Western Building Consultants Ltd are a small, local company specialising in building surveys, drawing of plans, planning applications, building regulations and project management.
We offer a personal and comprehensive service from a small team of dedicated staff.
Our aim is to establish a relationship with our clients who can rely on our expertise to make the building planning process run smoothly and efficiently, and to offer advice on all aspects of the building process from inception to completion.
Below is a description of the services we offer, for your information.
Initial Consultation
This consultation is offered free of charge.
Our surveyor will visit you to obtain an overview of your proposed project.
A description of the brief and fee quote will be sent as a result of the initial visit and your anticipated requirements.
Confirmation of acceptance of the brief and fee quote is required in writing in order to proceed.
Measured Survey The survey will be carried out to detail the proposed works, take all relevant measurements and establish the client’s specific requirements. The survey does not include a full structural report. Drawings of the existing layout will be prepared following this survey.
Sketch Proposals and Scheme Design The survey drawings will be used to prepare the initial drawings, which will be sent to the client in draft form to enable any amendments to be made and returned to us. The final draft will be sent for your confirmation before any application is made on your behalf. Any amendments requested that fall outside of the agreed brief will be charged at £75 per hour.
Planning Applications Once the drawings of your project have been finalised we will submit a planning application on your behalf to the relevant Local Authority. This application includes 5 copies each of the application form, site plan, drawings and relevant certification. We will request from you the application fee, made payable to the relevant Local Authority in addition to our fees for this service. Fees to this stage are payable on submission of the application and are not dependent on the local authority decision.
Listed Building Consent If applicable we will submit an application for Listed Building Consent to the relevant Local Authority. This application does not incur an additional fee from the Local Authority. Other governing bodies may require additional consultation with associated fees.
Planning Appeals All appeals are carried out by an independent planning consultant at an additional cost. A specialist is required in this process as they have the relevant experience of the appeal process and are more familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the relevant authorities.
Building Regulation Drawings/Specification These are additional technical drawings and/or notes required to fulfil building regulation requirements. They involve a further level of detail to those required for planning applications and are usually required by contractors to give fixed priced quotations.
Building Specification/Schedule of Works In order to request for tenders a Building Specification or schedule of works will be drawn up to enable the builder to provide an accurate quote for the proposed works.
Professional Consultants Certification This provides a six year structural warranty for new dwellings as required by lending institutions and/or purchasers. This service entails staged site visits with associated certification. Building Control Inspections are required in addition to this service.
House Purchase Survey
Provides an overall opinion of the general condition of the property but does not offer advice on guideline budgets for defects and does not provide the depth of reporting and inspection provided in the Full Building Survey.
Reported matters
• Urgent matters
• Significant repairs or defects
• Rebuild cost for insurance purposes
• Matters for solicitor
Full Building Survey
Provides a full survey concentrating on the structure of the property and any structural defects and repairs required. Guideline budgets are included for the repair of defects.
Reported matters
• Serious structural defects
• Essential repairs
• Guideline budgets
• Matters for solicitor
• Rebuild cost for insurance purposes
Condition report A condition report is a general overview of the current condition of a property or certain parts. It is often a tool used in Party Wall disputes to protect both parties. It provides a basic overview of a condition of a property.
A Dilapidations Survey is a very detailed survey recording the condition of building components and systems down to minor wear and tear/staining etc. A dilapidation survey is often undertaken prior to new tenants coming into a building or prior to concluding an agreement; and will establish a condition date baseline with remedial costs.
Party Wall Services We are able to provide all concerned parties with the relevant services required under The Party Wall Act. Where appropriate we will issue a quotation and relevant pre appointment information. If you require more information about the Act please contact WBC for a free information booklet.
Project Administration This service is tailored to the client’s individual needs, and fees are adjusted accordingly. Project management includes requests for tenders, liaising with associated professionals, site visits, minuted meetings etc.
Building Control This service is offered in lieu of the Local Authority with competitive fees. As Corporate Approved Inspectors Total Building Control Ltd offer an independent service dealing with all your building control needs.
Structural Calculations (This service is subject to the terms of engagement) Scope of Works- Western Building Consultants will be able to provide where appropriate basic structural engineering calculations for beams/columns. Complicated structural calculations where they are likely to infringe on the terms of engagement will be carried out by an independent Structural Engineer.
SAP Ratings This service provides a calculation of the energy rating for the property which is required for new dwellings and some extensions in exceptional circumstances.
Disbursements These may include: Sewerage Consultation, Land registry checks, Ordnance survey site plan Radon checks, printing, photocopying & postage costs
Additional Work In a number of circumstances a project may involve additional or unforeseen work. Please read the individual terms of engagement for specific costs involved with additional work. Where additional work lies beyond the scope of our services or Professional Indemnity Insurance, a suitable specialist will be required. Guidance will be given on choosing a specialist.