Building Consultancy & Planning
Stratton Creber Commercial’s building consultancy department provides bespoke services tailored to meet our clients’ requirements. Our team of specialists has the ability to deal with all types of commercial, institutional and residential property, with particular specialism in conservation, seeking solutions within the complex building regulation and statutory requirements, and renewable technology.
Planning & design projects
Our service covers new-build, refurbishment, change of use and alterations, providing advice on planning policy, build design, preparation and submission of plans to the local planning authority. Complex negotiations and pre-application issues are often now required to achieve a desired consent. Existing consents can be reviewed and sometimes enhanced to maximise capital (rental) values.
Feasibility studies
We provide a specific service which investigates the potential alternative uses for a development which may be permissible under the prevailing planning policies for the building or site. Build costs and capital values will be examined to provide the most viable solutions.
Building regulations
Having expert knowledge of building regulation requirements, we incorporate this knowledge to achieve cost effective solutions using up to date building product innovations and designs compliant with the regulations.
Project management
Our project management service will organise and be responsible for the management of a building project focusing on delivery time, cost and quality.
Schedules of condition & building surveys
Specialising in commercial buildings, our service identifies the defects present and recommends appropriate remedial action. A planned maintenance programme can be provided, identifying costs and project monitoring the repairs to a satisfactory completion.
Schedules of condition are prepared for both landlords and tenants to define repairing obligations within the lease framework.
Dilapidations
Our service provides strategic advice on dealing with interim and terminal lease liabilities, within the statutory and common law framework. A schedule of dilapidations, or a “section 18” valuation, will be prepared in accordance with the lease obligations and the status of the building, taking into account the future intentions of the landlord.
Capital allowances
The 2007 budget introduced comprehensive changes to the capital allowance regime by allowing capital expenditure incurred on certain assets to reduce taxable profits or taxable income.
The large majority of commercial property transactions and building projects result in the need for capital allowances to be considered, specifically when disposing / acquiring property, leasing property, carrying out new-build and refurbishment schemes and undertaking fit-out projects. Working in conjunction with the client’s accountants, significant tax savings can be achieved and building specifications can be influenced.
Reinstatement valuations for fire insurance purposes
A building reinstatement cost exercise should be carried out on a three-yearly basis, ideally with annual desktop reviews. The age, floor area, construction, services, demolition costs, party wall issues, statutory requirements and professional fees are taken into account, together with the client’s individual vat status.
Renewables
Specialist advice is given on the availability of current energy saving technology. An analysis of installation costs and pay back periods, together with the availability of grants will be given. Alternative power and water technologies include solar pvs (photovoltaic), solar water heating, heat pumps, stove systems, rainwater recycling, wind turbines.
Audits – disability, fire, health & safety
Our service provides reasoned and practical advice on audit requirements and provides solutions to shortcomings in existing buildings and compliance for new developments within the current statutory framework.
Party wall matters
The party wall etc act 1996 lays down the statutory requirements and our service includes the preparation of a schedule of condition, negotiation and an agreement of the party wall award.
Land registry plans
A lease plan service tailored to meet the land registry’s specific requirements. Specialising in cases where on-site measurement is required, we will provide location plans, block plans, floor plans at appropriate scales from 1:50 to 1:2500. Typically, these will cover multi-occupied properties, new flat developments and flat conversions and demised areas on different floors.
Contact
Plymouth - Robin Falle, Tim Capps
Truro - Tim Smart
