Chartered Surveyors, Access Consultants and Construction Consultants 01530 229235 | [email protected]
This is what we do.

Knowledge

Having the right information always makes decision making more easy and can ensure that costly mistakes are avoided. Our professional services are designed to provide the right level of information and can guide you through the maze of issues facing anyone that is looking to purchase or occupy property, already occupies and needs to look after their asset, or needs to mitigate or enforce legal requirements. Simply put, these services keep you out of trouble and ensures your biggest asset works in the best way for you.

  • Access audits
    • Inspections of existing environments (including buildings) to assess their accessibility and to advise on the implications of The Equality Act 2010 – The EA (previously the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005 -DDA).

      The audits include for the identification of access barriers, their potential resolution and the associated cost of implementing the recommended improvements. Advice can also be given upon the timing of proposed alterations and the alternatives available where physical alterations are either costly or impractical.

  • Access appraisals
    • The assessment of new building works, whether complete new buildings or alterations, to ensure that the design will produce an accessible building. This service may also highlight areas where the existing design may cause difficulties and potentially lead to an action under the EA.

      Designs can be assessed for compliance with the Building Regulations and BS8300: 2009, or any other design criteria and best practice guidance.

  • Schedules of condition
    • Schedules of condition can be prepared for Tenants to record the condition of a property/the demise at the time a lease is being contemplated. Schedules can also be checked and agreed on behalf of Landlords in relation to Schedules proposed by Tenants to ensure that they fairly represent the condition and nature of the premises/demise.
  • Schedules of dilapidations
    • Schedules of Dilapidations can be prepared for Landlords or defended on behalf of Tenants. This includes the inspection of the premises/demise to collate the schedule and to prepare it for submission. Schedules can be priced to establish the amount of claim and negotiations commenced in accordance with the Dilapidations Protocol. Schedules can also be checked and responded to as part of negotiations on behalf of tenants or the reduction of the monetary claim for damages through negotiation.

      Dilapidations assessments can also be undertaken for Tenants who wish to know and therefore plan and budget for their dilapidation liabilities in advance of the termination date. This will include for the correct timing of repairs and redecoration that may be required by the lease and for the timely maintenance of the property in order to minimise expense and potential disruption. (This can be linked to Planned Preventative Maintenance inspections).

      Where alterations are undertaken to leasehold premises, advice can be given in relation to the obtaining of licences for the alterations proposed. This can be either by the collation of details and designs for Tenants to make their application for approval, or through to the monitoring and approval of works undertaken by Tenants on behalf of Landlords. Works can also be designed and managed from start to completion.

  • Building inspection/pre acquisition surveys
    • Previously known as “Structural Surveys” these involve the detailed analysis of the condition of a property and are used to highlight defects and other factors that may affect the purchase or occupation of a building. Can be undertaken as part of a due diligence process.

      Items such as leasehold considerations can be taken into account and surveys can be completed as part of an overall due diligence process.

  • Maintenance inspections
    • Otherwise known as Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM). This is another type of inspection whereby the condition of a property (or multiple properties) is assessed against what works of repair, decoration, improvement, or other works will be required over a given period into the future (usually on 5 yearly intervals). Results are provided to indicate what works are required and at what intervals they will be required; presented in tabulated or database formats, with associated narrative report/s. The reports can be linked to repairing covenants and timings for decorations as imposed by leasehold obligations.

      The information produced allows for the strategic budgeting of costs for the upkeep of the building, whether it is from a “good housekeeping” point of view to protect the asset value or to ensure that leasehold liabilities are planned and budgeted for. PPMs also ensure that the building’s life cycle is considered so that the fabric can be repaired or renewed prior to failure thus ensuring that the Client’s business remains unaffected by events that may otherwise cause disruption. Planning for works at the optimum time can be implemented and cash flow managed effectively.

  • The Party Wall etc. Act 1996
    • Advice can be provided upon the implications of the Party Wall Etc. Act 1996, to those either contemplating works (the Building Owner) or those that are affected by proposed works (Adjoining Owners). This includes acting on behalf of the Building Owner and serving the requisite notices and then acting as the Building Owner’s Surveyor, or acting as the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor, following service of notices upon them by the Building Owner.

      Party Wall Awards prepared and Schedules of condition collated for agreement with the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor and subsequent service upon the parties to the Award.

Constructive Input

Any project needs the right approach and someone at the helm that knows how to steer. It doesn’t matter what you’re planning to do, Aperis can help you with the whole process, advising on what needs to be done, how you can do it, what it’ll cost and how you go about bringing your project to fruition. Whether it’s a simple repair, a small alteration, extension or a complete new build project, we can take it on from start to finish.

  • Alterations, repair and refurbishment
    • Whether you are considering altering, repairing or refurbishing your property (or portfolio) Aperis can provide guidance from the outset on what works are required to get the best from your property and to keep it in the best condition possible. Following on from an initial survey and diagnostic inspections, detailed designs and schedules of work can be prepared to clearly illustrate the options possible and to reflect your desires for any spatial or aesthetic requirements. Once finalised tenders for the works can be obtained and the whole project managed on your behalf right up to completion.
  • Project management
    • Facilitation of Client’s developments through the active management of the construction process. This is the management of the Design Team and the Construction Team to take development of buildings from the initial design brief through to completion.
  • Design services
    • Whatever works you need undertaking, we can prepare designs to illustrate the works required. Whether that be from a technical or aesthetic perspective, a space planning need or just to see ”what works”, Aperis can design the works in detail, illustrating them in drawn format and with accompanying technical and design specifications as a stand-alone exercise or part of a tendering and construction process.
  • Contract administration
    • The management of building works undertaken via a traditional tendering process. Designs are developed from the Client’s brief and drawings and specifications are prepared to detail and define the woks that are required. Tenders are then sought and the works administered through to completion. This service can cover new build works, extensions to existing buildings, alterations of existing buildings, fitting out works, repair and refurbishment works.
  • Employer’s representative
    • Where new build works are undertaken on a “design and build” basis, the interests of the Client are managed. This includes the preparation of an Employer’s Requirements document, tendering and the management and monitoring of the construction process through to completion.
  • Construction monitoring
    • Where a contract is being undertaken by a third party, the works are monitored to ensure that quality is maintained and that programme requirements are met. This service is suitable for Tenants who may be occupying a building that is being developed for them and by funding institutions who wish to ensure that their investment is not compromised by poor construction or by an overrunning contract.

      Where this role is performed for financial institutions or funders, our involvement ensures that their interests are protected where they are funding a development. Inspections are undertaken to monitor quality and general progress against programme, and additional information provided on statutory consents (Planning and Building Regulations) to ensure that the development complies with all necessary requirements. Valuations also completed at stages to ensure that the value of works completed keeps pace with the funding drawn down by the Developer.

  • Feasibility studies
    • Initial advice on any aspect of building work being considered. This can cover the assessment of the practicalities of what is proposed (can it be done?), what is required to implement the proposed works and how much they will cost. Also covered will be advice on associated legislation such as whether planning approval will be required, ensuring that the proposals are designed to meet Building Regulations, assessing fire precautions, etc.
  • Planning and building regulations
    • Applications for statutory approvals such as Planning Permission and Building Regulation Approvals can be made, including the preparation of the designs and details required to accompany the applications.

      Advice on regulatory requirements and applicable Planning Policy can be provided on issues related to buildings, the occupation of buildings or the construction process.

      Advice provided on Listed Buildings and applications for Listed Building Consent and/or Conservation Area Consent.

  • Implementation works
    • As a property consultancy, we can design, procure and manage all aspects of building works, including obtaining Statutory Approvals. This includes a full project management and design capability that will allow all building related matters to be thoroughly managed from inception through to completion.

      Our involvement in many audits and access improvement projects has provided a greater understanding of the practical issues of improving buildings and their environments and the reasonableness of implementing works related to access improvements. This can ensure that what is undertaken is reasonable in the circumstances.

Advice and Guidance

Good advice and guidance is at the heart of every service that Aperis provides. Aperis has a range of services that are aimed at providing the assistance you need and that will ensure that you stay the right side of any legislative requirements. At the centre of our consultancy services is Access and Inclusion; a specialism that covers a larger area of property and construction than may first be imagined. We also ensure that legislation does not weigh you down and can provide a whole host of complimentary services to those listed in the other categories

  • Statutory applications
    • Undertaking works to property often require applications for permissions and consents and it can be a minefield to navigate your way through endless forms and procedures when you are unfamiliar with the processes involved. Aperis can help and guide you through the whole process from advising on what permissions and consents are necessary and then completing the applications on your behalf. We can assist with Planning Applications, Building Regulations, Listed Building Consent, Conservations Area Consent, etc. This service can be provided in combination with any other service we are undertaking, such as implementation works where we can deal with all consents necessary for the works being undertaken, or we can simply complete the application process in isolation.
  • Lifetime homes
    • Assessments of proposed works at design stage to assess for compliance with the 16 LTH criteria, with guidance provided in relation to any site based issues or where alternative provision may be required in order to meet the criteria. Advice provided in relation to meeting the criteria where The Code for Sustainable Homes Code 6 is to be achieved (LTH criteria part of Code 6 requirements).

      Site audits undertaken where confirmation is required that the completed buildings and associated areas have met the 16 criteria in full.

  • Design guidance
    • Advice and guidance can be provided in regard to all aspects of Inclusive Design and meeting Best Practice and minimum standards relating to the accessibility and use of environments and buildings.
  • Access statements and strategies
    • These are required as part of the whole process to implement the works and management procedures identified by the access audit. Access statements are now required for all Building Regulation applications. Access Statements can be prepared to accompany a Building Regulation Application or as a strategic approach to the implementation of access improvements as part of the process of meeting obligations imposed by the EA and to illustrate a “reasonable” approach to meeting any duties imposed.
  • Policies and procedures
    • We can assist with or determine these from the outset. These are essential aspects to be covered to ensure that there is sufficient process involved in ensuring that access is considered at all levels. These represent the strategic documents that define what you will do as an organisation and how you will ensure that the policies are implemented and put into practice. Advice can be given in respect of the content of documents, drafting new policies to implement the findings of the audit report or to ensure that higher level regulatory requirements are being met.
  • Expert witness or single joint expert
    • We can act on behalf of Plaintiffs, complainants, or as appointed single joint experts relating to actions brought under the EA.
  • General advice
    • For anyone contemplating occupying, renting, altering or building new or existing property, advice can be provided to ensure that the information required for reasoned decision making is to hand.

      Specific advice can be provided upon the interpretation of the EA to ensure that what is contemplated accords with the requirements of the Act.

      Awareness seminars can be provided for those who require a working knowledge of the EA and an understanding of how buildings can affect those with disabilities. Disability awareness training can also be provided.

      Training provided on all aspects of Access Consultancy, associated legislation, Inclusive Design and best practice design.

  • Measurement, measured surveys and drawings
    • Surveys are undertaken of land or buildings in order to produce detailed drawings of the areas surveyed. All drawings produced are to scale and are prepared using AutoCAD or similar programs. Plans, elevations and sections can be prepared for existing buildings and site plans prepared for larger areas.
  • CDM coordinator
    • Acting as the CDM Coordinator under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. Advice can also be provided to Clients on their duties and responsibilities under the Regulations.
  • Fire insurance reinstatement assessments
    • Assessments can be made to ensure that adequate cover is obtained at the right level, to avoid uninsured losses or over coverage that results in higher premiums than necessary being paid.
  • Regulatory matters
    • Advice on regulatory requirements can be provided on issues related to buildings, the occupation of buildings or the construction process.