Professional services covers a wide range of advice normally excluding straightforward agency work.  These are provided by Directors and Chartered Surveyors Jon Stone FRICS and Richard Shaw MRICS who between them have over 55 years commercial property experience in the Westcountry / South West.

Valuations

Valuations confirm whether your offer is reasonable and in any event will be required by a bank if you intend raising a mortgage.  We are accepted by most lending institutions and have experience in valuing commercial property and Westcountry / South West businesses of all types.

A large part of our time is spent in completing valuations for banks and other lending institutions, partnership dissolution, probate etc.  We are now panel valuers to Natwest, HSBC and Lloyds TSB and are often asked to provide advice to allied professionals such as solicitors, accountants and financial advisors.



A valuation involves a detailed inspection of the property, checking of licenses, registrations, fire certificates, EHO notices, planning etc. We also analyse accounts, consider fair maintainable trade levels, and prepare a detailed written report.  This will incorporate an operational entity (going concern) valuation, and if necessary separate valuations for the inventory, goodwill and property. We also normally provide an insurance reinstatement valuation and plan to turn around reports within 5/7 days of inspection.

A fixed fee will be agreed in advance for every valuation, to include travelling, photographs, photocopying etc.

Building Surveys

A building survey takes the inspection one step further.  We agree at the outset precisely what is required and give guidance if you are unsure.  We can, within reason, inspect as much or as little as you wish.  For example if you are happy with the main structure but are concerned with the roof, we can limit our inspection and report to this only.

Our conditions of engagement set out the extent of the inspection and the elements of the structure that we will investigate.  We will not test mechanical or electrical installations and recommend that these are tested by specialists.



The building survey will identify defects which require immediate repair and maintenance and will provide costings for both.

Armed with our report you will have a clear understanding of the condition of the building and all costs involved.

With specialist properties such as public houses, hotels, and care homes requirements of Local Authorities, registration etc are paramount.  As such specialist knowledge is invaluable in giving accurate advice.

Landlord and Tenant Matters

We can advise on rent levels, terms for new leases and negotiate rent reviews, lease renewals etc.  Our extensive database of comparable transactions provides accurate and up to date market information.  In addition, we can advise landlords and tenants upon their repairing obligations including serving schedules of dilapidations, repair notices or obtaining consents for alterations etc.

Alterations/Extensions/Refurbishment

Quite often purchasers intend upgrading their new properties.  Alterations to public areas in leisure property will involve building regulations and Local Authority licensing, as will alterations to care homes, which also need to comply with current registration requirements.

We work closely with a local architectural technician who is well versed in fire, environmental health, healthcare and licensing requirements and can complete measured surveys, detailed plans, specifications for pricing and supervise the building contract if necessary.



Acquisition and Development

In some cases clients prefer us to acquire suitable property for them.  There can be many reasons for this although the two main ones are confidentiality and a lack of time.  We will meet you, prepare a brief, and implement an extensive search through cold canvassing, contacting suitable agents, property owners, Local Authorities etc.

We then shortlist suitable opportunities, advise on values and offer levels.  Once terms are agreed we can assist with the legals through to completion.  We can simultaneously provide building surveying advice, and through our architectural associate, obtain planning permission, building regulation approval etc for any alterations or extensions.

Summary

Good quality professional advice has never been more necessary than today.  The licensed, leisure and healthcare property markets constantly change and up to date detailed knowledge is essential to provide accurate advice.  We are one of the few practises in the South West who can offer all the above services under one roof and we are approachable.

Please contact Jon Stone FRICS, Richard Shaw MRICS or Mike Phillips on 01392 201 262 for an informal chat without obligation.