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Extensions, Alterations & Refurbishment

Musson Liggins undertake Measured Property Surveys which can be used for building records or as a basis for design, development and project appraisal. As a prelude to a One-Stop Design and Project Management service we undertake a full survey, design and specification, which will include obtaining Planning Consents and Building Regulation Approval.

Feasibility Studies are provided in conjunction with client’s objectives, which will include an ongoing valuation appraisal of the scheme from original design to completion of development.

Lease Advice, Schedules and Dilapidation

As a Practice, we have a long established experience and expertise in carrying out detailed Building Surveys and preparing Schedules of Condition to identify dilapidations and wants of repair in any property.

Condition Surveys are of great value to freehold purchasers or tenants, who need to identify expenditure, liability under the terms of any lease, extensive defects and remedial work necessary.

In particular this is appropriate for tenants of commercial property where repairing obligation extends a liability to them to keep property in good repair and decorative condition throughout any lease term. These surveys are able to be costed and where necessary provided as documents for possible tender.

Where leases are ending, surveys can be provided in order to determine the financial considerations relevant to wants of repair and dilapidations and additional advice can be provided as a consequence of these surveys with regard to Section 18 Landlord’s Reversionary Value items.

Party Wall Advice

The Party Wall Act of 1996 details obligations and responsibilities of building owners undertaking construction to their neighbours and adjoining property owners, in particular with regard to shared/party structures.

We are able to offer specialist advice as a requirement of the Act as a Party Wall Surveyor in order to ensure that our client’s responsibilities are met, including provision of appropriate Notices and Party Wall Awards.

Snagging

We are able to provide advice with regard to completed buildings following construction and development and whilst this is often the responsibility of the particular building contractor we are able to offer an independent view of the standard of work and recommend any necessary remedial action in particular during defects periods.

Development Monitoring

Where funding is being provided for development projects by Banks or lenders, we undertake independent monitoring of cost, time to completion, cost to complete and progress report.

This advice can be provided in conjunction with ongoing and updated valuation which is of use to Banks and lenders in identifying the accuracy of budgets and the likely satisfactory completion of works.

Musson Liggins have undertaken development monitoring for National Westminster Bank PLC/RBS, Lloyds TSB Bank PLC, Bank of Scotland, Allied Irish Bank, Handelsbanken and Yorkshire Bank PLC.

Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules

On behalf of private clients and where required by lenders, we undertake schedules for annual or regular maintenance and repair work to allow for budgeting and the maintenance of condition of properties.

These can be undertaken for repair of the fabric or for structural elements of the property and where appropriate we can produce budgets, specifications and undertake to a point contractors and to project manage the works through to completion.