A condition survey is a physical assessment of the health of a property. It identifies defects, evaluates maintenance needs, and estimates repair costs. Clients benefit by making informed decisions during property purchases, mitigating risks, ensuring legal compliance, and planning maintenance tasks. Condition surveys typically empower effective property management.
This is a highly detailed survey, itemising maintenance that should take place over a set period, typically five years, to prevent issues and extend the lifespan of a property. This is our most common survey when working within the Education and Public Sector and in the past two years, we have undertaken over 50 PPM surveys of fire stations, and around 80 PPM surveys for schools.
A pre-acquisition survey is a crucial part of the due diligence process for buyers or investors. It provides critical information about the state of a building before purchasing. Specifically, the survey thoroughly analyses existing building structure and condition, identifying defects, future maintenance requirements, and legislative compliance issues affecting users, owners, and occupiers. This type of survey helps clients make informed decisions by assessing the property’s suitability and potential risks.
A defect analysis survey is a critical process in building surveying. The survey identifies and recommends remedial works to resolve defects within a property. These surveys are essential for client’s who are experiencing specific issues with their property to enable them to make informed decisions and carry out the right works to resolve issues. This can involve anything from water ingress to damp, mould or cracking.
A housing disrepair survey serves two purposes. Firstly, it identifies neglected or damaged areas in a property, like dampness, structural cracks and faulty systems. Second, it provides crucial evidence in legal disputes related to compliance with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the habitable living conditions while addressing any repairs. We undertake 100’s of these surveys for properties across the South West.
Our team consists of experts in this field. The Clerk of Works (CoW) and NEC Supervisor play vital roles in construction projects. Both the CoW and NEC Supervisor ensure quality, monitor progress, and provide independent oversight to the overall project manager and contract administrator. Whether using a JCT or NEC suite of contracts, both roles benefit clients by minimising risks, ensuring quality and compliance at every stage and ultimately saving money whilst delivering a high-end product at the end of the project. We have individuals who are NEC accredited Supervisors as well as former members of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).
A Contract Administrator serves as the guardian of project integrity, with an aim to keep the project on track and within budget. Responsibilities include overseeing contractual agreements, ensuring adherence to contract terms, and proactively resolving disputes. This is a key role for the client on any project to provide clear communication, risk mitigation, organised record-keeping, and positive project outcomes. We have a wealth of experience in this area, including in-depth knowledge of major contract types. This combined with our ability to work closely with people and our fair and impartial approach means that we provide clients with comfort that we manage projects effectively and achieve intended outcomes.
Navigating party wall matters can be complex, particularly where proposed works involve shared structures, adjacent excavations, boundary walls, neighbouring buildings or sensitive occupied environments. PHD supports clients by identifying whether the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply, advising on the appropriate statutory notices, and helping to manage the process in a clear, practical and proportionate way. Where required, we can prepare and serve notices, review drawings and construction information, liaise with adjoining owners and their surveyors, and assist with schedules of condition to record the neighbouring property before works commence.
Our seasoned project managers oversee every stage of your project, ensuring seamless execution. From project inception to completion, we handle scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. We act as a single point of contact, streamlining communication and ensuring efficient delivery and we pride ourselves on completing projects on time, within budget, and exceeding client expectations.
Our design consultancy consists of a principal designer, responsible for integrating health and safety considerations into the design process. A role of the client must appoint on any project with more than one contractor. The lead designer’s role involves crafting innovative, functional and sustainable designs that align your vision.
Our project management service is delivered on the basis of 10 core principles:
1. To take action in the best interests of the development and environment
2. Provide an independent overview
3. Identify best value for money solutions
4. Lead the process and incorporate sustainable practices throughout
5. Motivate participants for timely delivery
6. Maintain professional standards
7. Remain pro-active
8. Listen to the issues of all parties
9. Avoid disputes
10. Mitigate risks
Our success lies in the smiles of our clients. We listen attentively, communicate transparently, and tailor our solutions to meet your specific goals. Your satisfaction is our driving force.
From initial assessments to project completion, we uphold the highest standards. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your project is executed flawlessly.
We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, both in our team and the clients we work with. We believe that diverse voices lead to innovative solutions. More importantly we understand how important inclusive design is to a project and we always ensure this is at the forefront of our minds.
As members of the built environment, we recognise the important role we have in ensuring sustainability is considered at every stage and we champion sustainable practices both in our projects and in our day to day work. From energy-efficient designs to responsible material choices, we aim to contribute to a greener future.
Buildings are more than structures; they’re experiences. Whether this be the experience a Special Educational Needs pupil feels in a space we have helped create or a young person who has benefited from the young homeless charity we have helped deliver a lottery funded town centre refurbishment. We prioritise the end user, creating spaces that enhance lives, foster well-being, and inspire productivity.
As a leading firm of building surveyors and project managers, we take pride in delivering exceptional results for our clients across a diverse range of projects and professional services. Our case studies offer an insight into the challenges faced by our clients and the innovative solutions we’ve implemented to achieve their goals.
explore projectsReady to embark on your next project?
Reach out to us at PHD Building Advisory Ltd:
Address: Suite 201, 30 Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol, BS1 4HJ
Phone: 07935 405 980 / 07887 425 406
Let’s build a future together—one brick at a time!
