services delivering focused solutions to our clients …

Alan Grant Associates

with a strong bias toward commercial property, the following professional services are offered although dependant upon nature, residential requirements are considered

“please feel free to enquire”

Building Surveys

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Dilapidations

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UAS(drone) Surveys

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Contract Administration

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Quinquennial Surveys

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Expert Witness

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Planned Maintenance

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Feasibility Studies

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Monitoring

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Any questions or requirements ?
… feel free to get in touch

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Building Surveys

A commercial building survey is a thorough review of a commercial property such as an office, warehouse, shop, or industrial unit providing detailed insights into its condition, structure, and any potential issues.

Reports

Whether you’re purchasing, leasing, or maintaining a property, our survey reports help you make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises. Each survey is tailored to your specific requirements, addressing any unique concerns related to the building and its intended use.

Imagery

We also have the ability to enhance surveys with UAS(drone) technology, providing high-level access without the need for costly scaffolding or access equipment, saving you time and money while improving safety and accuracy

Benefit

This service is especially useful for investors, landlords, tenants, and property managers, providing the clarity and confidence needed to support smart, strategic decision-making.

Dilapidations

“Dilapidations” refers to disrepair, damage, or maintenance issues in a leased property that a tenant is legally responsible for under the terms of their lease. These obligations typically arise during the lease term or at its end, requiring the tenant to restore the property to its original or agreed condition.

Managing dilapidations effectively is essential for both landlords and tenants:

  • Landlords need to protect the value of their asset and ensure repair costs are recovered where appropriate.
  • Tenants need to understand their responsibilities to avoid unexpected liabilities or inflated claims at lease-end.

Our Dilapidations Services Include:

  • Pre-Lease Advice: Helping tenants understand their obligations before signing, and advising landlords on how to structure lease clauses to protect their interests.
  • Schedules of Condition: Documenting the property’s state at lease commencement to limit future lease obligations and disputes.
  • Interim and Terminal Schedules of Dilapidations: Preparing clear, accurate reports detailing repair obligations during or at the end of a lease.
  • Negotiation and Settlement: Representing landlords or tenants to reach fair, cost effective outcomes … whether that’s repair work, financial settlement, or dispute resolution.
  • Exit Strategy Advice for Tenants: Helping tenants plan ahead and minimise liabilities before lease expiry.

UAS(drone) Surveys

Deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) otherwise known as drones, either as a standalone service or to augment building surveys and related services, eliminates the need for costly high-level access solutions such as scaffolding or cherry pickers. Also provides aerial imagery not possible without UAS(drone).

Insured and Certified

Insured and Certified to CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) requirements to fly UA (unmanned aircraft) such as drones in a safe manner.

Aerial Imagery

Providing aerial photographs and video as required.

FRZ (flight restriction zones)

UAS(drone) deployment still possible for property and/or buildings in FRZ locations such as in the vicinity of airports assuming ATC (air traffic control) approval is forthcoming.

Key features of a quinquennial survey:

  • Churches – required by the Presbytery and its congregation to ensure proper stewardship of historic assets.
  • Listed buildings – to help manage long-term conservation.
  • Charitable estates – to ensure responsible and transparent asset management.

Quinquennial Surveys

A quinquennial survey (from quinquennium, meaning “five years”) is a detailed inspection of a building that’s carried out every five years, usually for heritage, ecclesiastical, or institutional buildings like churches, historic properties, or educational facilities.

Key features of a quinquennial survey:

  • A regular maintenance tool identifying the building’s condition and any work needed in the short, medium, or long term.
  • Focuses on: Structural integrity, Weatherproofing (roofs, gutters, drainage), Masonry and timber condition,Internal condition (plaster, paint, fittings), Health and safety concerns.
  • Highlights urgent repairs, planned maintenance, and helps set budget priorities.
  • Often used to satisfy regulatory or trustee requirements for preserving listed or historic buildings.

Benefits:

  • Helps plan phased conservation or renovation work
  • Avoids unexpected large repairs
  • Supports fundraising or grant applications (you’ve got evidence of need)

Contract Administration

Contract administration refers to the management and supervision of a construction contract from start to finish—making sure that the project is delivered according to the agreed terms, on time, and within budget. It’s a key role in construction and property projects, often handled by an architect, project manager, or a building surveyor.

🔧 What contract administration involves:

  • Setting up the contract: Helping prepare and issue the contract documents between the client and the contractor.
  • Overseeing the build: Monitoring the contractor’s work to ensure it meets the contract specifications (quality, time, and cost).
  • Valuations & payments: Certifying interim payments and the final account to ensure the contractor is paid fairly for the work done.
  • Variations: Managing changes to the work (design changes, delays, unexpected issues on site).
  • Site visits: Regular inspections to check on progress and workmanship.
  • Health & safety checks: Ensuring compliance with regulations and CDM (Construction Design & Management) obligations.
  • Snagging & handover: Managing defects at the end of the job and ensuring completion certificates are issued.

Why it’s important:

  • Helps plan phased conservation or renovation work.
  • Avoids unexpected large repairs
  • Supports fundraising or grant applications (you’ve got evidence of need).

Expert Witness

Alan has achieved recognition as an RICS Registered Expert Witness, having successfully completed the RICS Expert Witness Training Programme, which culminated in the award of the Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence (APAEWE).

This qualification is a Level 7 BTEC, equivalent to a Master’s degree, and demonstrates a high standard of knowledge, professionalism, and ethical practice in the role of an expert witness. Following this achievement, Alan was formally included on the Register of RICS Expert Witnesses.

This accreditation underlines Alan’s capability to provide clear, impartial, and credible expert evidence in legal proceedings, tribunals, and dispute resolution.

The role of an Expert Witness:

  • Provide Independent Opinions: They give unbiased, fact-based assessments to help tribunals and courts to understand complex issues.
  • Explain Technical Matters: Especially useful in areas like construction and/or property (e.g., a Chartered Building Surveyor could act as one in property disputes).
  • Submit Reports: They often produce detailed written reports before a case goes to court.
  • Testify in Court: If needed, they present their findings under oath and may be cross-examined by lawyers.

Planned Maintenance

Planned maintenance of building fabric involves scheduling considerations for upkeep of the physical structure and envelope of a building to prevent deterioration, extend its lifespan, and maintain safety and appearance.

The building fabric usually includes all non-service elements of a building, the parts that form its structure and external/internal finishes. The service elements of a building are normally considered by consultant engineers under separate appointment.

🔧 Key Examples of Components of Building Fabric Maintenance:

  • Roofs: Leaks, cracks, blocked gutters, damaged roof coverings, cleaning and maintaining roof drainage systems
  • Walls: Condition of wall construction and evident cracks, decoration or rendering to protect surfaces
  • Windows/Doors: Frames, seals and hinges, glass, weatherstripping, decoration or treating timber frames
  • Floors/Ceilings: Water damage, cracks, or warping, worn or damaged floor finishes, ceiling tiles or plaster
  • Structural Elements: Evident signs of movement or deterioration, issues with beams, columns, or supports
  • Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing: Evident integrity of damp-proof membranes, rising or penetrating damp

Purpose of Planned Fabric Maintenance:

  • Prevent deterioration due to weather, use, or aging
  • Maintain aesthetics and property value
  • Comply with regulations and building codes
  • Avoid costly emergency repairs

Feasibility Studies

A feasibility study is an analysis conducted to assess the practicality and potential success of a proposed project or idea. It helps determine whether the proposed development is practical, viable, and financially sound.

It helps clients, investors, and stakeholders make informed decisions about proceeding with the project.

Why Do a Feasibility Study

  • To reduce risk
  • To support decision-making
  • To attract investors or funding
  • To avoid costly mistakes

Typical Deliverables

  • Feasibility report with recommendations
  • Cost estimates
  • Preliminary drawings or layouts
  • Risk assessment
  • Project schedule outline

Benefits of Project Monitoring:

  • Ensures timely and on-budget delivery
  • Improves quality and accountability
  • Reduces risk of disputes or legal issues
  • Builds confidence for clients and investors

Monitoring

Construction and project monitoring involves the continuous oversight and evaluation of construction projects or works to ensure they progress according to the approved plans, schedule, budget, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. It is essential for effective project management, risk reduction, and successful delivery of projects and/or construction work.

Progress Monitoring

Tracking construction activities against the approved schedule (Gantt chart or critical path). Identifying delays and proposing corrective actions. Weekly/monthly progress reports with photos, site logs, and updates

Quality Control

Ensuring materials and workmanship meet specified standards and codes. Checking compliance with architectural and engineering specifications

Risk Management

Identifying project risks (e.g., design errors, labour issues, material delays). Monitoring risk mitigation strategies. Updating stakeholders on emerging issues.

Let’s Work Together

Working with a Chartered Building Surveyor who is a qualified RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) professional, which means they meet high standards of ethics, knowledge, and professionalism, is of key benefit whether buying, selling, leasing or maintaining a property.

Their advice helps you make confident, informed decisions.

Reach out now