SURVEYING
Prior to any proposed new schemes being devised it is necessary to conduct a full survey of the property in its existing state. This involves accurate measurement of the relevant areas together with a detailed assessment of any remedial works required as part of ongoing maintenance of the existing structure. This is a critical stage in any project, since any errors committed here will have much greater consequences at the build stage. On the whole, it is industry practice to outsource the surveying process, however Quartet keep it in-house to ensure accountability & continuity.
PARTY WALL AWARDS
Any alterations that involve or impinge on the party wall (usually the wall between you & your neighbours over which you have joint ownership) will require an award to be drawn up. This is a legally binding guarantee to ensure that any works carried out will be to a mutually agreed specification and not to the detriment of the other party’s property. If party wall agreements are required we will appoint a surveyor to draw up awards on your behalf.
PLANNING PERMISSION
Structural alterations that alter the external façade of a property are likely to require local borough planning department authorisation. Quartet will research on your behalf whether planning permission is required for any proposed scheme. In the event of an application being required Quartet will submit the drawings and specifications required to gain the relevant consents & awards. We use our experience and contacts in dealing with the local authorities and our knowledge of local borough unitary development plans to put forward proposals with the most realistic chance of approval. In the event of any objections or conditions we will negotiate on your behalf to ensure a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved.
LISTED BUILDING CONSENT
If your property is classified as a listed building, then it is possible that any alterations, whether external or internal, may require special consent in addition to planning permission. Quartet have plenty of experience dealing with listed building issues and will negotiate on your behalf any proposed alterations that come under listed building jurisdiction.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
In an increasingly bureaucratic era where building regulations are proliferating at an impressive rate, it is important to ensure that any works carried out are compliant with local authority building control. This ensures that any proposed schemes are designed and implemented with the latest environmental & safety issues in mind. It will also contribute to the subsequent assessment of a property for insurance and conveyancing purposes. Quartet ensure that all design & specification work complies with the latest DTLR building regulations.
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