Cost Consultancy
Our commitment to managing cost is a major factor in delivering the client’s financial objectives on a project. From the earliest development appraisals and preconstruction risk assessments to final feasibilities and budgets, we use a combination of traditional quantity surveying procedures together with knowledge and understanding of the present market to predict and manage costs.
We use our expertise to ensure that projects are designed and constructed to deliver cost certainty and value for money. Working with the client and designers to evaluate the potential benefits of changes, produce accurate cost reports, cash flows and cost & value appraisals at regular stages.
Taking a lead role in the procurement of buildings and civil engineering projects from initial design through to completion, we advise on contract form, tendering procedures, pre-contract negotiations and contractor appointment.
With contracts signed and construction in progress we carry out interim valuations, certification of payments, evaluate changes, negotiate and certify the contractor’s final account.
Building Surveying
Gaskell has extensive experience and expertise in carrying out detailed building surveys and preparing detailed building condition surveys to identify defects in any property. Condition surveys are of great benefit to prospective purchasers and ingoing tenants who need to identify defects and remedial works prior to final commitment, and also to help protect any long term investment.
We have vast experience in dilapidations and can advise both landlord and tenant in connection with the liabilities and claims arising at lease end. We can also advise prior to commencement of a lease, commenting upon future liabilities, and advising methods of reducing such liabilities. We recommend and produce full photographic schedules of condition to limit repairing liabilities of tenants signing up to a new lease, and we can advise on the appropriate lease wording. Additionally we can carry out interim inspections to advise either party on their mid-term lease responsibilities.
Project Management
Gaskell’s role as the project manager is to plan, monitor and control all aspects of a construction project, to coordinate and motivate the design and construction teams and to ensure delivery of all the client’s objectives and priorities.
We take on the task of administering the project for the client, acting as the informed link between the client and the construction team. Our pivotal role is to be a single point of communication with responsibility for ensuring delivery of a successful project.
A consistent strategy is established for total management and cost control. We co-ordinate each elemental design and construction stage, working throughout with every member of the project team to achieve critical project milestones, final handover and commissioning.
Design
Gaskell undertake a one stop design and project management service, carrying out a full measured survey, design and specification service including obtaining Planning consents and Building Regulation approvals.
The construction process starts with establishing a project brief based on a clear understanding of the client’s requirements and converting their ideas into a design form. This is then tested not only against the client’s objectives and expectations but also against the raft of regulations which relate to the construction process and completed buildings.
Reinstatement Cost Assessments
When taking out buildings insurance it is important to ensure that the sum insured, the Declared Value, is sufficient to cover any possible loss but with each construction project being a ‘one-off’ it is difficult to easily assess the correct sum.
Gaskell with our knowledge of construction costs and building techniques have the ability to produce and substantiate reinstatement cost assessments for every type of building.
Party Wall Surveying
The Party Wall, etc. Act 1996 sets out the obligations and responsibilities of building owners undertaking construction, to their neighbours and adjoining property owners- particularly in relation to shared (party) structures.
Our surveyor offers specialist advice on the requirements of the Act and as a Party Wall Surveyor will ensure that our client’s responsibilities are met, including issuing the appropriate notices and Party Wall Awards.
Asset Management & Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Without regular maintenance the property will fall into disrepair with the consequence that its value will reduce. A PPM schedule ensures that regular maintenance and repair work can be budgeted for and carried out in a routine manner
We can undertake PPM inspections at regular intervals and prepare schedules of repair on either a structural element or room by room basis. Following preparation of the schedule we can progress the necessary remedial work including preparing budgets, producing a specification, appointing a contractor and administering the work through to completion.
Project Fund Monitoring
When development funding is being provided by a bank or other commercial lender high standards of independent monitoring of expenditure and progress are required. Gaskell has undertaken this role for Natwest Bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland, Davenham Trust, Regentsmead and Allied Irish.
Quality Control Monitoring
The look and finish of the completed building can be dramatically affected by the quality of the workmanship and materials used. Whilst this is ultimately the responsibility of the building contractor we offer an independent view of the standards being reached as the work proceeds and where appropriate indicate any remedial action which may be necessary. This can catch problems at an early stage and prevent major difficulties at completion.
Expert Witness
With our experience and knowledge of construction practice and procedures we are able to establish the relevant facts and provide perspective in disputes between parties, including acting as an Expert Witness in legal proceedings.
Capital Allowances
The purchaser of a building may be able to claim capital allowances on the cost of plant and machinery; a proportion of these costs can be deducted from the taxable profits.
We work with our clients to assess what qualifies as plant and machinery and calculate the value of the qualifying elements so that a capital allowances claim can be made.
Energy Performance (EPC) & Display Energy Certificates (DEC)
All non-domestic premises are required by law to have an Energy Performance Certificate. Public buildings must display a DEC. Gaskell can produce the necessary certification.
We can organise any upgrading of the existing structure or service installations should it be decided this is required to reduce energy usage and produce a better performance rating.
