| Boundary Disputes |
Surveyors are often instructed (in cases where neighbours have a dispute about their boundaries) to visit, measure and state where the boundary line should be.
Dealing with boundaries is usually best undertaken by your surveyor and solicitor working as a team. |
| Kivells can survey your plot, using specialist equipment. |
| We will also read and review any plans, documents or photographs you have available, comment on their usefulness, and use them in attempting to fix the boundary line. |
| Using all the information available from site surveys and from the documents, we will mark on the plan our opinion of the true boundary line or (if the information is vague or contradictory) a range of alternative boundary lines as a basis for discussion with your solicitor or negotiation with your neighbour. This will be accompanied by a brief report explaining the evidence on which we based our opinion. |
| If necessary and if instructed by your solicitor, we would act as expert witnesses in any court action. This includes preparing a more formal 'expert witness report', consultations with solicitor and barrister, and attending court if required. |
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| Building Surveying |
| Traditional building surveying skills are relevant to the acquisition, occupation and maintenance of property. Construction procurement is continually evolving and developing. We ensure our professional staff remain up to date and experienced in all aspects of property and construction related issues. |
| Kivells offer a full range of integrated services responding to the need of our clients and the built environment. We recognise that client demands will vary, often requiring the input of experienced specialists and teams, expert in finding tailor-made solutions. |
| Our clients benefit from a multi-disciplinary service providing a single point of contact and responsibility. Whatever your property or construction requirements our specialists will be pleased to advise further. |
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| Condition Surveys |
| Schedules of Condition and Schedules of Defects are set out in an easily comprehendible format, accompanied by photographs and drawings where appropriate. |
| Schedules of Condition are often prepared prior to entering into a lease agreement, as part of an Award document made under the provisions of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and prior to carrying out building work to leased premises. Schedules of Defects are a more focused type of report often used prior to the commencement of major building work which may cause damage to neighbouring properties and structures. |
Prior to lease agreement
A Schedule of Condition can form part of a lease agreement, it can provide protection for the prospective tenant at the end of the lease term, in limiting the landlord's ability to claim repair works under a Schedule of Dilapidations and Wants of Repair. |
Under the provisions of the Party Wall etc Act 1996
There is a requirement for a Schedule of Condition to be taken of adjoining premises as a precursor to proposed building work under the provisions of the Party Wall etc Act 1996. The schedule will be attached to the Party Wall Award produced and upon completion of the works will be checked to establish if any damage has occurred.
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Prior to work to leased premises
Landlords permission is normally required prior to the execution of any alterations to leased premises and often protection is required by way of a Schedule of Condition for those adjoining premises that could be affected by the works. Again, the schedule is checked on completion of the proposed work identifying any damage caused and enabling remedial work to be agreed. |
Prior to the commencement of major building work
Schedules of Defects are often used where a more focused report is required concentrating on specific defects that have occurred and acts as a benchmark against the potential of future damage occurring due to specific construction activities and zones of influence associated with these. |
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| Design and Specification |
| Kivells prides itself on a unique and innovative approach to design. From the commencement of a project, all progress is based on developing a conceptual framework working together with our client. Our highly qualified and talented team ensures that from inception to completion, the design concept and budget considerations remain our utmost concern. |
| Our diverse portfolio and previous successes testify to our enthusiasm for new challenges and opportunities. It reflects not only our concern with the built fabric, but also the desire for stimulating habitats and distinctive spaces, informed by and engaging with a changing context. It is our ambition to create memorable and meaningful places for our clients and all who will experience them. |
| Every project inspires us to challenge convention, generate innovative ideas and meticulously bring them to reality. |
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| Dilapidations |
| It is vital for landlord's and tenant's to be aware of their responsibilities and liabilities in respect of dilapidations. The law concerning dilapidations becomes more and more complicated and the effect on the bottom line can be serious. |
| We have considerable experience in working with both landlord's and tenants and arriving at fair and equitable settlements on dilapidations claims. |
| With any dilapidations matter it is essential to identify the appropriate strategy from the outset in an attempt to retain control of the negotiations process. |
| Dilapidations are an important element of good estate management for all commercial landlords. Equally, all commercial tenants should be aware of the potential liabilities that a lease can contain. |
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| Party Walls |
| The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 builds upon party wall legislation and procedures which were established in London under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939. The Act makes provision in respect of party walls, excavation and construction in proximity to certain buildings or structures; and for connected purposes. The Act provides owners of buildings with rights and obligations to other owners. It details the approach to exercising these rights and obligations, and identifies method and dispute resolution. |
| The approach requires the service of appropriate notices and counter notices, appointment and duties of surveyors to determine disputes in accordance with the Act procedures, issuing of appropriate consents in particular circumstances, matters of compensation etc. |
| Where appointed by the Building Owner we can advise and arrange to prepare and serve all requisite notices and agree matters, issuing appropriate Party Wall Awards in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Where appointed by the Adjoining Owner we can advise and arrange to receive notices, prepare and serve all necessary party wall counter notices, and agree matters and issue requisite Party Wall Awards under the Act. |
| Kivells have extensive experience of building and party wall legislation and professional matters and will operate to administer the Act and carry out the role of Surveyor acting on behalf of the Building Owner, or Adjoining Owner or Third Surveyor.
Kivells can offer advice upon the extent and limitations of the respective owners rights and obligations under the Act. Schedules of condition of adjoining property would be prepared and agreed between the surveyors, which would normally be prepared when appointed by the Building Owner. |
Philip Wiltshire is a member of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club, which is the organisation for professionals specialising in party wall matters.
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| Project Management |
| Kivells offer a full project management service for all types of buildings. This includes refurbishment, fitting out, major repairs and new build projects. We can tailor our management service to suit the Clients particular requirements, taking as much responsibility for the project as the client wishes to devolve. We can assist in site location and appraisal, selection and appointment of design team and the establishment of the project brief. We will manage the design process to ensure the brief is correctly interpreted as well as drawing up or overseeing the production of a cost plan. Cost control is a key feature to the service we provide. |
| We will advise on the most appropriate procurement route and prepare the necessary contract documentation for the chosen method. Appointing the correct contractor is important to the success of a project and we have the expertise and experience to ensure that the appropriate contractor, with sufficient resources, is assigned to the job. We will then oversee the construction period and attend all the principal meetings to see the project through to a successful conclusion. Click here to see a selection of the projects carried out > |
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| Project Monitoring |
| Kivells provide project monitoring services to suit the client's requirements. Primarily our clients are funders who are financing a development project and want peace of mind that all is well during the construction phase. We can also act for tenants who may have entered into an agreement to lease and want reassurance their chosen building is being constructed in accordance with the agreed specification. |
| We can provide an initial assessment of a project which includes reviewing the design team, the specification and the costing. We can also report on the development viability and assist in the drawing up of loan and funding agreements. We also undertake valuations on site. |
| Within this service we regularly undertake stage inspections of domestic new/self build property leading to certification (often a requirement of lenders). |
| Inspection visits to site and attendance at meetings will be carried out to a level of detail and frequency agreed with the client. Reports can be brief or as detailed as required. They can be varied during the course of the project to suit the changing circumstances. In the event of any problems during a funding project, we can also provide ‘stand-in’ services when the borrower is in breach of its obligations and the lender needs to take control. |
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| CDM – Construction (Design & Management) Regulations |
| The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 set out the requirements and duties for the safe procurement of construction projects. |
| Under the regulations clients' have a number of duties, including; |
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Checking the competence of the designer and principal contractor they appoint
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Allowing sufficient time, money and resources
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Providing information to the design team on the site and any existing structures |
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Where the project exceeds 30 working days or 500 person hours, appoint a competent CDM Co-ordinator |
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| Kivells are able to provide health and safety advice and perform the role of CDM Coordinator. |
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| Projects |
Kivells have experience of undertaking a wide variety of projects in both the private and public sectors. These range from the refurbishment of offices, shops and civic buildings, cyclical repairs and redecoration (often heritage buildings) through to new build extensions and the construction of new housing.
Typical project values range from circa £25,000.00 to £2 million. |
We are familiar with a variety of traditional procurement routes including the JCT forms of contract.
We have a supply chain of experienced sub-consultants and can provide a full one-stop service, including mechanical and electrical services and structural engineering. Click here to see a selection of the projects carried out > |
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| If you would like a quotation for any of these services or have have a specific enquiry, please contact us. |
