recieved as the case may be. It is essential thatany works, apart from very minor construction work, is considered under this Act and the appropriate notices given.

Reinstatement Cost Assessment - Fire Insurers Costs

This service is provided either as a seperate activity or as part of a building survey. The work involves measuring the buildings, includign outbuildings, grounds and boundaries, car parks and service areas, and calculating the cost of reconstruction in the events of a fire. The calculation includes a number of hidden costs such as demolition and site clearance, consultants fees for redesign, VAT where it is applicable, and is carried out in accordance with RICS Guidance Notes, and for more complex buildings from bespoke calculations.

For further information on any of our services please do not hesitate to contact us.